Thread: A Warring Wonderland

alicespade"Bron-sama, you look wonderful as always."

alicespade"Bron-sama, will you do a photoshoot with me?"

alicespade"Bron-sama..."

alicespade"Bron-sama..."

alicespadeHe answered them as he answered them any time they approached him. Professionally, calmly, enough to satisfy their temporary desires, but never all of what he had to offer. He would never give them everything they wanted. No one could give it to them. After all, they were but wolves hungering after prey. Even in these hobby circles, it was a eat or be eaten world. Though he allowed them to approach him, to tug at his arms and put a hand on his shoulder, he was always as distant as a mountain peak to a valley river. The girls complained about it, but he knew well that it was this enigma he maintained that drew them to him.

alicespadeThough it didn't please him at all, he would rather they knew nothing. Their presence he could tolerate. Self-disclosure he could not. As much as they seemed innocuous and benign, they were fraught with hidden agendas, unclean feelings, unpleasant thoughts. He didn't need any of it; try to please everyone, and you please no one. It was impossible to make everyone happy. To try to do so was ridiculous. It was always like this. No matter where he went, it was always the same, even when people always claimed, "Everyone is different." Their agendas, their values, their desires. They were all the same: get as high as you can, even if it meant stepping on people every step of the way. And the moment things don't become convenient? "We're only human." Saying whatever they wanted to suit their needs... how asinine.

alicespadeNot that sociology or psychology or anthropology ever helped any about that. All their theories and studies, but none of them ever gave a proper definition in their oh-so-important textbooks. No instructions on an ideal way of life, where relationships were pure and proper. All those social science logies ever taught was how to pretend to understand each other, even while saying in the same breath that they were claiming to be lonely. Mistaking satisfaction for love... In the end, no one understood anything.

alicespadeBut that was just human nature, he supposed. However useless it was, it was already much too late to change it; human instinct had already been wired to fit onto whatever wavelength was socially convenient. He was not the only person with a heart of stone; everyone had one, their selfish, soiled feelings constructing impenetrable shields around themselves. It was to be expected, since the society in which they lived, this diastrous "scene" everyone sought, was equally rancid. It disgusted him, but he would always swallow his words and his thoughts, even though all he wanted to do was scream, "Don't touch me."

---

alicespadeIt was around noon by the time he had finished the photoshoots. Soon it would be too hot to stand in the sun for extensive amounts of time, especially given their clothing styles and colour palattes. Everyone was dispersing to nearby food joints to find something to eat. He had food brought from home, something he wasn't afraid to admit. Though people who were nearby cooed and complimented his extravagant fare, his polite thanks and words sounded hollow in his ears. He was used to their words, and used to them leaving him alone after he'd acknowledged them. Eating alone was something he had grown accustomed to. Eating with his father was no different than that, after all. Silence on both ends. It didn't used to be that way. But after his father had told him off for his "endless sob stories", he had shut up and spoke little to the man unless it was strictly professional. Once his father had had his fill of verbally lashing at him over the next few weeks, their mealtimes had frozen over in a distant silence.

alicespadeIt had gotten to a point where he didn't even think it was strange anymore.

alicespadeGlancing up from a bite of food, the raven-haired man watched the people around him. A few girls were fussing over their clothes as they walked past, chittering away about cosmetic tips and fashion trends. Something they would be talking about soon after lunch. Girls like them freaked out if a single eyelash was out of place. Superficially beautiful, inwardly rotten. But they were always so concerned about their outer appearance, as if they were constantly facing their enemy... well, he could understand that. For him, the world was his enemy; no one could see the inner him. It was far too dangerous inside his head to let anyone see.

alicespadeOff to another side there were a group of youths chatting about their girlfriends. His face remained impassive as ever, even though he felt his teeth clench when he heard what they were saying. Poisoned with greed, taking things for granted. If they got tired with the girl they won, they'd dump her and then pick up the next one, acting like they're the first, whispering sweet nothings like, "I don't have anyone but you." Boors.

alicespadeBut in the end, it was always like that. Their society had raised them on individuality, entitlement, selfishness. He himself was no exception, if he had to be honest. His role within his family meant everything he did and said was to further the Yamazaki empire and legacy, an heir dyed in the sordid colours of egoism and avarice. Perhaps that was why he had frozen himself over, stilling the needless emotions within himself. He was sick of the hyprocrisy he saw but had to live out, even when all she wanted to do was hide away from it all and cry it all out. But he wasn't allowed that. So all he did was construct his impassive, enigmatic face, and give off body language that said, "Don't get closer to me."

alicespade"............"

alicespadeA jolt of surprise. What was that? Despite himself he turned his head this way and that, looking for the source of... whatever that had been. There was hardly anyone around, but he was certain he'd heard it. Wait, there it was again. Almost inaudible, fading in and out like a poorly tuned radio amidst the noise of the city. Wiping his mouth clean, stowing his lunch box away as quickly as he could, he picked up his belongings and looked around again even as he brushed himself off. No one seemed to notice his movements, nor his confusion. Where was that sound coming from? It sounded... so familiar...

alicespadeUnbidden, his feet moved, following the weak strains of song. He knew this song. He knew this voice. A lullaby from a childhood hazy with the years passed. A long-lost comfort, a nostalgic warmth. The memory of a soft lap, the gentle stroking of his hair, the tender love of an embrace. Mother... Ah, but it wasn't just her voice anymore. As he walked, the song grew clearer. He heard... himself? No, not himself... Her brother. Allen. But he was Allen... No. She was not Allen. The singing voice was Allen. Her mother, and Allen, and...

alicespade"Wait. Don't push yourself."

alicespadeNo one ever said that to her anymore. Only three people had ever said that to her, all of them now singing to her, sweetly, softly, as if beckoning her ever closer to them. Jack... The moment the name crossed her mind, she felt a weighty ache in her heart, and her breathing hitched. No, she couldn't cry. But she wanted to, oh how she wanted to. Struggling to breathe, she continued sightlessly forward, bewitched. She was not aware that no one saw her leave. She was not aware that she was going places she would never go.

alicespadeShe wasn't aware of how out of place the rose-covered archway was in that reclusive little back alley. She didn't see the archway close up and vanish the moment she stepped through.

alicespadeShe's here, she's here. On enchanted strains the rose path blooms. The rabbit beckons, the Alice follows. She's here, she's here.

---

alicespadeThe click of her boots echoed hollowly as she followed the sweet, faint strains of lullaby that enticed her forward. There was nothing to see, for the darkness was absolute, enveloping her in its cool silence. Any sense of alarm or suspicion that, though her footsteps implied an empty hallway, she was pushing what felt like branches away from her never reached her; she was totally captivated by the song. She knew those voices. Dear voices, precious voices, voices she thought she would never hear again. Why now, of all times? But that question had barely formed than it was gone, unable to overpower the fading melody.

alicespadeAs if teasing her, the faster she walked and struggled, the farther the singing seemed to grow. Desperation mounted in her chest as her brisk walk turned to a jog. No, don't leave. I need you. I miss you. I love you. I'm sorry. But the voices did not hear the screamed pleas of her heart, and continued to fade. Ahead, a blur in the blackness, colour in the dark. Was that where they were? Would she finally see them again? No, their voices were getting fainter. She had to catch up. She had to see them again. Come back. Don't leave me. Jack, Allen, Mama. Don't leave me. I need you. Come back. Don't leave me behind. Don't leave me...!

alicespade"JACK!"

alicespadeBursting out of the undergrowth, stumbling as she finally cleared the clinging branches. The voices were gone. She spun around, looking frantically about, searching for something, anything, that would show her where her treasured family was.

alicespade"Jack? Jack! Answer me! JAAAAACK!!"

alicespadeHer voice almost cracked at the last call. She was met with silence. No Jack. No Allen. No Mama. Where had they gone? She had finally heard them again. Would she be denied their faces? Please, come back. Let me see you...

alicespadeShe's here, she's here. Down the rabbit hole into the world of dreams. She's here, she's here. The Alice of Spades has entered Wonderland.

The first Alice had arrived? Finally. It was about time too, Koli didn't think he could have waited much longer. He stopped listening to the Hatter after that, knowing that the man was simply asking him to go and fetch their guest, but he paused at the mention of the Empire. It was the shortest of pauses, a lapse in concentration that lasted only a split-second, but noticeable to those who knew the signs. Koli had reservations about going near the Empire, and he wondered if the Hatter had thought this through--sending him to find one of the people TOP HAT desperately needed if they were going to tip the scales in their favour. If he ran into trouble it could spell disaster for both him and the Alice, whoever they were.

However, they had no time to try and avoid such obstacles. Every moment he spent waffling over whether or not he should go was another moment a stranger was lost in Wonderland--and Koli knew better than most what lurked in Wonderland's dark corners.

So with a shrug and a wave, he left the Hatter's office and TOP HAT behind, and disappeared into the trees on a new hunt. The hunt for an Alice.

---

The sun was halfway below the horizon by the time Koli came across the first signs of another presence in the woods. He had been moving slowly and carefully for some time, now that he was just half a mile or so away from the Empire's borders. Soldiers rarely patrolled this far, but a little extra caution never hurt. A few seconds ago he had discovered broken vegetation and an unfamiliar scent that marked the passage of someone who was blindly tearing through the forest. Koli picked up his pace; the signs weren't exactly hidden, anyone could've followed them. He needed to find the Alice now before something bad happened.

"Jack? Jack! Answer me! JAAAAACK!!"

He stopped, that voice sounded close. He couldn't tell if it was male or female, the pitch was somewhere in between, but that hardly mattered, he knew where it was coming from, and it was near.

He saw the figure before long. A tall, lanky man with black hair and smooth skin, who was dressed exceptionally formally for someone lost in the woods. Was that how everybody dressed in the Other world? If so, the Alices would fit right in.

Koli purposely brushed his arm against a clump of dead leaves, making a loud rustling noise to announce his presence before stepping into the open. "Exsscussse me," he said. "Are you lossst?"

No sense attacking the man with dozens of questions about being an Alice right away. It would be better to ease him into Wonderland first, and casual conversation was the best way to do that.

alicespadeA distinct rustle from behind; partially out of surprise, Allonia whipped around to see who it was, her heart still hoping it was someone she knew. Ah, that face! She knew that face!

alicespade"Ja─"

alicespadeShe cut her voice and steps short. No. Wrong. Not Jack. Jack wasn't this tall. The only time she ever saw his hair this messy was when she woke up in the morning in his arms. And his eyes... no. Wrong. All wrong. Jack's eyes were like refined silver, almost like molten platinum. This man's eyes were an eerie blood red. Hunter's eyes. This man was not Jack.

alicespadeThe man was speaking. It only confirmed that this was not Jack. Jack did not hiss like this one did. The drawn-out S's sent mild shivers down his spine, but Allen refused to back up. His pride would not let him. Swallowing whatever instinct he had to turn tail and run from this obvious predator, he rested his hand on the steel knob of his cane, crafted to look like the head of a bird of prey. Emotions vanished from his face, but though he stood tall and straight, he did not let his guard down.

alicespade"It would depend on what manner of... person I am addressing to answer such a question," came the reply.

alicespadeThe pause had been unintentional. But he had hesitated to call this man... a man. Something within him, some deep, primal instinct, told him that this tall lanky fellow was more dangerous than he seemed. A hunter hidden in the shadows. It didn't help that Allen knew that he was, indeed, lost. The city noise was gone. He was in a forest. These two things alone were enough to tell him that he was not where he was supposed to be anymore. But he would not voice this to a man who screamed of danger.

Koli halted his advance in the exact instant the other male stopped his. He knew fear-scent when he smelled it. The sharp tang that was pouring off the man left a sour but familiar taste in Koli's mouth. Fear-scent was prey's last attempt to ward off a predator, but Koli wasn't there as a hunter. He was there as a scout, or a contact, and for once, his objective was to bring his target back alive.

"Pleassse don't be ssso...wary," he said. "I mean you no harm. My name isss Koli Williamsss, and what might yoursss be?"

He knew that every word he spoke forced him to bare his fangs again and again, and such a sight would likely only make the Alice more apprehensive of him. However, he was still attempting to put the man at ease. It would be so much easier to take him back to TOP HAT if he was conscious, and if they were going to be in close quarters for the foreseeable future, Koli did not want any bad blood between them.

He only hoped that the Alice would calm down relatively soon. Just as he had feared something would happen the longer he left the man alone, Koli now feared what might happen the longer they stayed in the open so close to the Empire's borders.

alicespadeUgh, those hissing S's. It made Allen all the more convinced there was something almost serpentine about this man before him. This person who looked like Jack but was not Jack, who exuded predator from his every pore even though he looked very much like an abnormally tall man. With unnerving red eyes and a mouth full of canine. That, the Japanese could not ignore. Instead of incisors and molars, this man sported a full set of pointed fangs. If that didn't give away a carnivorous diet he had no idea what would.

alicespade"Unfortunately, Mr. Williams, I've heard that line far too often," came the cool reply. "And double your misfortune, for you'll find that most people would be all the more apprehensive when addressed by a six-foot tall man with the dental pedigree of a shark."

alicespadeDespite his words, however, the raven-haired man allowed himself a more careful scrutiny of the other male, though his hand never left the head of his cane. Though he was most certainly not human - some of his physical features already gave that away - he did not seem hostile. Indeed, this Koli fellow seemed rather sincere about trying to abate whatever threat he perceived himself to be imposing upon the Yamazaki heir. Not only that, he seemed... anxious. Not about Allen himself, no. The man got the sense that the taller male could easily knock him unconscious if the need arose, but was restraining himself from any physical intervention. So at least he was readily open to diplomacy, but the tenseness of his posture told him that said openness would dwindle the longer they remained in this facade of a stalemate.

alicespadeAllen debated a moment or two longer, before, with an almost reluctant sigh, he relaxed his guard enough to show that he was also willing to comply to negotiation.

alicespade"...My name is Allen Yamazaki," he said, responding at length to the previously imposed question. "Normally I wouldn't be so easy to persuade, but I've at least some common sense in my possession. To answer your first question, Mr. Williams, I will have to begrudgingly admit that yes, I am unsure as to where I am. I'm assuming you know any better?"

alicespadeIt was a simple deduction to make. One rarely asked another if they were lost unless they had some idea of the layout of the environment. That meant that even if he were to try and escape, this Koli would be on his heels in seconds. Longer stride, better knowledge of terrain. Fighting him would be a losing battle as well; even with a weapon, this man was built to hunt. He would fare a while, but not long. In short, Allen knew he was at Koli's mercy, even if they were currently in a state of parley.

Koli gave a wry smile and chuckled; he had been compared to a lot of things--lion, bear, dragon, even a hydra on one occasion--but never a shark. That was a new one, and it was fairly amusing to think about. "I apologize if my teeth are off-putting. It hasss been a while sssincse I've come into contact with ssstrangersss, and I forget that I can be unnerving."

The conversation seemed to be going well, or at least taking a turn for the better. The Alice stared him down for a moment longer before relaxing his guard and finally introducing himself--Allen Yamazaki. Koli nodded and repeated Allen's name to himself to make sure it stuck. Now he could start making actual progress in getting Allen to return to TOP HAT with him, and Allen very neatly opened that line of conversation by at long last answering that yes, he was lost, and did Koli know where they were?

Koli placed a hand on the side of his neck, running his fingertips along the scar there--it was a tell of sorts, being the unconscious gesture he made whenever he was resigning himself to doing something difficult, and convincing a human that he had stumbled into Wonderland and was one of four Alices was certainly going to be very difficult.

"How can I put thisss," he murmured. "It may be hard to believe, but hear me out. You're in Wonderland. You fell down a rabbit hole becaussse you are an Alice. I am here to asssk you to come with me to sssee a friend of mine--the Hatter. I won't forcsse you, but I will point out that Wonderland isss not friendly to newcomersss and you would be much sssafer with me. And before you accussse me of lying, think carefully about who you're ssspeaking with. Do I look human to you?"

He was lying a little bit. If Allen refused to come and tried to run, Koli would chase him down and take him to TOP HAT by force. He didn't want to but if Allen gave him no other choice he would have to act.

Hopefully it wouldn't take much to convince the human before him of his new reality.

alicespade...Well then. This certainly brought in a new... perspective on things. Wonderland? Rabbit hole? Alice? Hatter? He could only mean the Mad Hatter, if this was the Wonderland Allen was thinking of. But that was absurd. Wonderland was fiction. A written work by a man by the name of Lewis Carroll. Though he could not deny that Koli wasn't human, he was far from believing that some nineteenth century novel had suddenly burst to life within the last hundred years. And to top it off, why "an" Alice? There had only ever been one Alice, but now he was to be convinced that there was more than one, and that he himself was one of them? A faint frown darkened Allen's features as he chose his words carefully.

alicespade"I won't outright accuse you of lying, Mr. Williams. But neither is it easy to claim you speak the truth. Your... inhuman nature is undeniable, but I've yet to hold enough imagination to fancy myself in the universe conjured by the ink of a nineteenth-century novelist."

alicespadeThe hand that had been resting on the head of his cane tightened again. The Japanese man wasn't stupid; he knew duking it out with the taller male was something close to suicide, but neither was escape an option. Koli may have said he wasn't going to use force, but his body language and context spoke otherwise. If Allen retaliated, there would be repercussions, being hauled to this Hatter fellow against his will in less than pristine condition being one of them. It was a pickle, to be certain.

alicespade"Your argument invalidates itself, if you are aware." Still picking his words carefully. He was trying to buy time for himself, but also trying to gauge his chances. "While this 'Wonderland' may not be safe, I have no guarantee that you are any safer than any other person I will meet. I'd also like to make it clear at this point that poorly veiled threats do not move me, nor do I take kindly to them."

Koli let out a frustrated sigh and rolled his eyes. He wasn't trying to sound threatening, his anxiety at being so close to the Empire was making him more curt than usual. He was losing patience with this parley, and that was becoming clearer by the second.

"Look, Allen," he said. "I'll be frank with you. The longer we ssstand around out here, the more likely it isss that sssomething will ssshow up to kill usss. I'm not trying to threaten you, nor do I want to; believe me, if I wasss any kind of threat to you, we wouldn't be having thisss conversssation. You don't believe thisss isss Wonderland? Fine. Believe whatever you want, but don't put yourssself in unnecssessssary danger by being a belligerent idiot. You obviousssly don't know where you are, and you won't lassst more than a minute on your own. I am offering you sssafe passssage to the perssson who brought you here. Take it or leave it."

It was a little insulting that Allen was making this so troublesome--understandable, but insulting. Why couldn't the first Alice have been nice and cooperative? At this point Koli didn't even want to use force. Now he had something to prove, he had to prove he could be trusted.

alicespadeAh, now they had the truth of the matter. His body language was speaking more volumes than his words. Koli was uncomfortable about this place, anxious, even. Allen could hear and see the frustration mounting in the taller male, but Koli would have to learn very quickly that Allen Shinjirou Yamazaki was not a easily trusting man.

alicespadeHis words brought out an interesting perspective, however. It was clear that Koli at least held some perceived sense of superiority within the "danger" category; whether it was because he was a carnivore or some other reason the current situation could not reveal was yet to be seen. The crimson-eyed man at least had given him one - no, two valuable pieces of information: this Wonderland was not as benign as Carroll's books led one to believe, and that there was a perception that he, and likely all the other "Alices", were somehow summoned here.

alicespadeThe sound was sudden, breaking through the air like the sudden crash of chinaware. It was empty of humour, but he couldn't help it. The laughter came unbidden, and it took him a moment to rein in control.

alicespade"If I was a belligerent idiot, Mr. Williams, You would have been seeing the business end of my blade the moment you arrived." The corners of Allen's lips twitched in a faint, dry smile. Then it was gone, and he resumed his usual collected demeanour. "You seem more aware of the threats this 'Wonderland' poses upon me, and I'll at least thank you for being so blunt. In return I shall be blunt with you. My world, if you could even call it that, may not have six-foot tall humanoid carnivores prowling about, but we are not without our share of dangers."

alicespadeAlmost unconsciously his hand strayed to his stomach, before stopping and sliding up to his chest. Dangers. Yes. He was all too aware of the dangers of the modern world. He'd lost too much to them. He was the heir of the upper echelons. Many were out for his blood, his wealth, his prestige. When he spoke again his eyes, no longer gazing at Koli, had hardened to flints of amethyst ice, and his tone was poisoned with bitterness.

alicespade"If you are so desperate to be away from here, then go. I have no guarantee of the asylum you'll give me, nor am I yet inclined to believe that some fellow fancying himself a tea-supping dramatis persona has the power to summon me forth from one world to another, if there is to be any other world to begin with. I have been approached by too many offering too similar to yours. I believe I am thoroughly justified in being less than a little inclined to cooperate with you."

What little light there was left in the forest was fading fast, and the first rays of moonlight had begun to trickle down through the canopy overhead. Nightfall was already upon them, and the nocturnal denizens of the woods would be waking soon to commence their nightly activities. Koli was battling his own primal instincts to get out of the forest, or at least make enough noise that nothing would come near him. Allen was already suspicious of him, a growl or snarl now would send the man tearing through the woods again, and Koli could not let that happen. Alice or not he couldn't leave a clueless man alone to be torn apart in the darkness.

And yet Allen still wasn't budging. He was either terribly confident he could handle himself in a new environment, or terribly in denial that he was at risk at all. Perhaps both. In any case, Koli could either waste more time standing around making pointless arguments that were getting nowhere, or he could just knock the man out, drag him back to TOP HAT, and get on with his life. Or he could walk away. There was nothing stopping him from leaving Allen behind, and eventually the man would have to see sense and try to follow (though Koli didn't know how long that would take). When he did, the Jabberwocky would be there, waiting for him.

"If you're ssso desssperate to go it alone, far be it from me to ssstop you." His tone, and his posture, relaxed considerably; he was bowing out of this seemingly endless debate. He nodded towards the east, "The closssessst kingdom isss that way--the Ssspadesss Empire. Though I ssshould warn you, thisss isss wartime and I can't guarantee you'll be well recsseived if you decsside to go. In any cassse, I know when I'm fighting a losssing battle, and I wisssh you luck, Allen."

alicespadeWith the light quickly fading into night, the unsettling nature of Koli's eyes grew more apparent to Allen: they glowed, as if lit with an inner ruddy light. Predator's eyes. As much as the pallid man would warn him against travelling alone, he was, in the Japanese's eyes, as much of a threat as anything else in this forest. In the dimming light he saw the scarlet-eyed male's posture sag, as if in resignation. His words only confirmed it, and he was directed to the nearest form of civilization: Spades Empire. Inwardly he scoffed. Of course. Wonderland. The Queen of Hearts. It only made sense the other suits were in there as well.

alicespadeAllen graced Koli with a polite bow. "Thank you for at least enlightening me on the situation. If I find the other... kingdoms less than hospitable, you will likely be seeing me again. Until then."

alicespadeAnd that was his way of saying farewell. It wasn't that he didn't like Koli, just that it had become a habit to collect a holistic view on the situation before making any decisions that could, potentially, jeopardize himself. Even if it meant going against what he could only assume to be a "native's" perspective. After all, everyone had their bias; if this was a war, Koli had every reason to try and recruit another man into his kingdom's army as much as the next person. Allen doubted he would be able to avoid the war, but he could at least be one of the commonfolk who passed through it in anonymity.

alicespadeWith Koli's warnings in mind, the raven-haired Japanese was much more conscious about his surroundings as he made his careful way through the forest. The solitude allowed him time to process the information he had been given. Going with the assumption that he was indeed in "Wonderland" and therefore not in his own world, it meant that his name, at least, would not attract unwanted attention. No one here would know of the Yamazaki empire. No one would care that the only son of one of the most affluential Japanese business enterprises was alone, unguarded, in a location he knew very little about. It would be that much easier to be mobile, at the very least. Theoretically.

alicespadeBut that in no way guaranteed his safety. As Koli was quite keen in pointing out, this place held its own dangers, most of them likely inhuman if the taller male's existence had anything to say about it. To top it off, "Wonderland" was divided into kingdoms (four, by logical deduction: one for each of the card suits) and these kingdoms were at war with each other. If the war was so widespread, then it only made sense that any place could be a battlefield, this forest being no exception. Newcomers would naturally be treated with as much suspicion as he treated everyone else, so he would have to consider that when travelling. Currency would be another issue... Well, whatever. He'd live off water alone if he had to.

alicespadeThe quiet of the nighttime forest pressed in around him. While he wasn't afraid or apprehensive, he was wary, alert. One hand firmly wrapped around his cane, he made his way eastward. Allen didn't expect safety the moment he crossed the borders (if there were any) but that wouldn't stop him from going there to learn what he needed to know before moving on to the next kingdom for more information.

---

alicespadeHuman. Human. What a strange scent, but ohhhhhh, so delicious. Fresh meat. Fresh meat. And now they were alone. None of them had dared to approach the human while it was near him. No no, that was suicide. No one went near him. But the human didn't know, and now it was alone. Hunt, hunt. Food. Foooooooooooooooooooooood.

alicespadeHe had only the vaguest idea of what to expect, so he didn't recognize the signs until they were upon him. The faintest of a snuffling sound, then the undergrowth was alive. Dark shapes, shadows within shadows, slavering fangs. A grunt as he twisted out of the way, barely dodging the raking talons. A hissing chime, a flash of silver; the cane was a slender sword. As if the weapon bolstered his courage he felt his thoughts clear, his heart still. Calm down. Focus. Read the opponent. It was a dance.

alicespadeUnfortunately, the environment wasn't what he was used to. The ground wasn't stable. There were trees, undergrowth, in the way. There was more than one of them. He could sense the mindless hunger. Like a pack of wolves, only he had the sense that they were no ordinary wolves. They were fast. It was all he could do to not get mauled by them. Already his overcoat was peppered with tears and nicks from narrow misses, and it was only the layers that were protecting him. It wouldn't last for very long; he could already feel the cool nighttime air seeping through rips in his dress shirt. A grimace. They would overpower him long before he could create an opportunity for himself to escape...

At least partly true to his word, Koli had indeed turned and walked away from Allen, displaying every intention to part ways with the man--likely for good. He still couldn't leave the Alice behind, but he could circle back and follow at a safe distance until such time as Allen figured out that it would be wise to travel with the Jabberwocky after all. In the meantime, he could take advantage of this moment to appreciate the Central Forest at night. The woods were a very different place once the sun went down but, since Koli didn't keep late hours these days, he didn't often get the chance to prowl Wonderland's dark corners as he once had. He was lazily doubling back to where he could pick up Allen's trail again; the man would be fine for a few minutes, at least. It would only take a few noises before he realised what a mistake he was making trying to travel alone.

Koli's walk was largely undisturbed; a few skittering noises gave him pause, but they turned out to be only smaller animals getting out of the tall predator's way. While it was something of a handicap socially, being at the top of the food chain certainly had its advantages, and the freedom to wander where he wished without fear of attack was one of the best. He had picked up Allen's trail again (the human still wasn't making his presence in the forest even close to a secret) and followed it at a slow pace. Several minutes had passed since they'd separated, but Koli didn't want to proceed to eagerly, just in case Allen hadn't progressed as far as he thought.

Though he did seem to have covered a fair amount of distance. Koli tailed him in silence for what seemed like ages, and all signs he came across continued to indicate that Allen was still a good distance ahead. He frowned and lengthened his stride. The forest was no longer quiet, there were rustlings in the undergrowth, and soft growls no human ear would pick up on. Seconds later, a metallic chime and grunts of exertion echoed between the trees, and Koli's heart stood still.

He should never have left Allen alone.

---

Circle around and around and back again; nip here, lunge there, push the prey pull the prey make it do what you want. Toy with it play with it have your fun, and then pounce when it's good and scared. Makes the meat taste better. Makes the meat taste sweeter. So juicy sweet. So nice to eat.

They were closing in on the human, trapping it within a tight, little ring. The human had a weapon with it, and that made things tougher, but there were lots of them and only one of him. They would win, in the end, but they were going to have a little fun first. The human was making faces, it knew it's life was over. One broke away from the main force and lunged, snapping jaws aimed towards the human's tender throat. None of them heard the noises until it was too late.

Out of the darkness, the Jabberwocky lunged, slamming into the creature and hurling it back into the shadows. A feral snarl tore itself from his throat as a warning to the others to keep back. For an instant, they shrank away, but one by one they noticed. The Jabberwocky was a man. They all heard tales of the beast known as Jabberwocky; black as pitch, with fire for eyes, claws that flashed sun-bright in the gloom and violet flames that turned all they touched to ash. The tales said he could take on a man's shape when he wanted; they also said he was weaker in that form.

The Jabberwocky stood between them and their prey, and had the gall to fight them in a lesser form. It was insulting. They would not stand for it. They would force the monster out, or he would die a weakling.

---

Koli's eyes scanned the space between the trees, picking out glinting claws and eyes that pointed to where the creatures were hidden. They were pack animals, nighttime hunters who herded and cornered their prey before consuming it. They were cowards too, but fiercely defensive over what they claimed as theirs. Koli suspected they had been stalking Allen for a while, but hadn't attacked until the human could be caught alone. Stupid, stupid, stupid! He'd let his frustration cloud his judgement, and now both of them were at risk.

He was allowed only a split-second's time to catch his breath before they struck again in greater force. Their attention had shifted for the moment, their decision was to deal with Koli's threat first; the Alice could wait. They attacked him from multiple sides, some lunging for his neck, some snapping at his heels. Koli snagged one with his claws, slaughtering it before it hit the ground, then ducked to avoid another. It sailed over his head but dug its claws into his back and stayed there, dragging him down. The ones on the ground reared back and snapped at him. He killed two more of those before throwing off the one on his back--only to have yet another lunge at him from the side and knock him down.

He hit the ground hard and the air in his lungs came out in one great whoosh. They were swarming on top of him now, and for every one he killed, there was another to take its place. Iron jaws clamped around his shoulder and pulled, tearing through skin and muscle until he yelped. Koli twisted to strike back, but his efforts were interrupted by another blow to his back.

He was losing this fight, that much was certain. The question was, how much longer could he hold out to buy Allen enough time to get to safety?

alicespadeHe had managed to wound several of them, but not nearly enough to make them back off. Allen wasn't stupid, he knew what they were doing. Fencing him in, closing the gap, waiting for him to let down his guard, only for a moment. Typical pack-hunting behaviour. If he could just find the relative alpha...

alicespadeMovement from his flank! The Japanese spun around too late; the thing would be upon him before he could throw his sword up in defense, but his body moved to do so anyway, hoping against all hopes that he could at least deflect a direct blow to his jugular...

alicespadeAnd then, like a shadow tearing itself from the darkness, a large shape barreled into the creature. The snarl ripped through the night air, an obvious warning from the new beast─ Wait. No, not a beast, a man. And not just any man, but...

alicespade"Williams!?"

alicespadeThe name fell from his incredulous lips reflexively. Allen had always gotten the feeling that Koli wouldn't really quite leave him alone; he had sensed that this Hatter fellow had probably sent the tall man to fetch him, so the Japanese had found it hard to believe that that would be the last he'd seen of the scarlet-eyed beanpole in the near future. Still, his sudden appearance startled the shorter raven-head, and for a moment all he could do was stand there and stare.

alicespadeBut then the things were moving again. At first he thought they would go after him; he was armed, yes, but whatever Koli was, Allen was willing to bet that he was somewhere on the top tiers of the food chain. To his surprise, however, their assailants went after the taller man. Any of the things that got close to the Japanese got a little taste of steel, but they seemed more focused on bringing Koli down than tackling the "easier" prey. Even as he watched, they used numbers against the larger man, forcing his hand with their ferocity.

alicespadeThe moment Koli went down, Allen knew he had to do something. The man was obviously here to protect him, which meant he was trying to either beat the creatures back completely or buy time for the Japanese man to escape. He was given no time to think; the moment he heard the taller male yelp, his body moved instinctively.

alicespadeIt was the creature's folly to focus solely on the stronger predator. One let out a strangled gurgle as a steel blade sprouted from its neck, cutting clean across its throat. Ichor sprayed as Allen flung the thing as far away from Koli and himself as he could before turning the business end of his sword back on the pack. A swift, powerful kick with the sharp heel of his boot stunned one long enough for him to slash a wound across its body, another found a clawed front paw missing as it tried to take a swipe at Koli.

alicespadeBy now his element of surprise had worn off; the creatures were turning on him again, though he could tell that most of them were still focused on getting rid of the larger threat that was Koli. Still, at least he had some of their attention. Allen could at least give the other man an opening or two to get back up on his feet and gain some upper hand. A faint hiss as he felt their claws slicing skin; they stung, and he could feel blood seeping from them, but he wasn't about to turn tail and run. His pride wouldn't stand for it. He was Allen Shinjirou Yamazaki, and far be it from him to flee like a coward when someone was risking life and limb to see to his safety. No more.

He was working so hard to hold it together, to keep himself as close to human as possible, but all that gnawing biting cutting slashing, silver flashes across his vision, angry growls, screeching, whining, dying--SHUT UP!

It happened very quickly. Black smoke erupted from the spot where Koli had stood an instant earlier. Ivory claws nine inches in length speared two creatures at once and shredded them. Gleaming white teeth under a pair of hellfire eyes tore into a third; its body sailed away, its head was never seen again. The enraged Jabberwocky prowled the clearing, systematically slaughtering every non-human creature it came across. And all the while a terrible, hissing roar too deep for normal ears to hear made the ground shake and the tree tremble.

Only when all the creatures were dead did the monster turn to the raven-haired youth. He smelled like blood. Blood meant food. Was he food? The Jabberwocky tilted its head, warring with itself on whether or not to pounce. The human had a shiny, metal stick--sword, the word was sword. Swords cut, swords hurt. A sword was meant to kill the Jabberwocky. No, not Jabberwocky. Its name was... his name was...

The smoke seemed to evaporate, leaving a very battered-looking Koli in its place. He was bleeding from several cuts all over his body, but mostly from the deep bite marks on his shoulder, which he was now attempting to staunch before he lost too much blood. His eyes, for once, were dull and almost lifeless, save for that tiny spark that represented only one thing: a will to survive.

He was across the clearing from Allen, and didn't move. If the younger man had been wary of Koli before, he was almost certainly terrified now. "I would sssay I told you ssso," the Wonderlander said. "But ssseeing asss we sssaved each other'sss livesss, I don't think I want to."

A low voice again, forced quietness for the sake of others, so they didn't suffer from the Jabberwocky's cries. It was restrictive and, sometimes, it hurt. Sometimes he just wanted to be able to carry on a normal conversation.

alicespadeIt happened very abruptly. One minute Allen was fending off the nasty beasties. The next, he was lunging out of the way, barely missing the flashing monstrous talons that raked across his vision. Utterly bewildered, he remained half-sprawled on the ground - a ground, he barely noticed, that was quivering as if in fear - as... something tore through the clearing. Or rather, it tore a clearing; ivory claws as long as his forearm gouging trees like a hot knife through butter. What on earth...!? All he could see were the talons, and equally white fangs, and twin pools of hellfire. Had something been attracted by the blood and death and come tearing in to feast? Where was Koli?

alicespadeThe slaughter took only a handful of minutes. Soon Allen found himself in a brand new clearing littered with dark limp shapes, only that... that strange inky vapour and the claws and fangs. Every instinct within him was telling him to RUN, to get as far away as fast as he could before... Too late, those glowing red eyes were fixed on him now. Adrenaline pushed him to his feet, but all he could really do was stumble backwards against a tree and stare in fixated horror, the ichor-slick sword he pointed at the thing almost a joke in comparison. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. That thing, whatever it was, was staring at him, almost as if assessing his worth as food. He almost wanted to think that Koli was going to have such a golly old time, rubbing in that "I told you so" spiel, but then he remembered that the man in question could be amongst the mutilated corpses that were strewn about...

alicespadeWhat happened next stunned Allen. Those smouldering eyes seemed to... recognize him. And then the smoke, or mist, or whatever it was, was melting away, and there was something in that seething mass. Something solid, large, human in shape...

alicespadeKoli.

alicespadeThe Japanese felt his jaw go slack, but made no attempt to hide his shock. He wouldn't be able to hide it anyhow. What on... Koli was... that!? THAT was his true nature? Some shadowy monstrosity of incomprehensible shape? If he had been in a saner mind he would have quickly put two and two together and realized that the humanoid before him was the Jabberwocky of Carroll's novels, but at this moment he was too stupefied to speak. He looked worse for wear, but... God, it explained so much.

alicespadeHe was speaking. With any other person he might have thought it sarcastic humour, but Allen was still trying to process the events. His sword remained poised straight at Koli, but trembled slightly with a combination of adrenaline and anxiety. The raven-haired youth was doing his best to still his nerves, to think rationally. Breathe. Breathe. Shakily, he took several calming breaths, and slowly lowered his weapon.

alicespade"...You..." he began, and stopped. What was he to say? He had nothing. Nothing to rebut. He shook his head, and tried again. "Your shoulder. That needs medical attention immedia─ LOOK OUT!"

alicespadeDashing forward, one arm outstretched to push Koli to one side, the other swinging his blade up. A terrific clang, a shower of sparks. Allen felt his arm go numb from the blow, like smashing into a brick wall. But he had managed - just barely - to protect Koli.

alicespadeAllen had been partially right; something had been drawn by the scent of blood and had come to feast on the slaughter. But it wasn't Koli, but rather this new arrival. Hungry eyes gleamed at him over a maw of fangs. They were nothing in comparison to Koli's, but right now Koli didn't exactly look up to the task of turning into a shadowy abomination again. And Allen was not about to let someone who had saved his hide become victim to hunting beasts.

alicespadeStationing himself squarely between the new predator and Koli, the Japanese man stilled himself as he raised his sword into a ready position. A split second of stillness, the calm before a storm. Then... A lunge! The blade sang as it swung up to parry the blow, but Allen winced as he felt the shock run down his arms again. No, he couldn't falter here. With a yell of his own he twisted and struck out against it but barely nicked its hide. Like hitting concrete...! A heavy blow on his back winded him and sent him flying. With a thud he landed awkwardly and skidded, dropping his sword in the process.

alicespadeFocused on him, the creature snarled as it lunged at him again; Allen threw himself out of the way, but not before the talons slashed the back of his calf. Stifling a cry of pain, he rolled, trying to get to his weapon. Another blow buffeted him, closer to his blade, but he missed it as he tumbled from the momentum. Twisting out of the way again, a glancing attack throwing him off balance, still too far away from his weapon. Realizing that Koli was in the path of the beast's attack. Trying to stand, putting weight on the wrong leg, collapsing. Too late, it was upon him, claws poised to tear him apart...

alicespadeNO!!!!

alicespadeIt happened in a blaze of light. Like sparks catching onto kindling, or throwing back heavy curtains on a sunny day, a surge of brilliant indigo flared up around Allen's body, rapidly solidifying into what appeared to be a sword made of light before his outstretched hand. As if he had thrown it or shot it from a mighty bow, it flew straight and true, piercing the creature through its heart. The momentum sent the thing keeling over onto its side; its talons never reached Koli.

alicespadeFor a long moment all was still again, just the night, Koli, and Allen, his laboured breathing the only thing breaking the silence. A faint smirk inched its way onto the youth's lips.

alicespade"Now... that makes us... even..."

alicespadeHe barely finished his sentence. The world swam, his knees buckled. The ground rushed up to meet him, and then everything went dark.

"Huu huu. Then wait and see." A toothy grin spread across the cat's face. Another snarl echoed in the distance. From how it seemed, they were starting to draw near.

"Am I one or the other? Am I both or am I neither? Though, will you hurry or take your time? The night may be young, but stir do hungry beasts that lurk this place." Enz had picked up the pace. Having an Alice die this soon would be a waste. It would be more interesting to see what would happen later on.

There was the scent of blood that drew close. Some were stagnant, others moving. Perhaps there were fresh corpses nearby?

"Unexpected, unexpected indeed. What could it have been, huu huu huu." Wonderlanders tended to not walk in the forests and such at night because of packs of predators, those that did were either well armed, foolish, or lost. A combination of the three was also possible.

Alysse rolled her eyes at the answer. Of course, what sort of reply had she expected from the fickle cat? At the sound of snarling she glanced up, her eyes flickering a lime-green in the oncoming darkness. Predators were about, she hoped they'd found what they were looking for otherwise, this was going to be a very short stay in Wonderland.

"In case you can't tell I'm not exactly dressed for a country outing," she replied as she lifted her skirts and quickened her step. "How much further is-?"

She was cut off by something heavy slamming against her and tearing into her skirt. She blinked while her brain uselessly alternately blared "CLAWS" and "TEETH". Whatever the thing was it was ruining her clothes. Her hand closed around a handful of soil which she threw into its bloodshot eyes. The stunned beast stumbled back just enough for Alysse to worm away. Her dress had gotten the worst of it, but if this was the cat's doing she was going to personally neuter the thing. But first, the thing trying to eat her needed to dealt with.

No weapon, no shield, nowhere to hide... If she just ran sporadically she might just run into more of the beasts. Assets, she needed assets...

"My kingdom for a taser," she muttered under her breath as the thing shook its massive head and pawed dirt out of its eyes.

There was a particularly, nasty looking wound on the thing's side so there was something bigger that this running around in the woods. Not a particularly pleasant thought. She winced as she realized there was really nothing within her grasp that could inflict damage on the thing from a safe distance.

This is going to hurt.

"Aw bloody hell..."