Young Writers Society

"My fellow citizens of Wonderland, I bring you news today of the past hour in Wonderland. The Queen of Hearts, Madam Yamani Marble, who was your ruler for only a short period of time in this old and astonishing place we call home, has passed on. I know that a universal opinion on her hasn't been decided yet, but only time will show the good she has done. She may have seemed like a bad leader, but she was a kind soul who acted in the complete interest of the people. It was her inexperience that killed her in the end. However, there is more to this tragedy. The second heir to the throne, The White Queen Miranda Marble, is also dead.

Many would say Miranda and Yamani never liked each other, but that theory has been proven false along with the deaths of the sisters. The Queen had received intelligence from one of her most trusted soldiers, Haigha, about a small group from a neighbouring nation planning on invading Wonderland to set fire to the streets. The plot was to be carried out by just a small group, and the Queen thought it'd be in her best interest to face off against the threat personally. So along with her sister, a few of her soldiers, and myself, we made our way towards the rendezvous point of the invaders and were successfully able to sneak up on them. However, we miscalculated the size of our enemy and soon found out that we bit off quite a bit more than we could chew. We fought valiantly for a short period, until the Queen was struck. I will spare you the details of her death, but we were successful in that we killed the leader of the whole plot. It wasn't until the White Queen was on the brink of dying that she sent me back to Wonderland, for she knew that even with this disorganized bunch, we were fighting a losing battle. So here I am now, retelling the story she so desperately wanted me to reveal to you. The sisters might've hated each other, but they knew what was good for the citizens, and they fought to their deaths defending you all.

But we are not without a new leader. Before my leave, Madam Miranda Marble had bestowed upon me the honour and duty of being the King of Wonderland. I, Lord Lordshire, known as the Knave of Hearts to some and the Royal Prodigy to others, am your new king, and do solemnly swear that I will not disappoint the people. I will act in the best interest of you all, the people of Wonderland. My fellow citizens, I promise to be your king."

The future is bright, my friends. No longer will we be plagued by famine. No longer will we have crime flooding the beautiful streets of our towns. And most importantly, no longer will we be pushed around by nations larger than us. We will grow to be a nation stronger than any other! They will look up to us as the epitome of all countries. What they will see is, the future."


Those were the words of Lord Lordshire when he announced himself as the new King of Wonderland five years ago, but it was all a lie. Both queens are still alive and gathering soldiers to take back the throne for themselves and hopefully kill each other while at it. The fate of Wonderland is in your hands. What side will you choose?


Summary of Wonderland Rift 1:

The 5 years between the SBs:

Locations:

Map of the World:

Whites:

Hearts:

Thrones:

Character Slots:

Profile Templates: All profiles have to be PMed to me for approval, and reservations are to be PMed to me as well. Don't post anything in the SB until I have approved it.
Remove the parentheses before posting your profile, or I'm going to beat you with a stick.
One thing more before you get started: Make your character unique and memorable

Code: Select all

[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Based on what character?:[/b] (If he/she isn't based on one of the characters then leave blank.)
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Alliance:[/b] (Whites, Hearts or Thrones.)
[b]Rank:[/b] (Soldier, general, elite troupes ect.)

[b]Appearance:[/b] (Pictures are very appreciated but words are mandatory.)

[b]History:[/b] (Be descriptive. At least three paragraphs.)

[b]Personality:[/b] (Once again, be descriptive. Include strengths and weaknesses.)

[b]Weapon(s):[/b]
[b]Ability:[/b] (Nothing major. It's just to add some excitement.)
[b]Up for Love?:[/b] (Yes/no, orientation.)
[b]Other:[/b] (Anything forgotten?)

Rules:

Link to DT: http://www.youngwriterssociety.com/viewtopic.php?f=200&t=97307

Miranda Lutwidge – At the Whites' HQ
There was a determined knock on the door to the bridge. No doubt Blair. She, the kids and Brae were the only one who were brave enough to bother me when I was cooling down, and the kids were already here, playing captains, and Brae didn't knock.

“This better be good!”

She stepped inside. “I was told you had a mission for me.”

I blinked. Mission? Oh, right, that was what I had been planning before that idiot came and ruined my day. “Yeah..” I started rummaging through a pile of maps, pulling out the ones I didn't need and throwing them across the room. “Oh, finally. Here,” I said and handed her the map. “I need a way to get some of the Whites over to Lordshire's side of the harbor.”

“Why would you want to sink his private ships? Wouldn't it be better to aim for the..”

“Yeah, yeah.” I waved my hand lazily. “Trust me, it's better to hit the old bastard where it hurts. Your job is to find a way to get past the wall and the guards without being discovered. Oh, and don't go sinking any ships by yourself, the others need some exercise. ” I expected her to leave, but she stayed, looking at me like there was something she wanted to say. Probably about my little outburst earlier. “Well, of you go.”

The door swung open before she had time to go anywhere. "Daddy, daddy!" I couldn't help but smile when Brae stepped into the room. Alice and Lewis charged at him and threatened to knock him over as they jumped up and hugged him. “Guess what mum did!” The smile on my lips froze. Of course it was the first thing Alice would want to tell him.

I could see Blair snicker in the corner of my eye. Brae looked up from the kids with a raised eyebrow. “Do tell me, what did mum do?” Like he didn't already know.

“I only acted as any true queen would,” I said defecively, which made Brae scowl.

“She threw her coffee in his face!” Alice said and laughed. She really was adorable.

“I asked for cream, and he put milk in it.” I shrugged, though it still made me angry. That idiot was supposed to guard me and the kids, and yet he could even get a simple order right. I glared at Blair. “Weren't you supposed to go somewhere?” She left quickly and I gave Brae a hug as soon as the door closed behind her.

“Did you really have to do it in front of the kids?” He said with a sigh as he hugged me back.

“How else are they going to learn how to deal with idiots?” He was about protest, but I hurried to reach up and kiss him. I had already heard that lecture a thousand times. “Did you get the schedules?”

“Of course.” He gave me a list of times and names. “Adonis should take the kids while we talk.”

“You heard him, go and play with the old man. I bet he misses you.” Alice ran to the door before she stopped to wait for her brother. Lewis was like that. He wanted to know everything that was going on and he was clever enough to know when we didn't want them to hear what we were planning. “Last one to find him is a rotten egg!” They both charged out of the door, Lewis quickly outrunning his little sister.

“Alice is going to grow up and be just like you,” Brae said. I couldn't quite tell if he was happy about it or not.

“Yes, she's a though little lady,” I said with a proud smile. “And Lewis is going to be just like his father.. But what did you find out?”

“One of the Thrones that guard the first gate to the rich district, between 7am to 11am, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, can be swayed.”

“As in blackmailed?”

He nodded. “Lordshire might have trained his soldiers well, but there will always be people cheating on their wives,” I growled loudly, but he ignored it, “and being far to fond of small children,” I growled again.

“Can't we just kill him?” I muttered, even though I already knew the answer.

“He's not going to be of any use to us dead.” He wrapped his arms around me. “But when we're done with him.. Well, I'll let you have some fun.”

“Good,” I hissed.

“You're crushing me.”

I quickly loosened my grip. “Sorry. So, now we have a way into the rich district, and Blair has gone to find a way into his port. What's next?”

“Lordshire's schedule.” I frowned. I didn't want him running around in the castle. Skilled as he was, it was still dangerous. “Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.”

I sighed. “You better be. I'm tired of being stuck here all the time.”

“You stick out with a sore thumb, so there's no way you can just go outside. The Thrones would be on you in seconds. Now be a nice wife and stay here until I get back.” I raised an eyebrow. “Please?” I kept staring at him, fighting to keep a smile of my face. “I love you.”

“Come back soon and I'll show you exactly what I think about that,” I said and kissed him again.

“Oh, I'll hurry alright.”


Garion Thornbranch – The poor district
“This is why I told you to throw that old gun away, you idiot,” I muttered under my breath. I had been sitting for almost an hour, healing the mans shoulder. “You're lucky you shot from the hip, 'cause not even I can heal a brain that has been splattered against the wall.”

“I'm starting to wish I had aimed,” the old man muttered.

“Well, I'll just leave then,” I stood up and was about to exit the door when his daughter grabbed my arm. “He doesn't want my help.” I said and shook her of. “Put some bandages on him and make him rest. He'll be fine.” I was too tired to heal it completely anyway. I needed some rest, but I had a potion I needed to deliver first.

I left without taking any food or money that the daughter offered. I didn't want anything from that ungrateful idiot. Trying to join the Whites at his age, what a joke. In fact, I saw this whole 'war' as a joke. The two greedy sister - hide as they might, people still knew they were there - wanted the throne from an even greedier man. I wasn't sure which one of them was the greatest fool.

The dogs, that had been waiting outside the old mans home, immediately got up and followed me down the street, towards the little apartment building that Knightly lived in. I sighed. What a waste of time. I had been buying some food, both for myself and Knightly as well, when the old mans daughter had suddenly ran past the store, shouting that her father had shot himself - again. That was what happened when idiots tried to use guns. Not that the soldiers were much better.

“Stop her!”

I didn't even have time to wonder what was going on before I was more or less run over by a woman who came sprinting around a corner. “What the!?” I heard more steps behind her as a motley bunch of soldiers came running around the corner. Well, probably Hearts or Whites, I couldn't tell. I pushed the woman of me and sat up. Why couldn't I go anywhere without bumping into someone? All I ever wanted was to be left alone, or at least for the idiots to leave me alone. I sighed loudly. “Do you need some help?” She froze, on her way to get up and run again. “Well?”

“If you don't mind.”

I whistled loudly and made a sign towards the 'soldiers'. Immediately the dogs bared their teeth and charged towards the men. I could help but snicker as they turned and made a run for it. I would've done the same thing if a pack of angry dogs were charging towards me.

“Are you hurt?” I asked as I stood up and brushed the soot from my jeans.

“No, not really.”

I waited for a moment before looking her in the eyes and frowning. Hadn't I seen her before somewhere? “How about a 'thank you'?”

“I could've outrun them if you hadn't been in the way”

“That's it!” I flung my arms out. “I give up. Humanity's ungratefulness and stupidity, it has defeated me at last. I am done trying to help people. From now on I'm just going to let people bleed out after they've shot themselves.” Well, now I felt a bit better.

She blinked, then frowned. “Complain to someone who cares.”

I snorted at her annoyed tone, but then noticed that her arm was bleeding. Not much, but still. “I could fix that for you.”

She looked down at her arm like she had first now noticed it. “Nah, it's just a scra..”

Before she had time to protest I grabbed her hand and watched as the skin healed. “Now, I'm pretty sure I didn't cause that.” I looked at her expectantly.

“Thank you.” She put emphasis on every syllable, and I shook my head. Why couldn't people just be grateful?

“Idiot,” I muttered before leaving.

Why did I persist on helping people when they didn't even want me to? In the end it just left me tired. At least I could head to Knightly's place now and give her the potion. I sighed and looked up at the dark sky. As usual it was covered with dark heavy clouds which matched my mood perfectly. Knightly was one of the few people who I deemed to have some type of intelligence. Rook as well, but he was killed by an idiot, just like so many others.

The dogs returned to my side as I walked. One of them had blood around his muzzle, most likely from one of the soldiers. As I reached the apartment building I ordered them to wait outside, out of sight. Knightly had never been very fond of dogs. Maybe I should give her a puppy, a really small one, that ought to cure her fear of them, as well as warn her if someone tried to enter.

I climbed the stairs and knocked on her door. I heard something breaking, and it sounded much like a vase or a plate, before she finally unlocked the door.
“I brought you some food,” I said and held my backpack up, “and a potion against morning sickness. ”

“Thank you, Thorn,” she said with a smile and let me in. “You look tired.”

Yamani (Queen of Hearts)

"I'm going, and that's that." I snapped, jumping down off the battle I was training a recruit on. Haigha was right behind me. He put his hand on my shoulder. I whirled around. "No."

I glared at him a long moment. His teeth were clenched. Angry. I hesitated--I was the hothead, Haigha wasn't. I should back off. I should try to calm him down. God knows he's done it for me enough.

He pulled his notepad out. [Don't go.]

"I'm a big girl."

[You're not acting like one.]

"I can handle myself." I snarled.

[You need to act like a Queen.]

"You need to mind your own business."

He looked hurt for a moment, before deepening his scowl.

"I don't care what you say--write--I'm going. That's that."

He threw his hands up in the air in disgust.

"Quit treating me like I'm a child."

He turned his gaze back on me, looking at me sharply.

"I'm not acting like one." I growled irritable.

[Do you want to die?] He scribbled furiously, underlining it several times.

"Of course not. Don't be stupid...I'm not being stupid either." I glared, crossing my arms. I glanced around, giving death-stares to the few soldiers lingering about, looking at me like I was half-mad. I supposed I did look stupid-- having a shouting match with someone who never said a word. We were quickly given privacy.

[Stay.]

"No."

Haigha, firmly but gently, guided me into my bedroom. [Stay here. Cool off. I love you.]

"I love you too." I growled, crossing my arms.

He smiled at me and leaned down, stealing a kiss. I sighed and watched him leave.

"...but you're not going to father me." I locked the door and moved across the room.

I unbuckled my sword belt and strapped my dagger to my right hip, adjusting the sword on my left. I pulled bindings on my chest as tight as I could and slipped on a loose hunter green tunic. I let my hair down, rumpling it, and threw an old cloak over arm-- before climbing out the window.
~~~

The town was different. Of course it's different, stupid, it's been nearly five years. Still, I couldn't help but marvel how different the city was since I was on the throne. Even the Poor Ghers, a place I frequented often when I wasn't exhiled, was different.

They were more crowded. More run down. "The rest of the city sparkles, while the poor are left to die..."

"I'd like some of that."

I picked my head up sharply, at a voice nearby, and drunken chuckling. A small squadron of soldiers were staggering out of Carla's-- the catch-all business place for the poor. The grocery store, the whorehouse, the bar, the hotel. I narrowed my eyes, and flipped my hair out of my face. "Since when do soldiers patrol the poor ghers?"

"It's a girl!" A second soldier said gleefully.

"Nah, just a lad out past his bedtime." The first said, starting toward me.

"If that ain't a girl, I ain't drunk."

"I'll bet you a week's wages that's a lad."

"I accept...Hey girl! Come here!" The second soldier said,advancing on me quickly.

I stepped back. "I will not."

"Aw, come on--we just wanna know whether you're a lad or a lassie."

"What does it matter?"

"Well, if you're a lad, I'll be the one to f*** ya-- if you're a lass, he'll f*** you." The first said.

"Go to h***, b*******." I spat, turning around to walk off.

"That wasn't a request." The first reached me, and grabbed my arm.

"Mine wasn't either." I snarled, whirling around, busting the first in the mouth with my fist.

He fell backward, but quickly sprang up, and started towards me, yanking a dagger out of his belt. "I'll teach you a lesson you won't soon forget."

"I'd like to see you try."

He lunged toward me with his blade. I stepped to the side, easily deflecting his blow, grabbing his arm, twisting it, snatching the dagger from his hand. I pushed him away from me, into his group of friends, and threw the dagger down at his feet. The soldier looked between me and his dagger incredulously, nursing his wrist. "Little d***."

Two soldiers leapt at me at once. I disarmed the first, knocking him in the head with the hilt of his own blade- and grabbed the second's arm just in time. I wrenched the blade from his hand and whirled him around, pressing his own blade against his throat, holding me hostage.

I looked up, tossing my hair out of my face, just as a blur lunged towards me from the left. I spun around, moving the soldier into the path of a blade a mere moment before...a dagger sunk in my forearm nearly to the hilt. The owner of the blade jerked on it, making a several inch long gash, before burying the tip in the bone.

I sputtered curses, pushing the soldier into soldiers in front of me, noticing a small group of soldiers filing out of a house. I whirled around, my world a blur, and dashed off. One squadron I could handle-- two, I could not. Stupid, stupid, stupid...Haigha told you to stay home.

I ran down several alleys, clutching my arm, before I was far enough ahead that I could stop a moment. I took a deep breath, clenched my teeth, and yanked the dagger out of my arm. I choked, whimpering loudly, half-sobbing half-chuckling as I tried to bite back the pain.

I looked at the dagger, forcing myself to draw a breath, and saw a black spade on the hilt. The Whites. Bastards. I'd thought it was White soldiers, though they didn't know who I was. That was nearly certain.

The soldiers spotted me and started down the alley. "Stop her!"

I dashed around the corner, and promptly crashed into someone, sending us both to the ground.

"What the!?" I sprang to my feet, running over the man, stumbling again, cursing, and grabbing my arm. The soldiers rounded the corner.

“Do you need some help?”The man sighed loudly. “Well?”

“If you don't mind.” I nodded, stepping behind the man. He whistled loudly and pointed at the soldiers.

A pack of dogs dashed towards the soldiers, snarling. The soldiers instantly broke rank and made a run for it. I grinned, but cringed as my arm twinged. I glanced up at the man. I didn't know who he was.

“Are you hurt?” He stood up and brushed his pants off.

“No, not really.”

He looked into my eyes, and frowned. My heart leapt. He was starting to recognize me. “How about a 'thank you'?”

“I could've outrun them if you hadn't been in the way." I resisted the urge to bit my lip, terrified that he'd recognize me.

“That's it!” I took a step back, but stopped when he threw his arms in the air. "I give up. Humanity's ungratefulness and stupidity, it has defeated me at last. I am done trying to help people. From now on I'm just going to let people bleed out after they've shot themselves.”

I stared at him a long moment, then blinked. What in the bloody hell is he talking about? I'm not shot...Probably just patched someone else up. I frowned. “Complain to someone who cares.”

He snorted, then his eyes landed on my arm. “I could fix that for you.”

I glanced down at my arm carelessly. “Nah, it's just a scra..”

He grabbed my arm before I could refuse, and watched as the skin mended itself. I stared at the skin, itching and burning, in wonder.

“Now, I'm pretty sure I didn't cause that.” He lifted his eyebrows.

He was adorable. Like Haigha was, when I frustrated him. Haigha...

“Thank you.” I said snippily.

He shook his head. “Idiot."

I shrugged and threw my cloak up, staring at my arm in wonder, and walked off. I'd thought the Dormouse was impressive-- but he didn't have anything on that man. I didn't even have a scar.

My feet instinctively took me to the Tavern. I stopped just outside, and stared slack-jawed at the obnoxious, flashy sign put over the doorway. "Lordie's Joint". "Conceited b*****d...now I do need a drink."

I walked inside.

Blair DeVore - 7:45 PM - Wonderland City Whites HQ

Just like that, Miranda sent me off on a scouting mission, at least she was being smart about it and sending me to do the scouting. I made my way down the hall, quickly making my way to my personal room, the place was crumbling and this place wasn't suited for a fight if the Royal Army were to attack here. My room wasn't far it was really just down the hall from Miranda's room, I opened the door and found most of my stuff was on my desk, most importantly my latest accomplishment, a powerful precision rifle that can hit up and over 1,500 meters away, a scope to see just as far away. In theory, I can hit targets from over 2,000 meters away, it was fitted for both comfortably and capability. I soon gather only what I needed, I took off the scope from my rifle and placed it in my Blazar pocket, my daggers connected by the rope into my boots, and then change into complete black clothing. My red blazer, I had to change it inside out when I got outside. Walking out of my room, I knew better then to leave my room unguarded, but I had to trust that none of the Whites weren't secretly thieves.

Making my way to the the deck I had everything I would need for a scouting mission, the place wasn't in the best of shape but it would stand a few more years if it wasn't attacked or raided in the next few months. It wasn't long before I was on deck, the sun was going down and I knew it'd be best to wait until dark to start scoping out the wall I suppose I could do it now, but I would run the risk of being spotted by soldiers not what I need, I must have been sitting there for about fifteen to twenty minutes before the sun finally set, I wondered what everyone else was doing.

I finally started moving when it was night time, I had to guess it was about 8:30 or 8:45 or somewhere around those times. Time to get a closer look at the wall, I took the ramp down to the dock and made my way to the wall, let's see if there any secret passages along the wall. It only took a few minutes before I was under a lamp light, I put my hand to the wall and then began to walk along the wall, keeping my hand on the wall, It wasn't long before I heard guards that patrolled the wall got suspicious of me.

"Hey you! what are you doing down there?!" a guard called out.

I pretended to look around when I already knew the voice came from further down the wall, but playing dumb sometimes helps when your trying to gather information on things.

"Up here girl, on the wall!" the guard finally called out.

He thought I was a girl, I'm a woman good sir! I finally looked up, having to squint because of the light that was in my eyes. I could just barely make out a guard that was on the wall.

"What are you doing down there?!" the guard asked again.

"I was just looking around sir," I said respectfully.

There was a second of silence, until I finally decided the guard wasn't going to answer I continued on keeping my hand to the wall until I was on the other end of the wall, I couldn't find any secret passage though the wall I needed to scope out the wall it would probably take all night possibly. I disappeared back into the darkness I needed a good view point of the wall somewhere far away but good enough to see both ends of the wall. Looks like I was climbing, I went to the very back of the shipyard and looked for a bunch of crates to climb on, I finally settled on a bunch of crates that was a decently away from the wall, and gave me a good view point of it all. I climb the first crate, grabbing the edge of the crate with my fingertips, curse my shortness, I continued to climb up slowly as I finally got on the first crate. I had two more the climb, this was going to be a very long night.

Lord 'Lordie' Lordshire (Knave of Hearts) - King of Wonderland

"And now welcome to the podium, King Lordshire."

I walked up the steps and towards the podium, into the applause of the crowd. I looked around at the walls of the newly constructed building. The arched doorway in the front of the room was complimented nicely by the colorful glass windows that surrounded everything. The crowd of over a thousand spectators was comfortably seated, even the people in the very back being able to hear my every word. Money well spent, if I said so myself.

I raised my hands, "Please, please, quiet down everyone. Like I've said before, call me Lordie, all my friends do."

I waited for the giggles and cheers from the crowd to recede before I continued.

"Good evening, everyone. I'd like to be the first to welcome you to this grand spectacle that I've named, Wonderland Hall. It was built to be the center of all my press conferences and announcements from now on. So much nicer than standing outside in the cold, isn't it? Now you all have your own seats and enough space to breathe, plus, before I forget to say it, refreshments will be served soon. So kick back, relax, and let's talk Wonderland."

I let the crowd get comfortable while the announcer handed me a few cards with topics written on them.

"Hm, so the first thing on our agenda is, the economy. Well what is there to say? We're booming! Trade is great, we're one of the top product manufacturers in the world, and there are plenty of jobs in Wonderland for anyone who needs one. Why then, you might ask, do we have a poor district filled with slums?"

I took a breath and looked out into the audience.

"We've offered you jobs, we've given you free education, and we've protected your streets. There are just some things you have to do on your own. When you decide to do the bare minimum, you live the bare minimum life. These people are lucky we provide them with slums to live in and don't leave them on the streets. Nevertheless, we'll still continue our efforts to improve their condition, for there really are people living there who try their hardest. For them I have sympathy. It's for them I'll try to get rid of the poor and attempt to bring them up to the level of at least our middle class, and in the process, the lives of the underachievers will be improved as well," I looked down at my cards, "Well then, what's next? Oh, army recruitment."

It was around this time the citizens were being served their drinks. I let them cool off a little before I started again.

"Everyone here should know that we're powerful. Our army is not to be toyed with, and as such we don't joke around with who we let in. We allow anyone who's come of age to try out for the army. Whether you're 20 or 200, we'll give you a chance, but our true test is your loyalty. If you make it past our initial test, you're immediately put on guard duty. After a few years, we evaluate your work. We look at your cases, how much you've cleaned up, and how much people you've helped. We see you've done good, we keep you, if not, then you'll be looking for a new profession. After a few years, you rank up with cases, and eventually get moved up to the army. Once you've served a few years in the army, seen a few battles, you move up to castle guard. After that, I choose what you do next. Most of the time, I will take you out of service, you're removed from the front line battles and moved to the behind the scenes work like me. You train the new recruits, teach them how to fight and respect their country. You get to see life in my position really. I mean, I'd fight with my life for this place, but if I die, who's going to train these new boys? It's a foolproof cycle that many people don't understand, you know? But I've babbled enough, what's next on the list?"

I searched through the papers. The people wouldn't stay attentive for much longer, so maybe I'd talk for just a bit longer. And about something interesting.

"Oh, the northern bandits, huh? According to this, there have been reports by citizens about people going to and from the forests to the north of the city. Even guards report spotting people from time to time. Well, this is the first I've heard of this, and I'm definitely going to look into it. Anybody here witness something first hand?" A few hands went up, "Hm. We all know the forests are to be left to the monarchy only, right? So if there's any group of people roaming around there, it's an even more dangerous place. As of right now, citizens are prohibited from crossing the border of Wonderland into the northern forests. Anyone seen on our side of the border is to be escorted home, and anyone on the forest side of the border is to be taken to the castle for questioning. I'll make this request immediately, and dismiss this meeting. Thank you for your time."

I walked outside without a word. Dammit.

These 'northern bandits' couldn't be who I thought they were, could they? No, they would've left that area long ago, it's been years. Maybe I should've been more careful and checked it out when I had the chance.

But this was no time to think about the past. I knew what I was going to do now. Maybe.

I stepped into the halls of the castle and took a deep breath.

I should've squashed these bugs all those years ago.

~Brae

“She threw her coffee in his face!” Alice said, laughing. I didn't take my eyes of Miranda. For a queen, she acted surprisingly reckless - and though I couldn't have expected my children to understand that, I still didn't quite like them seeing it as funny and right.

She hugged me, sending Blair away, and I closed my eyes hugging her back. Revenge for what happened to her, taking back what's rightfully hers, sending her sister and King Lordshire where they belonged - but on the first place, the safety and happiness of Alice and Lewis. I sighed, smiling for myself, wondering if she even still thinks of how much I can tell from a single touch. It was good to know, and to see it always staying the same - if it wasn't
so, I wouldn't know what to do.

“Did you really have to do it in front of the kids?” I muttered, opening my eyes again.

“How else are they going to learn how to deal with idiots?” She asked, and kissed me before I got the chance to protest. She didn't want to talk about it, she didn't like me lecturing her - and lucky for her, those kisses even did manage to distract me long enough for her to think of something to change the topic to. “Did you get the schedules?”

“Of course.” I said, trying my best not to frown. I gave her the list, glancing at Alice and Lewis again; she was poking something in the corner, and he stood behind her, observing over her shoulder. “Adonis should take the kids while we talk," I said, only half aware of what Miranda replied.

Lewis and Alice were little - she especially - yet still they could understand the world around them, much better than it seemed, and it worried me. They were children born in relative peace, but their mother never stopped plotting her return, and I could tell there are new battles just waiting to be fought. I wondered if I should tell her about what I see - the dreams and the thoughts our kids had, and what they talked about when we weren't around. Miranda
looked at me.

“Alice is going to grow up and be just like you,” I said, surprised to hear my voice sounding so cold. I wanted her to grow up - both her and her brother - but I wanted them to live in the better world, one in which no one would fight for the titles and thrones. I knew how much Miranda wanted it, and just how well she deserved to get it..but if I had to choose between our children and our titles.. I couldn't care less how we'd be called.

“Yes, she's a though little lady,” Miranda said. She was so proud at them, I almost smiled. "Lewis is going to be just like his father.. But what did you find out?”

I made a face, recalling those moments - I had to control myself pretty much not to kill the guard whom I accidentally bumped into at spot for what I've seen, even though I disliked killing. I had a pretty clear idea of what'd Miranda wish to do.

“One of the Thrones that guard the first gate to the rich district," I said, "between 7am to 11am, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, can be.. swayed.”

“As in blackmailed?”

I nodded.
“Lordshire might have trained his soldiers well, but there will always be people cheating on their wives,” I wondered if I should tell her everything, deciding to go with somewhat light version. "And being far too fond of small children."

“Can't we just kill him?”

I almost grinned. I knew she was going to react like that - and if she keeps doing that once she gets to the throne, she will turn Wonderland into a land of safe and happy people who don't need to fear for their lives.. unless they make the queen mad.

“He's not going to be of any use to us dead.” I said, pulling her closer again.

She, apart from the kids who more or less jumped at me whenever they'd see me, was the only person I could still handle touching without wanting to blab everything I find out and possibly break something. I wondered if she knew it - I doubted that she did - but seeing every single thing about people I'd touch, intentionally or accidentally, was almost painful. I wondered if I'd be
needing a whole suit to protect me soon enough. “But when we're done with him.. Well, I'll let you have some fun.”
*

I left our hiding place, feeling anxious. I hated leaving them alone, even though I knew they could very well defend themselves - Miranda was smart, and she cared for the kids, but I knew her well enough to know that standing still isn't good for her. She wanted to move, she practically desired more than anything to finally make a move and do something herself. From what I've heard, I was pretty sure her sister, if she was still alive, wished the same thing. And
Lordshire?
Well, that I was about to find out.

The Castle was.. Imposing. I could imagine Lordshire walking it's spacious hallways - I wondered if they were covered in his own pictures. From what I've heard, they were more likely mirrors, though.

Despite the fact that I've tried, and even got as close as to climb up the stage he held his speeches on, I never managed to find a way to touch Lordshire without attracting suspicion. I could've made him use his own power to move closer, but that'd get me into his dungeons instead of back to my queen, and all I'd find out would be as good as nothing.
I bit my lip as the guards passed the shadows I was hiding in. Once inside the castle, I could've passed as a servant or a merchant - maybe a hatter - but it was tricky enough to even get to there.
Wondering if position makes people paranoid, I put my hand on the wall behind me and focused.

My vision blurred, replaced with changing images, and sounds of the past silenced the sounds of present. I saw the building of those walls - I could hear people talking and smiling, tell of the first guards and the first deaths, see their shifts changing. I focused at the present, glancing at the guards at the main gate.
Have got the note to expect new kitchen servant, a thought ran through my mind. Smiling, hoping the real servant wasn't about to arrive too
shortly after me, I approached them.

"Hold," one of them said, and I grinned wider.

"I came to serve as help in our King's kitchens," I said, improvising a fake accent. "I.. Do believe you were told about my arrival."

I whistled, staring at the sky, as one of them checked some little book.

"Alright," he said then. "use the small brown door to the left and go down the stairs - and try to not put yourself in someone's way."

"Sure," I bowed, stepping on the castle's ground. "Long live the King."
***

~Regina

Trapped in a cage, I couldn't scream. Dark flames surrounded me, and I found chains tying me to the bars. I tried to fight, but shadows rose from the flames, seeming human and gripping knives. Red as blood and white as snow, and both with crowns on their heads.

I woke up shaking, my skin tinkling at breezes of cool air. Moving strands of hair from my eyes, I stared at my hand for a moment, wondering could it get paler than that. True, I wasn't often outside, but one would think that being a queen for a couple of years could make a woman lose her born-in-poor-district appearance.

I sighed as I buttoned up my dress and tied my hair the way I liked it, almost an hour later and no longer shaking thanks to a warm bath. Staring at myself in the mirror, I sighed - even despite of the silver ring around my forehead, and the other one marking my marriage, although I stood in a room sized bigger than the house I was born in, I still couldn't see much more than a girl who I was before. Surely, in much better clothes and with a lot more power,
but I haven't changed, have I?

Spotting a spider next to the mirror, I automatically grabbed a book to smash it with, reconsidering it after a moment. There was another man calling himself king out there, and he was enough fond of me to make it useful to keep his spies alive.

There was no need to show my morning doubts to any eyes, however. I smiled widely, opened the door to my balcony and stepped outside. From here, I could see the castle's back garden, and warm sun caught me with surprise - maybe due to that dream, I expected it to be much colder than it was.
Still smiling, I put my hand over my stomach; the baby replied by stretching something - maybe leg - and I felt my smile widening. It was amazing, even to myself, how I managed to keep my relatively thin figure seeing the month. That was the most merciful baby ever: I barely ever had morning sickness, my sleeping - apart from the dreams - was as tight as always, and I didn't even change much physically. I looked down, wondering if that was some kind of fate and nature apologising for their mistakes - seeing what I've seen and been
through in my earlier days, they had some good reason to do so.
I went back inside, fetching my two guards as I left my chambers. I wasn't sure if it was Lordie who appointed them to watch me, or if I've done it myself; the first days of my life in the castle still seemed as a dream.
*

The dungeons were poorly lit, making shades on my face deeper and my skin even paler. I felt creeps on it as I recalled my dream, passing the empty and occupied cells. It was silent, it was always silent - never a voice dared to speak out while I walked those corridors.
A scream broke the air in half as I passed another gate. My guards now stayed behind, watching so no one else enters or leaves, as I slowly approached my dungeon master. He was pretty old and full of scars, yet strong as an ox and even taller than Lordie. He gave me a grim smile and bowed a little, holding a knife in his hand. Blood was still dripping off it, though
the man tied to the desk behind him didn't seem much alive.

"Am I late?" I asked, only half as a joke. He shrugged.

"Not much of job for you, Queen," he said. "This one was caught putting an explosive on the monument - your husband's guards sent him to me."

Your husband's guards. I frowned a little. As I married Lordie, I knew I wasn't but an accessory to make him seem better in public - and I was fine with just that, knowing that eventually I was going to get close enough to him to use my charm and get whatever I wanted. Sooner or later, the command over the country would be split, and then the King might have had a sad accident, loosing his memories in the process.
Unfortunately - though I wasn't at all unhappy about it - feelings actually got in the way, and I found myself wishing more to take care of his interests than mine. He trusted me - to a point anyway, I could tell it's so - I learned to keep in the shadows with my actions, but still my name was known, and I took care of more things in the castle than even Lordie probably knew or cared for. Yet still it was my husband's castle, his guards, his everything.
I wondered if people thought of me as property as well - and I hoped he wouldn't agree with that.
I made myself not show the doubts.

"Well then," I said, taking the knife from his hand, "if someone touches King's property, one should learn of the consequences."

The prisoner seemed relieved to see a woman for a second - I hated seeing that same expression on people's faces all my life.
Just the seamstress's daughter. Just a harmless girl walking the castle quietly like a mouse. Just a young worker in the Tavern. Just a pretty enough face that can fool people as a figurehead queen. But I changed all their minds, haven't I? I almost died doing so, risking to insult a royal and losing my job, but in the end everything turned right, didn't it? I was the one here - the King and the Queen from before were dead, the princesses defeated and hiding somewhere far enough from the castle, dead as much as most of the people knew... And I was here. We were here.

"Regina."

I froze in the middle of drawing long cut down the prisoner's chest, but didn't turn. I heard my dungeon master bowing and muttering something, and a few people yelling desperate pleads to my husband, and I slowly put the knife down to the table. Just then, I turned around to face him. For a moment, I was this close to rushing and hugging him - then I figured I should be leaving that for more romantic and less crowded places.

The King - busy with getting a dusty smudge from his sleeve - seemed somewhat concerned.
I suppressed my smile, making sure there's nothing stained on my dress - or hands, even worse - and almost rolled my eyes at the diamond head on his cane. It took a special kind of person to even desire something like that, let alone get it made. For some reason, I could imagine it opening its lips and talking, and it creeped me out more than the dungeons with all that happened inside.
He shifted a little, and I reminded myself not to get lost in thoughts again.
I smiled this time, and cocked my head to the side, but didn't bow; I never did that, not even while we weren't even as equal as now. Not since the days my mother did, before two girls my age and their arrogant parents.

"Good morning," I said, though aware morning has already past. "What brings you here?"

"I didn't find you in your room," he shrugged, burning the smudge with his glare. "Won't this come off?"

Taking his hand, I led him back down the hall with cells, noting to myself to send someone to get the dungeons in shape a bit. Apart from making smudges on clothes, it had way too much spiders.

"Highness?"

We turned simultaneously. He gripped my hand a bit harder, but said nothing, and the Dungeon Master seemed a bit confused for a moment. Then he pointed at the prisoner.

"What should I do with him, kill him?"

"Let him live for now." Both of us again. I refused to meet Lordie's eyes as he turned to me, and none of us spoke again till we got to the upper levels again.

"So," I said then, "why did you tell to let that man live?"

"I found some slightly concerning things today, it would be better to question the prisoners before killing them." He glanced at me, and I locked my eyes on his. Something was wrong, I was sure - and more than a slightly concerning thing - but I was also rather sure he wouldn't tell me if I asked. He didn't look away, event though he knew very well what my stare could do. Wondering if it was because he knew I'd be no one without him, or if he actually trusted I wouldn't use my strengths against him, I frowned. After a moment, he smiled at me. "Don't look so worried, Reggie, it doesn't really suit you. Were you in the dungeons since you woke up?"

I almost snickered at the casual change of topic. They didn't say things about his way with words for no reason.
"I spent some time in my room before," I muttered. "Did some thinking." I wondered if I should tell him about the baby - it was a matter rather connected to him, after all - and if he'd want to be bothered with my dreams. It was somewhat harder to tell than usually.

"I need to talk to you," he said suddenly, seeming worried again. I opened and closed my mouth, figuring he'd tell me before I'd ask anyway. "It's a pressing concern, my dear. I need to decide on which portrait I like better."
***

Haigha March (The March Hare) - At the Hearts' HQ
"I'm going, and that's that." She snapped and started walking away. I quickly put a hand on her shoulder. Going into town, it was too dangerous, but of course she wasn't thinking of the dangers. She never did. "No."

She pulled away from me and glared, and for once I didn't try to make some type of compromise. I had had it with her recklessness. A soldier like myself could afford to be stupid and take risks, the queen didn't have the same luxury. I wished she could realize that she couldn't get her precious throne back if she wasn't alive to sit on it.

I pulled my notepad out. "Don't go."

"I'm a big girl."

I raised an eyebrow. She was indeed a big girl. In fact, if I could talk I would probably have called her an overgrown baby, but luckily being force to write forced me to think first. "You're not acting like one."

"I can handle myself," she snarled.

"You need to act like a Queen." I know she would hate me for that, and honestly I didn't want her to act like a queen. I loved her like she was, but if she could just be a bit more careful I might be able to actually sleep at night.

"You need to mind your own business." Yes, that was the response I had expected to get, but it still hurt. I only wanted her to be safe. "I don't care what you say--write--I'm going. That's that." Fine, if you want to get yourself killed, just go ahead. Yeah, like I would ever be able to let that happen. If I could sigh I would've. I threw my hands up instead and shook my head slightly. "Quit treating me like I'm a child." I gave her a sharp look. "I'm not acting like one." Yeah, sure you're not.

She had tried to kill herself once, by jumping down into an oil-filled moat, but I had pulled her out. For some reason this situation felt much like that one, though this time she wasn't doing it deliberately. "Do you want to die?" I scribbled quickly, underlining it several times in hope that it would finally sink in, though I doubted it would.

"Of course not. Don't be stupid.. I'm not being stupid either." She crossed her arms and glared at the soldiers around us. They were always as curious about our arguments. If one could call them arguments, seeing that I couldn't really yell back at her without accidentally making the HQ cave in, or worse.

"Stay."

"No."

I grabbed her shoulders and guided her to her bedroom. "Stay here. Cool off. I love you."

"I love you too." Too easy. It was fortunate for me, for us both, actually, that she was such a bad actress. I knew very well that she wouldn't stay there, but since she preferred to go alone I had no other choice than to put her in there and then follow her when she snuck out.

I smiled slightly and leaned down to kiss her. For five years I had been trying to make her see reason. I should probably just give up. Besides, a calm and collected Yamani just wouldn't be the same.

Just as the door closed behind me I heard a faint: "..but you're not going to father me."

I slammed my fist into the cave wall. Why didn't she understand? I didn't want to father her or lecture her, I just wanted to keep her alive. One could hardly blame a guy for trying to protect his girlfriend, but still she managed to do just that. I shoved my hands down in the pockets of my jacket and calmed down when I felt the small box in my hand. Maybe I was insane? Asking Yamani to marry me.. The chance of her laughing in my face or hitting me was probably bigger than the chance of her saying yes. Of some reason that only made me love her more. Yes, I was definitely insane.

"No matter how many times I see it I still find it amusing when you two fight." I made a 90° turn to look at Minerva, who had approached me from my blind side. "Oh, don't glare like that, it's scary." I smiled slightly. She was a lot like Yamani, even though she didn't know it, and that was probably why we got along as well as we did.

"I'm going to follow her."

She snickered. "Of course you are. Mind if I follow you into the city?"

I shook my head quickly, since I heard the window to her room open. My hearing had been good before, but loosing an eye had made it even better. Probably because I depended more on it.

I glanced behind the corner just in time to see a her cloak disappear behind another corner. I signaled for Minerva to follow me, and she did. I didn't know what Minerva wanted to do in the city, but whatever it was I didn't doubt that it would be a great help to the Hearts.

As I turned the same corner as Yamani I more or less ran into someone. So much for my great hearing. When I stepped back I realized it was Rook, a soldier that had joined us rather recently. Well, calling him a soldier might be an overstatement, but at least he was useful.

"Oh, Haigha, I thought I saw.."I nodded quickly and gestured for him to come with us, and he did so without asking any questions. Useful indeed, and I appreciated it.

Before we were out of the HQ we had yet another follower, and I had to glare at her several times before she stopped talking. I wasn't very fond of the cat. Normal cats were cute, this one was just creepy. At first I had just seen her smile following us, but after a while she became visible and started talking to Minerva, hence my annoyance.

***

When we reached the city Minerva went of in her own direction, and the cat followed her. Rook and I climbed up on a roof to be able to see Yamani better. It was easy to loose sight of her, since her old and worn cloak made her blend in well with the people of the poor district.

As I had expected, it didn't take long until she had managed to get herself in a fight were she was greatly outnumbered. At first I just watched, resisting the urge to jump down 'cause I knew that she'd yell at me if I intervened before she had realized that she didn't stand a chance, but when I saw one of the men burying a dagger in her arm I couldn't hold it anymore.

Rook's arm suddenly shot out and grabbed me just before I dropped down from the edge. "You'll break your legs." I shook him of but when I looked down again they were gone. Yamani had made a run for it. "She went that way," Rook said and pointed down a narrow street.

I took of without turning to see if he followed me. My heart was pounding hard and quickly, not from sprinting over the rooftops, but from worry. I should've just ignored her pride and jumped down immediately. What if they captured her? Just thinking about the things that Miranda or Lordshire would do if they got to her made me feel nauseous.

The sudden sound of barking and snarling dogs came towards me, so I glanced down just in time to see the men from before running for their lives, chased by a whole pack of scruffy dogs. I stopped for a moment and stared after them. What the..?

Rook caught up to me. "Was that dogs?" he asked when he had caught his breath. I nodded, but then realized that the dogs might've attacked Yamani as well. I glanced at Rook, and he waved his hand in the direction that the dogs had been coming from. "I'll catch up." I nodded again and took of.

It didn't take long before I spotted Yamani. A man, probably a bit older than me, was holding her arm. She looked down at her arm with an amazed expression. They then exchanged a few words and went in different directions. I didn't realize what he had done until I saw Yamani draw her cloak up and I saw her arm. There wasn't a mark on her. I should probably ask about that man later. Maybe he'd be able to get my arm back, or even better, fix the scar on my chest.

Just as the door to the tavern closed behind her Rook caught up to me. "She went into the tavern," I wrote quickly.

"So, we wait?"

I nodded, and he pulled out a pen and a sketchpad that he apparently had been carrying with him. Right, I had a vague memory of him being quite an artists. Time passed, and I found myself more and more distracted by his drawing. It was of me and Yamani. We looked like we were talking.

"Why are you drawing that?" I wrote, and I couldn't help but frown slightly. I wished I could talk to her, but I knew that could never be, and the drawing annoyed me slightly. Nothing good ever came from me opening my mouth. My words had killed both my parents and burned our house to the ground. I even had the scar to prove it. Well, there was that one time when it saved my life, but I doubted that would ever happen again.



Miranda Lutwidge (The White Queen) - At the Whites' HQ
I was starting to get anxious. Brae hadn't been gone for long, and I knew he was both skilled and smart, but I still worried. Walking around on the streets in the poor district was one thing, but the castle was dangerous. The Thrones weren't idiots like my sister's former guards. If they captured him they would kill him, maybe even torture him first.

I hated being trapped in the HQ day after day. I knew all too well that I wouldn't be able to blend in, sure a big cloak could keep me hidden, but if someone accidentally bumped into me or stepped on my toes I wouldn't be able to keep calm. I hated to admit it, but Brae had a point when he lectured me.

"Alice, the old man isn't a tree, stop climbing on him like that." I said and glanced up from the short letter I was writing.

"I'm not a horse either," he muttered as he put Alice down.

I couldn't help but smile. After Brae left I had gone to find them, only to see the old man trying to teach Lewis how to make something - I wasn't sure if it was a potion or a poison - but Alice had really tried her best to interrupt them. The result was a black smelly goo at the bottom of the pot. Looked a lot like the potion Adonis had forced me to drink when he was treating me. I made a face. It had tasted just as bad as it smelled.

I finished the letter I had been writing and gave it to one of my guards, not the idiot who I had poured coffee on. "Make sure this is delivered today."

"Yes, my queen," I almost smiled, almost, but then he looked down on the envelope and frowned slightly. "This address, I'm not sure I'll be able to find it," he said carefully.

Both him and the kids seemed to be holding their breaths, waiting for my reaction. Well, if I was going to learn how to control my temper I might as well start learning. "I wrote it clearly. 'Somewhere in the city,' surely that can't be too difficult? You'll just have to look."

"There is a theory that everyone in the world has a doppelganger. I think it's nonsense, but you might find it helpful." I looked at the old man. Speaking in riddles as usual. Though I wasn't sure that even was a proper riddle.

"Mom, what's a doubleganger?"

"Doppelganger, sweetie. It's like a tw.. A twin." I suddenly remembered something from five years ago. Something that I probably should've made sure to remember. "Oh, Adonis, I wish you could learn how to speak like a normal person, 'cause you sure are useful." I turned back to the guard. "She has a twin that works in the tavern."

"Lordi.."

"Don't say it!" I shouted. "I don't want to hear that tacky name ever again. Just give it to the bartender and say that it's for Luna." The guard nodded and left.

I closed the door and sat down to watch the kids again. She better get her quickly, I thought, or I might not pay her as well as I intended to.

Yamani (Queen of Hearts)

I flexed my arm. It was perfect. Who was that?

I shook my head, taking a long drought from my cup, coughing, my eyes burning. A drunkard to my right laughed. "The drink ain't for laddies. Maybe you can get a cup of warm milk."

"I can--" I coughed. The ale was a lot stronger than I remembered it. "I can handle myself."

The man chuckled and slapped me on the back. I grunted at him, twisting away.

"Aw, come on, don't be so unsociable. Want a smoke?"

I glanced at him and shrugged, taking the smoke he offered. "H***, why not? Light me up."

I choked on the smoke of a sloppily rolled cigarette, water coming to my eyes. The man chuckled and puffed on his own. "Never had one before, eh, Lad?"

You have no idea. "It's been a while." I was smoking not long after I was walking. I took a sip of my drink, aware that I was exaggerating a good bit, and finished my cigarette, slowly.

I leaned forward and snubbed my cigarette out, hesitating as I saw a fairly big spider sitting by the ash tray, seeming to stare at me. "Ew." I flicked it, sending it skidding behind the bar, and shook my head. Spiders staring at me...wonder what he laced that with...

I shook my head again and finished off my drink. I started to put my glass down, but my hand stopped, hovering a few inches over the bar, when I saw the very same spider sitting beside the ashtray once more. I swallowed my drink, slowly, and put the glass down. "Hey-- did you..."

"Hmm?"

"That spider...was there before. It's staring at me."

"Hah! Go home lad, you're drunk." The drunkard guffawed, slapping my back once more, moving toward the opposite corner.

"Not yet..." I grumbled, glaring at the spider. "Who are you?"

The spider turned its head, slightly, and looked at me curiously. I blinked, "Dear god. Maybe I am drunk."

I watched as the spider crawled up on my glass. It started spinning a web. I blinked at the web-- it had a note. 'You're not that drunk, yet.'

I choked at the message, and rubbed my eyes. "Oh my god. I need another drink. A-another ale."

The barkeeper-- Luna's twin-- set a fresh cup down in front of me.

"Hey, what does that web say--" I stopped short, gesturing at my old glass, finding the web gone.

"Hun, are you sure you should have another drink?" She chuckled.

"Yeah. I need one-- I'm seeing s***, but can still read it." I muttered, taking a long drink of my ale.

The girl shook her head and left me, murmuring something. I looked around-- the spider reappeared, and began spinning a new web on my glass. "Hey, you little freak-- why'd you take that web down? You're making me look stupid." I hissed.

'No, you're making yourself look stupid--you're the one arguing with a spider.'

I took a drink. "Shut up."

'Mature'

"F*** you. What do you want?" I glanced over my shoulder suspiciously, making sure no one was watching.

'Yamani?'

"Shh!" I hissed, looking over my shoulder again.

The spider tapped its leg impatiently. 'I've got a message for you.'

"Well? What is it? Who from?"

'Of the many people my race's allegiances are split with-- I admit, I am coming with a message from Erillian, Spider King.'

I took a drink, trying to be cool. "Yeah. I've heard of him. What does he want?"

'A meeting.'

"The terms?"

A second spider crawled up my leg. I shrieked and fell backward,of the stool, brushing the spider off. I took a deep breath, and looked around, shrugging my shoulders. I righted my stool and sat down.

The two spiders stood side by side, staring at me like I was stupid.

"Don't touch me. Ever." I growled. "Put that note down, and step away."

The spider put the note down and stepped back. I grabbed the note, and the spider charged forward. I snatched my hand back. I swore I could hear the spiders sniggering. "Don't mess with me, little a******s. I'm a lot bigger."

I unfolded the scrap of paper, and read:

Ms. Yamani Marble-
You are invited to meet with Erillian, King of the Spiders.
10:00 P.M. Saturday. By the freakish statue of Lordshire.


There was a cool little stamp at the bottom. I re-folded the letter, biting my lip. "I don't know-- I'll consider the invitation. However, tell your king that I am simply Yamani. I am Yamani March if he insists on a last name-- my whore sister is the Marble."

The spiders left. I stretched, taking a drink, lazily glancing at the door as it opened. I swallowed when I saw one of Miranda's guards-- a man who'd been with my parents, and knew me well. I turned my head away as he approached the bar with a letter, and started talking to Luna's sister.

I started toward the door, and peeked out the window casually, looking to see how many soldiers he'd brought. Instead of Whites, I saw something I liked even less-- Haigha and the Rook standing, waiting for me, no doubt. I cursed and walked to the back entrance, flipping a coin down on the bar on my way out.

I stalked silently behind the bar, deeper into the heart of the town. I heard a girl crying, a woman shouting-- and curiously moved toward it. I hid in the shadows and watched as a bent old woman shouted at a girl curled in a ball-- and was able to draw that the girl got fired from Lordshire's kitchens. Which means there's a spot open.

I hurried towards the king's kitchens. I ran into someone in the palace colors, and stopped him, putting on my best accent. "'Ey, sir! Sir. I's a question, sir."

He sighed impatiently. "Yes, what?"

"Sir, I heard you's got a spot in the kitchen. I's a good helper, sir, I swears I am. Even the baker, bloody brute he is, has to admit that I is." I said quickly.

"Sorry, lad--I've already got a boy hired to help. Maybe next time, eh?"

He hurried off towards the palace.

"Well...h***." I stared after him a moment. Eh, I'm a 'boy'-- maybe I'll pass.

I made it to the castle walls. The guards stiffened as I approached. "State your name and business, scruffian."

"Eh, sir." I bobbed my head. "Manny, sir. I's the new kitchen hand."

"Nice try." The guard to the right sneered. "The new kitchen boy's already come."

F***. "Ay, sir, I think you's mistaken. I's the boy what was hired."

The guard hesitated.

"Sir, you think you let a troublemaker 'to the palace?" I asked with wide-eyes. "King Lord don't like that much, do he sir?"

"Shut up." The man growled gruffly, flustered.

"I's tells you what, sir. You let me in there, and as a first act o'my service and n'er endin' loyalty, I'll rub that boy's nose in the dirt, I will. And I'll send 'im on 'is way."

The other guard whispered something frantically to the first-- the first whispered something back, then turned to me. "Er, okay-- but if one of you don't come out in a reasonable period of time, we'll come looking--"

"I's a send 'im right out." Disappear in the castle. "Don't you worry one bit-- I'll lick him and send him home with 'is tail tucked 'tween 'is legs. I will."

You'll both be dead by the morning. Lordshire--or his evil witch bride-- will find out, then...whew, wouldn't want to be either one of you idiots...even if you didn't stink. "Long live the king."

I slipped through the trimmed grass, into the back door of the kitchen. "You get lost again?" I was cuffed on the head the instant I walked through the door.

I staggered to the side, instantly on the defensive, until I spotted a huge, fat man with a flushed red face brandishing a large ladle. He swatted with me again. "Honestly, don't know how hard it is. I sent you after a jar o' taters once already-- look at that, you don't got scrawnier with all your dawdling. He kept hitting me as he booted me across the kitchen, and threw me through the door. "Now GET THEM 'FORE I TEACH YOU A GOOD LESSON."

"Sir." I bobbled my head, scampering away. The instant I was out of sight, I looked back, glaring at the closed door. "Bastard."

I rolled my shoulders, rubbing my chest and head, and started walking. I bumped into someone, and jumped back, startled, and snapped my head around. I spotted a man not much taller than me, but well muscled--- his hair black, short, and unruly, skin pale, stood before me. I felt a small pang of indignation that I was mistaken for...this...man, even if he wasn't bad looking.

He looked far more startled. "Oh...well, this is very interesting."

"Ah...My name's...Manny." I said gruffly, sticking my hand out for him to shake. My heart racing as I saw his critical look. S***, he probably felt that I'm a chick.

"Hmm..." He didn't look convinced.

Erillian Blackguard. Spider King.

Wonderland City hadn't changed much since last he was there. Then again, he never visited for long, maybe a few hours at a time. He only ever wandered the streets at night, anyway, never really having time to visit during the day. It was a lot emptier during the night. But still, wherever he was in the city, it was still empty as far as cities went.

He had left the Blackguard in charge of his kingdom. He knew his "patrol" would keep the streets crime-free. His patrol, of course, were a handful of giant spiders, the size of horses. In reality, he seldom stayed in his kingdom. He was rarely in the city at all. Normally, he just hunted bandits, cut throats, and other such bad guys.

Today, however, he was in the city. And it was daytime. There were guards, eying him. He didn't bother to conceal his shotgun or machete, but none of the guards seemed too keen on stopping him. But he was here on buisness. He had people to meet.

Two spiders trickled from his sleeve, and ran bearing his note to find Yamani. She would no doubt get it in a couple minutes. He followed the spiders into a bar, and slipped silently into the corner. It turned out she was already here, dressed as a boy. He knew this not because he recognized her; he had only a scarce idea of what she looked like. He knew because his Spider told him promptly that she was over there.

"She's right over there, boss." said the spider.

"No sh**. Really?" Whispered Erillian. That was quick.

"Yeah. Should we deliver the invitation?" asked the spider.

"Well, yeah." replied Erillian. "Be creative about it though. I kinda wanna see this."

"You got it, boss." said the spider, nodding it's arachnid head.

Not five minutes had passed before Yamani was on the floor, brushing the spiders off of her. No doubt everyone else thought her crazy. She took the note, though, and didn't waste time hanging around.

When the spiders returned to him, he gave them hunting leave. "Collect information, as is customary."

"Sure thing, Boss." they said in unison.

And so he left the bar as well, to wander the city, not a care as to who saw him.

Lord Lordshire (Knave of Hearts) - King of Wonderland

"I need to talk to you, It's a pressing concern, my dear."

Could I tell her yet? No, she'd freak out. Maybe I could...

"I need to decide on which portrait I like better."

She stared at me as if a bit surprised. I wasn't sure why, she should be used to me saying things like that.

"Well, alright, where are the portraits?" She asked.

"Uh, well you know what, I'll have a few made and send them right up to you." I lied.

I ran my fingers through my hair. Would she kill me? No, people already think the other Queens are still alive. She'd want to kill them herself is the problem.

"So, need anything new for the dungeons?" Small talk would work for now.

She eyed me curiously, "No, not really. We have everything taken care of at the moment."

"Ah, I see," I tapped my cane on the floor, "Reggy, we've been together for a long time, right?"

"... almost five years."

"And you know we can talk about anything, right?"

"... yes."

I put my arm around her shoulder and whispered, "Well then I have to ask you something."

She seemed to straighten up a bit, and I took as a sign to be ready to leave right after I gave her the news.

"What if I told you that old Queens are still alive?"

Her eyes widened. I always liked looking at the green surrounding her pupils.

"Better yet, what if I told you they were in this very castle hunting me down right now?"

She seemed like she was about to do something but I stopped her, "I kid, I kid. That would be ridiculous. It's almost like... almost like you telling me you're pregnant."

~Regina

Portraits. Knowing him, it was even possible for that to be the pressing concern. Yet still, knowing him for years as close as I did, that was a lie made up at the spot.

"Well, alright," I asked, "where are the portraits?"

"Uh," he seemed a bit lost. I almost grinned - or frowned, I wasn't quite sure if I was amused or furious - but I just let him talk. "Well you know what, I'll have a few made and send them right up to you."

He ran his fingers through his hair, and I nodded a bit. What's troubling you so much, Lordie?

"So, need anything new for the dungeons?"

I blinked, caught by surprise. What that has to do with anything now? "No, not really," I said. "We have everything taken care of at the moment."

"Ah, I see," he tapped my cane on the floor. Tell me what's wrong right now, or I'll make you tell me. "Reggy, we've been together for a long time, right?"

Good. I sometimes wondered if he could hear my thoughts. "... almost five years."

"And you know we can talk about anything, right?"

"... yes."

He put his arm around my shoulder.
"Well then I have to ask you something," he whispered.
If this is another stupid portrait lie, I thought to myself, I might slap you.
"What if I told you that old Queens are still alive?"
Oh, so that's it. I had to admit to myself, I was rather glad I didn't need to experiment with slapping the King in the middle of the castle. However, Miranda and Yamani being alive.. I recalled my dream and wished to be locked in my room. Lordie was just staring at me.
"Better yet," he said then, "what if I told you they were in this very castle hunting me down right now?"

I shifted, ready enough to call the guards and lock all the castle gates, and then drag Lordie to his room and handcuff him to something to make him stay there and not do something reckless and get killed. He seemed to be somewhat surprised to see me reacting like that, cutting my words before I even started saying them.
"I kid, I kid. That would be ridiculous. It's almost like... almost like you telling me you're pregnant."

I practically jumped away from his hug, glaring at him. Whatthehellwhatthehellwhatthehell.
I had no idea if I'd rather scream, cry, run away or call the guards and proceed with my last plan. 

I ended up laughing a little.
"Why would you compare that?"

He shrugged, probably wondering why did that concern me more than the idea of two princesses running around our home.
"It would be equally unexpected and equally hard to deal with, I suppose."

"Well I can think of one difference, my kid won't wish to f****** kill you and take over your throne," I blabbed.

He blinked at me - I haven't cursed anything in years, practically since I set foot in the castle, playing my part of well-mannered royal. But when he spoke again, I wished he said something about that.

"Won't wish to kill me and take over my throne?"

C***.
"...wouldn't."

"Regina?"

For a moment, I considered making him forget that conversation. Then I just sent it to hell, knowing I'll have to tell him once anyway.

"You might wish to check if anyone entered the castle uninvited," I said.
***

~Brae

Princess Yamani Marble of Wonderland, planning to get back the throne she saw as rightfully hers. Sister of Miranda, madly in love with her right hand man Haigha. Incredibly alike her sister, pregnant for less than a month and unaware of both those facts, sneaking around with idea of killing Lordshire and his wife.

"I'm Manny." 

Sure you are.
"Hmm," I muttered, buying myself time. Would she know who I was if I told her my name? I'd know if we had a traitor in our lines. However.. "They call me Hatter," I made up, acting stupid. "It's because of the hat."

She glared blankly at me, as if she tried to figure if I was really stupid or just pretending. I wondered what to do; killing her would mean Miranda would have only one enemy to fight - but if that guy Haigha loved Yamani back, maybe killing her would only make things worse. And even if that wouldn't get me imprisoned, if by some chance they wouldn't see me guilty and torture me in the castle, I could never forgive myself for hurting a future mother. And that kid was related to Miranda - related to my children. If someone hurt Lewis or Alice, I'd burn down the whole world of that would mean he'd burn to death with it.

Biting my lip, I moved aside, letting her pass me. She left the spot just a bit slower than running.
*

The guards on the front gate didn't seem as willing to let me through as before. This time, to be precise, I found myself pinned to the wall and breathless.

"Who are you? You have five seconds before I call for the superiors."

Yamani sneaked in by telling them I'm a fraud. How can you be such an idiot, Brae?

"Fine," I said, "you got me. I'm not a servant - more even, I'm a spy-"

"For which side?"

I saw sparked before my eyes, as he made my head bump into the wall behind me.

"Ah.. For the only side. For king Lordshire. I'm making sure everything works properly - if you don't let me go, you could get in troubles, I know all about you. But you'll be happy to hear you've passed!"

He loosened his grip a bit, eying me more intrigued than suspiciously.
"I have?"

"Sure," I grinned. Lordshire should actually have someone for that checking job. "You're doing your job just marvelously.. Of course, unless you let me go right now, I'll be forced to write otherwise."
*

Miranda hugged me the moment I stepped back to the HQ, this time even before the kids got their chance. I hugged her back somewhat surprised - I knew she cared, but until that moment, I couldn't have told that she cared that much. I almost mocked her about missing me, but I kept my mouth shut.

"What did you find out?" She asked. Her hands slid from my shoulders, but I didn't let her go.

"He has people who try everything before he eats it," I said. "From what I got, that's more of the que- his wife's idea than his own, but comes to the same. They walk around accompanied by guards at all hours, and lock their doors as they go to sleep. He doesn't visit the kitchens, probably so something wouldn't drop on his clothes.. To get details on his schedule, however, I'd have to get really close to himself, his wife or the closest guards, so I'm afraid I can't tell you much about that - also he has a diamond head of himself on his cane."

Miranda smiled a little.
"You mention that every time."

"I still find it equally amusing."

"Anything else?"

I bit my lip again - a habit which, I was sure, she knew what meant. Miranda eyed me suspiciously, and I could tell even if I weren't touching her that she was worried about me lying to her. To be honest, that never really happened; though I did tend to bend the truth a little now and then.

"Your sister was in the castle," I said.

"What? Yamani?"

"How many sisters do you have?"

"How do you know? Did her and Lordshire-"

"She was in disguise, and really good one. She bumped into me in the kitchens."

"What else do you know? Tell me everything, now."

I scowled at the order, but said nothing about it.
"She's planning, just like us. She wants to stop waiting and get herself to the throne, and is in love with her most trusted man. Reminds you of someone?"

"Shut up. What else?"

I hesitated.
"She got a message from Spider king - Erillian, do you know him? And she doesn't know who I am."

"Why didn't you do something?"

"Like what?" I asked, though I knew the answer. It wouldn't have been so hard to get her out as my prisoner. But then..what would be then? I wasn't sure I'd be able to stop Miranda from hurting her, I knew what she did to her sister's lover just because she could. She hated them equally, and I could understand that, but I couldn't stop thinking of Alice and Lewis. If someone did something to Miranda back when she was pregnant...
I shook my head.
"They'd know it was me if I killed her. I'd get in their dungeons and you'd never see me again. Maybe she takes care of Lordshire for us - let it be for a while, we shouldn't rush it now."
***

Yamani (Queen of Hearts)

The man didn't buy it. I eyed him suspiciously.

"They call me Hatter." He gestured at his hat stupidly. "It's because of the hat."

I stared at him for a long moment. He can't be that stupid...can he? No..his eyes are too intelligent. He's lying-- like I am...what side does he work for?

He bit his lip and moved to the side.I looked at him suspiciously, and then jogged past him. I stopped just around the corner, and pressed my back into the cold wall, breathing heavily-- more from fear than actual exertion.

"Stupid..." I shouldn't have come. I realized that now. But it was too late to turn back, I was already here-- so I took a deep breath, and pressed on. The castle wasn't much changed from when I ruled. The lower levels, where I was, was in a further state of disrepair than I ever let it get to-- and there were mirrors everywhere.

I rolled my eyes, but approached one, and looked in it. My disguise was flawless. I looked like a scruffy little boy-- nothing more. I (proudly) noticed that I could even make my eyes look lazy and stupid. Good.

Suddenly a boy scrambled around the corner, coughing and gasping, falling, clawing his way to his feet, then falling again. I stepped back, careful to stay out of his arm's reach. "H-help. Come here. Help me!"

"W-what's the matter?" I asked, cautiously approaching him.

"N-news. Here. Take it." He pressed a letter into my hands. "Take it to the King. Quickly. It's important."

"What? No!" I said, trying to thrust the letter back into the boy's hands.

"I-I..." He broke off in a fit of coughing. He weakly slumped against the wall, and closed his eyes, wheezing. "Please. It's important."

"What is it?"

"The bitch Queen of Hearts is still alive." He said weakly. "Please, take it."

I glared at him, holding the letter. Maybe I should take this...make it disappear. That's what I should do, actually-- disappear.

"Alright, fine, I'll take th' letter t' th' King." I said.

The boy nodded, then fell back, and seemed to fall asleep. I started away from him, looking down at the letter. I glanced around nervously, then up, and was a bit startled to see the form of a person standing, watching-- though I couldn't tell who it was. The form moved into light, and my stomach lurched when I saw who it was. "What letter do you have for me?"

I swallowed hard. "Uh, yessir, I do."

"Well, what are you waiting for, bring it here."

"Yessir." I bowed my head and trudged toward the stairs to my left, my pulse pounding in my ears. Oh my god. I don't even have a sword. Or a gun. Or Haigha.

I considered making a break for it; but didn't figure I'd make it. Nope. The only chance you have now is if your disguise holds up. I climbed the stairs, and approached Lordshire submissively, holding the letter out to him.

He took the letter from me and unfolded it quickly. I examined him as he read. He didn't look much older, but seemed to be enjoying the throne. His suit made out of fine materials, his cane--I scoffed when I saw his cane, only barely concealing it as a cough.

He glanced at my irritably.

"'cuse me, sir." I said apologetically.

I couldn't read his expression, but he went back to the letter, and I carefully extracted myself. Once I was outside the palace, well away from the guards, I ran. I sprinted as quickly as I could to the front of Lordie's Joint, where Haigha and the Rook were still standing.

"Come on!" I panted, slapping their backs, making them jump like they'd been shot.

Haigha looked at me inquisitively, worriedly.

"Not now. Let's go. I just want to go home."

I turned and briskly started toward the caves.

Miss Tabitha Marxill Kitshire - Where isn't she at?

I groaned, flexing my body as my mind cleared from the fog of sleep. I smiled at the thought of my dream, I was the Queen on Wonderland City. Oh it was glorious, and so boring. I don't do cities. I raised my right forepaw and started licking it absentmindedly. I do like ruling, though. Maybe cats. Not humans, they're too obnoxious.

I felt a gust of wind hit my body, rustling my fur. I looked around to say who could be causing that whenever I see a bird spiraling towards me.

"Awhooaarrreecchhh!" I howled at the top of my lungs. My body drops, and I narrowly avoid the predator. I dropped once again, and I could see the outline of some people down below. Looked like some guards.

“Darn you, dreams!” I shouted to no one in particular. This has been happening more and more ever since… Ever since I started talking to Yamani. Eh, she’s good company. I blame it on Luther.

I let the effects of my dream wear off as I cleaned myself. I eventually saw why the guards were out in the open. They were making a path for Haigha to the City. After he left the cave, the guards marched back in. I saw Minerva following him. Ooh, someone to chat with. I landed with a soft plump next to the last guard to go into the cave and he jumped, almost stepping on my tail.

“Excuse you!” I said, flicking my tail at him, and he nearly fainted. I smiled at the sight of him running back into the cave and I turned invisible, following the trail that Haigha and Minerva took. Oh, my this will be fun. I quickly started gliding, catching up with them. This was more fun than anything I had done in weeks. My smile appeared from out of nowhere, and I could see Haigha staring at me through the corners of his eyes.

I flitted around, darting in and out of Haigha’s legs, almost causing him to trip multiple times. If he could speak, I swear he would have done much more than that, but he just continued to glare at me anytime I got near him. My gliding wore off and I just started padding next to Minerva, who was more than a little amused about this entire encounter.

“Minvera, enlighten me, I’m bored, and I do love a good discussion.” I swear I could hear Hiagha’s glare at the side of my skull.

“Hmm, okay, I guess I could give you something I have been working on.” My smile reached my ears. “Could we time travel?”

Luther popped out, but I managed to keep him in and my tail swished back and forth slowly. “Oh, that is certainly possible.”

“Really?” I nodded enthusiastically. “Please, do tell Miss Tabitha.”

“How long until the city?” I asked, preparing my hypothesis.

“Thirty minutes, if we go the back way.” Minerva replied amusingly.

“The back way it is, get ready for the theory of your life.”




Minerva was persistent, if anything. I like that.

We had been debating for over an hour when she stopped. “Hmm, I guess we split off with Haigha.”

“Oh yes, he went off ways away. I do agree that the black holes are the keys of everything, but the concept of wormholes itself is the going to be the first attempts at time travelling.”

She didn’t say anything. “Minerva?” She shushed me and pointed. We had somehow arrived at the footsteps of the castle. “Ooh, this is shiny.” I said, my tail flicking to the right at the thought.

“Shouldn’t we go look for Yamani?” Minerva asked and slowly walked back.

“You could, I think I saw a mouse that needed attending to.”