A long time ago, when I was just a child, I fell down a tunneling hole and landed in a mysterious world. I once loved that world. It was unlike any other world, but it was certain that there was no return.

 

                  When I came to this world, I met with many strange people: A dismissive rabbit, a strict woman and her children, two jolly twins, and a cunning Cat. But there were two I could never forget: a man who had lost his mind and a hare who never had one to begin with. For days I was content with their sense of wonder, their thrill of excitement, and their pure insanity.

But one day that all changed.

I woke up to the sound of marching and the sight of only one thing: redness. Before my very eyes were millions of soldiers, armed to the teeth. I was taken away to the castle in the red haze I saw every day but was never to go near to. That very day is forever known in this world as the day of betrayal: the betrayal of me, and also the death.

 

And by that time the day was over, I was seated on a golden throne, I had thousands of men and women kneeling before me, I had a cold unmoving corpse, and I had a very, very bloody axe.

My name is Alyss; I am the Queen of Wonderland.

 

CHAPTER ONE

                  I woke up yet again to an empty castle. Did I even deserve to be called a Queen? Self-acclaimed royalty, I suppose that's what it was.

A queen would be someone respected, and in some cases someone who didn't need everything done by her own hand.

All I had to my name was but a crown and a mask that was my castle.

But I suppose a world so different didn't have such rules: a world like Wonderland.

 

                  Everyone in this world feared me. I didn't blame them-- I killed their last queen with my own hands. I try not to trip over her rotting corpse though I can never bring myself to look at the floor. She was better a queen than I could ever be. All the Knights disappeared just about a month after I became Queen. But perhaps that wasn't a month. It may have been years of being a dreadful ruler, a figure of sheer cruelty who ruled with an iron fist, instilling hatred and fear in the hearts of everyone who lived in Wonderland.

 

Or maybe... I had just gone mad.

 

Whichever it was I couldn't remember. But that's beside the point.

I hadn't heard any news of the hatter nor the hare ever since I was brought to the Red Castle. Perhaps they died too. They probably did. Or at least, my conscience wants to believe so.

Everything had aged, even myself. The saplings I used to play with had grown and withered even, the caterpillars had turned butterflies, the walls that guard me now moan and whine of their wish to crumble, but I refuse to let them.

 

                  Perhaps that is the reason I haven't been brave enough to look beyond the horizon. I never allowed those walls to crumble. I whispered the walls my secrets that I knew they could keep safe, I watched the outside grow through it's cracks.

It's ruins now breaking to pieces I can no longer count, taking my friendship to the grave.

And that was the reason I shan't ever let them die.

 

                  Today was in fact the Founding Festival. And I've decided to go for a walk, for once. I hadn't seen my so-called kingdom in a long while. I threw on a tattered robe and hid underneath it a dagger, should I have encountered any odds. With that, I left my castle.

 

                  The streets of the town had been miles different from my past memory. Before it was a merry crossing of red brick road, stalls that lined it with happy faces of people and their children as the little ones raced about cheerily with rosy tint on their faces. Now all was gone, the past structures were torn and disfigured, not a soul or creature in sight. Smiling faces now scowled angrily, but at least that would have been the case should there have been a face to look at.

 

                  Walking deeper and deeper in, I came to the woods, which an old friend dwelled. He was a lover of riddles and had a knack for misleading travelers. Travelers...like me. But that was a long time ago. Now, he snuck silently about the trees without regard of anyone but himself, instead mocking others and driving them insane. Insane. Just like the others...

It was less than unfortunate to be his prey.

 

"Oh? Oh, oh, now whom do we have here...?" he grinned leaning over from behind me with an inexistent body but a hand on my shoulder.

 

"I don't believe that it is the time to be speaking to me," my voice pierced deep with cold tone. I felt an arm wrap around my neck, tightening very slightly.

"I'd say otherwise, Alyss. Where are you headed?"

 

"What does it matter to you if I want to tour my land?" I hissed.

 

"These woods are far from what you have in thy cold grip, self-proclaimed princess," his grip tightened. I held it.

 

"You couldn't possibly charge me of treason if I just..." he leaned closer. Without hesitation, I withdrew my dagger and stabbed his arm, causing him to withdraw his hand immediately and snarl.

"That was evil,"

 

"It was the logical solution,"

 

"Oh but of course, logical to you could mean anything..." he smiled, turning faint. I looked at his wounded arm that was spouting immense amounts of blood. Feeling a slight pang of guilt, I tore the hem of my dress and wrapped his injury with it.

 

"I don't need your help," he pouted stubbornly.

 

"Just like how you said you were going to lead me somewhere nice that day? I don't trust a word of it," I muttered.

 

"That's adorable, you little monster," he said with a neutral tone. I assumed it as a positive remark.

 

As I finished, he gave me a soft kiss on the forehead.

 

"Go spread Hell, heartless Queen," his words faded into nothingness, and so did he.

 

                  I continued my journey to where another one lived: the first traitor. She led me to my demise and I didn't even see it coming, but I suppose that deserved respect.

 

But if the White Rabbit didn't deserve something, it was formality.

Azure was someone I hadn't seen since my supposed execution.

 

At my arrival, she peeked slowly out the window and opened the door a crack.

"Not to collect taxes, I hope?"

 

"No. But would the door open for a visit...?"

 

Hesitant, Azure opened the door.

"A little late for a visit. But I suppose that I was too," she murmured.

 

At the exact moment, another familiar face greeted me.

 

Riano, the pet of my old friends..

 

But fear clouded my eyes. If Riano were here, would they have been?

 

                 

 

 

                  Fortunately enough, my worries were eliminated at the sight of an empty home.

"Why is she here?" I stroked Riano slowly. She seemed to be the only one who still cared for me an equal amount as before. But she was an animal, after all.

 

"After Scarlett and Leon disappeared, I decided to adopt her. Nothing has been the same though..." she looked away, "All thanks to you," she muttered the phrase as softly as possible, but not soft enough.

 

"I come with a question. And I was hoping that you, being the one most appropriate to ask, could help me with it. You were, after all, my executioner..." I said, gazing into the distance. Azure stiffened significantly.

 

"W-What is it?"

 

"...For what reason was I to be executed?"

2: The Truth about Lies

"Well, to begin with, this was a land unbeknownst to any not of our kind," Azure began.

 

"But we are all the same, aren’t we?"

 

Azure laughed.

 

"No, no. You see, our kind are…well, "inexistent" to your material world. We are a figment of imagination. And we live off the belief of real people who believe in our existence. Our previous queen, Madam Briar Dempsey, was not heir by blood, but more of an heir by favor,"

 

"…I don't understand,"

 

"Ah, of course you don’t. It's something too difficult to wrap your head around, isn’t it? Well we are not born but dreamt, and created. On that note, we realized that such a feeble source of power was impossible to survive on, so we had to have someone. Here, someone who could directly manipulate us and control us. We are puppets to our Queen's control; listeners to our Queen's preaching,"

 

"But that's not right," I stood up, "You're capable of free thought,"

 

Azure clenched her fist and took a deep breath.

 

"Alyss…how long have you been our Queen…?"

 

I was reluctant to answer. Or rather, I was afraid of the words I would have uttered.

"I...I don't..."

 

"Those who were born to this world are incapable of freedom. Where we are is not real, and you are all that actually lives. We have been here forever, in an inescapable abyss. These bodies are spiritless; do you still fail to see that? All we are is a dream, which relies on the Queen's wonder. Our world crumbles on your failure to understand that you are the master of this world! Because you refuse to believe in this dream, we are dying. And so are you--"

 

Azure suddenly stopped.

 

                  But that was preceded by a bright splash scarlet, that I had caused. At her words that stabbed my heart numerous times I had brutally massacred her, yet I failed to feel guilt. So before me was an unmoving body in a pool of blood, a dormouse frightened to death, and a dagger-wielding hand badged in crimson, that belonged to me.

 

                  And yet, I still couldn't say why I was to be killed. But everyone was incapable of age; there would have been another whom knew the answer. There was another wise creature who I personally had no regard for, and now his memory was to come to use. But it was dusk, and a land foreign like this is nowhere near as safe as the Red Castle. The journey would have to be saved for tomorrow, but first I had to pay respect to someone.

 

                  Once I successfully buried Azure, carved a plaque and placed it there, I carried Riano back to the castle, without encountering a certain Cheshire. With her here, I was forced to bury the old Queen too. But I suppose it wasn't too awful since my hands were already filthy with substances beyond comprehension, and it was as good a time as any to get rid of the rotting pile of flesh and corroding bones.

 

                  The next day, I made my way to seek out Athelstan, the caterpillar who lived in the forest of mushrooms on the outskirts of my kingdom. He was known for lazing about constantly and smoking heavy amounts of tobacco, but in addition to this, was very knowledgeable. I walked past the decaying forests and deceased life, coming to a large clearing and with a no surprise; sitting in the middle was a tall bluenette in a long blue tailcoat and deep yellow eyes. His thin-wire rimmed spectacles stared deep into me, and overshadowing him were a pair of spectacular sapphire wings. Butterfly wings.

 

"Athelstan," I greeted him with a bow, he doing the same.

 

He stood up and walked over to me, pointing his pipe and jabbing my chest with it.

"Care for a smoke?"

 

I pushed it away; "I'd rather not, thank you very much," Athelstan was infamous for piquing my temper with his insipid and confusing riddles.

 

"Suit yourself," he took a deep suck, "So what brings such a lovely, beautiful Queen to this decaying dump in which I, Athelstan Macaslan dwell with my vast knowledge of this land passed down by my father Absalom?"

 

"There is some history in this kingdom I rule that has remain anonymous to my knowledge," I looked around then leaned into his face, "However I believe the history I seek lies within yours. Care you share your great knowing, oh wise Athelstan?"

 

                  He laughed and leapt up to his giant purple-spotted fungus to take a seat.

 

"A long time ago, a young female realized her incapability of maintaining youth; to be more specific, the incapability of maintaining the wonder seen through the eyes only of youth. In this fear did she create a land where she could dwell in should she ever have she shut her eyes and began to dream. A land where things like 'time' and 'age' didn't matter. But of course, being human she too could not escape the cruel mistress that is time, and passed,"

"Age? That's nonsense as I've found it so far. If it's true you cannot age, how is it your father Absalom passed away?"

 

"I never did," he grinned widely, "Reincarnation and death are two very different things, Alyss,"

 

                  "Pressing on, with no sense of whimsicality to maintain this world's existence, the land she named quite literally 'Wonderland' began to crumble. The people began to realize how fragile their existence really was, and decided that in order to exist, there would have to constantly be a King or Queen: a child King or Queen. One who would believe what was told, a mind foolish enough to heed our needs, but also whimsically intelligent enough to support our land,"

 

                  He exhaled loudly, a large cloud of bluish-purple smoke shrouding my face. I blew it away with the waving of my hand.

 

"It still doesn't explain why Briar wanted me dead," I said firmly.

 

"Briar? That's familiar," he took another long suck, "Ah yes, Briar Dempsey. Briar was a real beauty, but I daresay she was a flower of thorns. A real arrogant little princess she was," he blew a puff of smoke out that formed the rough effigy of a rose.

 

"Thank you for the hint, but I can very well decipher the definition of the names 'Briar' and 'Dempsey'," I snapped.

 

"But she made such a great Queen with such a way to see wonder in mutiny. Nobody did ever get arrested for their actions, regardless how rebellious," he smiled.

 

"Besides me," I muttered.

 

"Ah, but I have yet to speak of that,"

 

"Well then we aren't exactly waiting for a new forest to sprout, speak already!"

 

"Patience, Alyss. Your name 'Acerbi' really does give the desired impression, such a heartless beast,"

 

"You overconfident, proud, conceited bastard, I just can't believe your arrogance," I barked in retort.

 

"Fine then. In continuation, we used the allure of enlightenment of diminishing youth to entice a King or Queen to rule our kingdom till whenever they might be incapable of doing so any longer. You broke this tradition, though 'twas Azure whom framed you for what was in fact her mistake. But I suppose you've already returned her the favor, no?" he smiled a crooked smile. I cringed.

 

"She made the cruel mistake of searching for another Queen. The self-centered rabbit never liked Briar and decided herself for a replacement. That fool, she deserved the bereavement by the hands of whom she sought that was coming to her. And for that I tip my hat to you, fair maiden," he paused to bow his head at me before continuing,

 

"She was seen by none other than yourself. later, you, with you spectacular sense of curiosity, followed her down to our Kingdom. You think that the Hatter and Hare betrayed you?" he glanced at me with a cold eye.

 

"Well…they—"

 

"They committed treason for you. The Queen heard rumors of a child being around to potentially steal her place, what with you foolishly parading yourself around her kingdom. But too young a child were you to see that you were in fact on her terrain. Thanks to the madman and insane bunny, she managed to trust that they were but rumors. But one day you simply decided to break the line, a naughty girl whom came a little too close to the walls of the Red Castle, didn't you?"

 

"I didn’t think she'd see me. And neither did I think she'd remember me,"

 

"You thought wrong. The reason the land crumbles is because you realized the reality of the world that is to fight for survival, the exact moment you massacred Briar, you knew that for one to be eternally youthful was possible in this land, but to stay youthful without battling for your rightful life was impossible. And you know that you thought of all the above as your axe ran through her neck and Briar's body collapsed to the ground, her head looking back at you with those big, red, bleeding eyes. I spoke these words true, of course?"

 

I shut my eyes and swiftly turned around on my heel, trying to hide my face.

"T-Thank you, Mr. Macaslan, though the information you have provided me is already sufficient for today," I wiped a tear from my eye.

 

"I admire that you try to hide even though I am all knowing. Here, have a smoke,"

 

"No, I'd rath—"

 

"That was not a question, 'twas an order," he handed me the pipe. I sighed and took a long, deep suck of tobacco and felt it fill up my lungs, then exhaled it out and felt it run through my windpipe and swiftly release into the air in front of me. The light ultramarine smoke mixed with a soft tint of mauve, swirling around before me, forming abnormally shaped effigies of things I could make out to be landmarks of what used to be my kingdom's wonders. A grin spread across my face as I saw the greatness of the past before it met my vindictive annihilation.

 

"Now you see how it gives me such satisfaction," Athelstan smiled, "Now be off,"

3: Darkness Lurks Where the Beast Does

I walked through the forest of mushrooms yet again, and seeing the Duchess' palace in the distance, made my mind to pay her a visit.

 

"The Duchess…yes, it's been very long since I've seen the woman. Hideous I remembered her, but with true beauty at heart," I smiled, "Perhaps she does recall me to be still the fine and innocent character I was in her presence as a child?"

 

Walking to her doorstep, I held the knocker firmly in my hand and banged it on the door three times, just like I used to.

 

An empty silence preceded another three knocks.

 

Fed up, I walked around the surrounding area, in hope to find an open entrance. Sure enough, the back door to the kitchen was open. The windows were boarded but through the cracks I could see the entire kitchen coated in a layer of grey powder. Pepper, I speculated it to be. I recalled the Duchess' chef to have an atypical obsession for the semi-spicy, sneeze-arousing ground and dried plant seed. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door, not surprised to find the area behind it so full of pepper it took me a good lot of strength to impel it forward.

 

"Ah, your Majesty. What brings you back to my mistress' fine quarters? I must indeed state that you didn't particularly enjoy your previous visit, what with her child becoming a pig once in your arms, so what influenced your return?" the chef greeted me with much more pleasant tone than my preceding visit.

 

"Fine memories they were, I must admit, though I confess it wasn't particularly pleasant to have a child become such a," I paused to think of an adjective that suited my intention yet didn't sound particularly offensive, but failing, I continued, "creature, at the touch of my hand,"

 

"Indeed," he grinned, "One does not simply expect it from the likes of a tourist. Are you here to see my mistress?"

 

"I am indeed. Where art she?"

 

"I mean no impertinence in the speech I utter, your Highness, but to say the least, The Duchess isn't precisely wanting to see to company at the moment,"

 

"Is that so?" I tilted my head to my left, looking at him queerly, "I thought I remembered seeing her not too long ago,"

 

"Well your Greatness," he took a short bow, "Without intent of rudeness, your visit was indeed the reason for her decision,"

 

I looked at the ground that was indeed coated greatly in the grey powdery substance. I tried to pull my feet out of it to take a few steps about the area.

"Oh, I beg your pardon, your Majesty," he clapped twice. A wooden broom in the corner sprang to life and hurriedly dusted away the pepper that lay in my path.

 

"Do hold your breath, your Majesty," he tapped my shoulder politely in warning.

 

The wooden broom then resumed its position in the corner of the kitchen. I glanced at the crockery in the room. They were dusty and most definitely coated in the same substance that coated everything. The water in the sink was murky and thick and most repulsive, on its surface too a coat of pepper. Inside it was piles of bronze pots, steel pans, painted porcelain tableware, and corroding rusted silverware.

 

"Have you not been cooking?"

 

Sighing, the poignant chef replied,

"It is because The Duchess has refused all my dishes. She refuses the company of her own children, even. Or rather, who's left of them," he moaned, "Oh, hark! What's a hopeless chef to do but rot if he cannot produce a dish that his mistress doesn't refuse to consume?"

 

"Halt your insipid complaining," I snapped, "What is it you mean upon saying 'who's left of her children'?"

 

His eyes widened in question.

"Dost your Highness not recall her order of a year ago?" he asked, furrowing his brow.

 

"I…I don't…" I stuttered. What did I do that would have slipped my mind? Was it so cruel I compelled my mind to forget it?

 

"On the 208^th day of the fourteenth year of your reign, you ordered for all they whom had not touched the eighteenth year of their existence be executed to decrease the superfluous population,"

 

I felt my knees go weak. I glanced at my hands. Even at the being of twenty-three years, had I not put myself through enough? And why was it that all my memories seemed to fade as soon as they came. Was there something wrong with me? Was I even in the right mind now? It felt ghastly, the mild paranoia of dementia drifting over me like a sinister murderer, trying to destroy the last of my common decency as a living being.

 

"Well, only her first child survived your order. But not long after, she too disappeared. Enraged was she over her siblings' passing. But The Duchess is dying, she is. She is no longer the blossoming youth she once was,"

 

I sighed, then trudging through the pepper and to the pitiful young man placed my hand upon his shoulder.

"If she doesn't wish for your services any longer, come then to my Red Castle to be of assistance to me. Admittedly I myself have barely eaten a decent meal since being alone. I'd be most thankful for your service,"

 

His eyes lit up with glee.

"Oh! Your Majesty shall not regret her decision! I am indeed most gracious for your offer and will gladly accept!"

 

"Fine then. Make your way now to the Red Castle. But do promise me, that my kitchen shall not end up in the sorry state this one is in,"

 

"But of course! My love for the spice has greatly depleted. Please, do be expecting a grand spread upon your return," he raced out the door with a handful of crockery and whatnot, content as one could be. Halfway through the path out, he turned around and cried,

"Oh, and your Majesty?"

 

"What is it?"
 

"If you're to search the vicinity, I strongly suggest the company of a weapon. Do be wary of the Prejudie that's been lurking around the house. It's quite fond of the dimmer areas, so do be most careful around the basement and such,"

 

 

                  I nodded. Prejudie were menacing creatures: its effigy was of a typical human, but it's hair were large spikes and thorns with sharp claws, hands and feet guarded with thick, rough and leathery skin, bodies with metallic scales that released the occasional venomous puff of lethal gas.

 

                  But seeing Maxius in such a jovial state, I was finally able to see myself in a light not quite as dim and pitiful as I used to. With that, I, lifting up the skirt of my dress, then forcefully kicked the door down. Rodents scurried about the place, cobwebs full of insects rotting on them with no spiders to consume their sorry souls.

 

                  I brushed my dress down and began walking about. I made my way up the rickety steps that gave way as I stepped upon them, and as I fell halfway through the wooden planks its sharp edges ripping through my skirt and the corset. I recollected my thoughts and scraped myself out of that miserable position. My skin was bruised and cut all over. I took soft but large steps to the Duchess' room and made attempts to break down the door. It seemed to be boarded on the other side.

 

I looked around.

 

                  The castle was full of antique furnishing coated in an unpleasant combination of dust and pepper that was naturally sickening to my tongue as bits of the two substances drifted in while I opened my mouth to cough. I made an effort to enter all the rooms but for some reason, every door was either locked or boarded on the other side. I had to find keys. I walked to the cupboard by the main entrance, opening it in which I discovered a mysterious key. I tested the rooms of the Duchess' children, but eventually found it led to a spare bedroom. It was very dark and eerie, but I suppose so was every other miserable part of the pathetic castle. I was, after all, Alyss Acerbi. I would, after all, know a great deal about the misery of the darkest and eerie of the darkest and eeriest places.

 

                  I took a step forward and the floorboards crumbled, revealing the basement below. It was pitch black; I couldn't make out the faintest sight. I sighed, walking around the brittle wood and raiding the shelves. Unfortunately, my search ended in vain. I sat on the bed in disappointment, hearing a loud creak. A hard, long, pointed object was beneath my bottom, making me stand up immediately. I grabbed my ruby dagger and sliced a long slit through the mattress, finding a small brass key. I grinned, taking the key in my hands.

 

                  I glanced down at the hole. I took a deep breath and leapt down. I had been through a lot in my life, but I still felt goose bumps run through my skin each time I was faced with the need to enter a shady vicinity. It took a good while for my pupils to dilate enough for me to find my way about the area. There was nothing much, really. But then a terrible odor shrouded the basement, and I stiffened. A loud growl swirled about, as I looked up to see a large Prejudie gripping onto the walls with its muscular hands and legs, extending its neck to growl at me. Its long tail waved about. I stayed perfectly still.

 

                  It released another puff of smoke into the air. I took very slow, deep breaths. It would reduce the intake of venom. The Prejudie leapt down and began walking around me. I took a single step forward. With no hesitation, it lashed at me with its tail, upon seeing the 2-second moment where I jumped to evade it in which the Prejudie charged at me with its head of thorns. I drew my dagger and slashed at the grey spikes as quickly as they came at me, cutting some off. The creature yelped and took a few steps back, caressing its wounds with strokes of its paws and licking away the flowing blood.

 

"I want nothing to do with you,"

 

                  It chuffed at me, turning away. They were arrogant creatures, not very fond of being told what to do.

 

"Well if you're to keep attacking me I'll have to eventually kill you. All I'm wanting is to find a way into The Duchess' chambers. Oh, but what good is it talking to a Prejudie like you…"

 

I turned away, grinning. Prejudie couldn't resist taunts.

 

                  Determined to prove itself, the creature growled, running ahead of me and knocking down a wooden wall. There stood a statue of Briar Dempsey, wielding the Emerald Blade. She was commonly bias to the people of the Clover Hill, for their preference of charm and grace over the Spade Forest's hard work, the Diamond Creek's intelligence or Heart Village's cunning. Each clan had their own sacred weapon: Spade's Bloodstone Axe, Diamond's Frostbite Gun, Heart's Amber-Edge Mace, and Clover's Emerald Blade. The grand sword was a gift from the people for her help to them; it was no surprise to find it here in The Duchess' castle. I tried to pry it from the statue's hand, but it didn't budge. I grabbed my own ruby dagger and stuck it between its fingers, but the stone was absolutely unbreakable. I sighed.

 

                  Behind me, the Prejudie scoffed.

 

"Oh, as if you could do better," I taunted.

 

                  It snarled, charging at the statue and knocking it over. It coiled its tail around the arm and swiftly broke it off like a piece of butter, then tossed the sword at me. It then stood in a ready position, grinning to show its razor-sharp teeth.

 

I caught the sword and ran my fingers on the blade. Smooth, as well as hard. Diamond coated.
"A challenge? After I sliced off your horns? That's some pluck," I pointed my newly obtained Emerald Blade at it.

 

                  The Prejudie sprinted up to me and struck me with a hard kick; it was clear now the people's preference of soft and gentle woolen cloths over the Prejudie's protective and stiff skin. I anchored myself with the tip of the sword in the ground as my feet slowed me gliding across the floor. Using the blade as a pivot, I twirled about and leapt at it, slashing its metallic scales with a loud clashing noise. The scales were badly dented. Almost every bit of poison leaked out, billowing around the area. I waved the Emerald Blade about to try clear the smoke; the Blade had healing and cleansing abilities, which helped a great deal. It was incapable of killing, but could do a great deal of damage as it was.

 

The foul creature growled, skidding across the floor.

 

"Get up!" I demanded, "I'm not done with you,"

 

Staggering to its feet, it ruthlessly charged straight at me, jaws wide open and claws directed straight.

 

I stood still.

 

Every last puff of dangerously lethal smoke was being released, as it came closer.

 

No movement.

 

The metal scales straightened, rearranging to form two sharp blades on either side of the Prejudie in a crescent formation.

 

Just a little longer.

 

Every possible weapon in its body was aimed directly at me.

 

Now.

 

                  Deep red fluid leaked onto the cold, hard ground. A single body lay lifelessly on the ground. Every possible weapon in its body was drenched in blood. But so was my blade.

 

I pulled it out of the creature's tight bite, and stabbed it an extra time in triumph.

"Some way to treat someone who's helped you, but your help was just another step to your demise," I smirked, dragging the blade along the ground as it left a trail of scarlet liquid to trickle onto the ground.

4: The Crazed Cook Makes Meals for the Insane

                  As I ventured deeper into the basement, I tested every possible door on the way out, but alas none would open. Eventually I came to the stairway that led up again. I carefully made my way upstairs to the Duchess' chambers, then carefully slid the key in and heard a beautiful clicking sound, then proceeded to place my hand on the brass knob and turn it ever so gently, and then open the door…

 

…Only to see, what had to be the most disappointingly horrific sights, before my very eyes.

 

                  And before my very eyes was the sight of the Duchess' decomposing cadaver chained to a brittle wooden chair, her flesh dark and putrefied, maggots and insects eating through her skin and pouring through her orifices, her eyes utterly disintegrated leaving empty sockets where some ants had made their shelter in her skull. All of which was surrounded by a sickening stench that penetrated the walls of the room.

 

"Well, this is most disappointing…" I sighed. I had truly enjoyed her company in times of apprehension, and no time did cause me as much despondency as the current.

I broke the chains off and carried the disgusting cadaver to the gardens, where I once again was required to bury a dead body. I looked at the miserably empty house once more. I had looted it of all it's worth, not to mention slain the pest of a Prejudie that lurked in it. It was time.

 

                  I set the mansion ablaze, watching the glowing flames flicker and catch onto each different element, as if a parasite conquering a host. I saw bits and pieces of wood, catching fire and crumbling before me, turning black and then to ash; the piercing smell of the dark cloud of smoke, billowing as I stood silently and gazed into the glow of destruction.

 

At least this time, I left with a prize for my hardships.

 

                  I strolled through the forest, my sword wrapped in a measure of curtain I tore down from the window before it burned to ash. I didn't want to be seen with it just yet. The Clover people wouldn't be pleased to find their sacred weapon in the hands of their favorite's murderer, especially not on their land.

 

To occupy myself, I tried to recollect what I had done in my reign.

 

What hadn’t I done, though?

 

What hadn't I done to cause my people misery and despair? I had ordered the killing of children, and as I even recalled, the burning of all landmarks. What was I afraid of? That I was trapped in a downward spiral of a reality? That doing such things would somehow awaken me from this hellish nightmare? Was my paranoia compelling me to destroy such things of whimsicality? Such curiosity? Such…wonder?

 

Wonder.

 

"Why, if it isn't the woman of red…"

 

                  I turned rapidly to see whom the voice that interrupted my thoughts belonged too. And sure enough, I had before me the most maddening creature I had come to meet.

"Cheshire," I rolled my eyes. His loathsome attitude I was most certainly not in the mood for. I turned to continue my journey. His presence was not worthy of my precious time.

 

"Oh what's this now? Have you respect for nobody? But why would I expect you to, you're the "almighty" in this kingdom," he purred.

 

"Silence, fool. I haven’t the time to lose to anybody, especially not to the likes of you. In case you haven't realized, I am needing to return to my castle with haste,"

 

He raised his eyebrow skeptically.

"What are you hiding? Did you take something you shouldn't have? Thief,"

 

"What makes you think such?"

 

He leapt in front of me and hissed. Without hesitation, I withdrew the Emerald Blade and positioned it directly below his chin.

"Ah, so right I was," he stood on his haunches and waved his tail excitedly, "You did steal it indeed. I'm curious though, the stone she used was charmed against human hands. How did you obtain it?"

 

I smirked.

"In the manor dwelled a beast of vicious cruelty, inhumane was its love to inflict such pain; an arrogant monster that so easily was taunted, brought weapon to master then was in turn, so cruelly slain,"

 

 

He laughed.

"So you taunted a Prejudie into destroying the statue for you? Such intelligence is wasted not upon you, then. I daresay your name suit you well,"

 

"You aren't the first to say so," I recalled Athelstan's similar words. I continued walking, keeping in mind that I would be on my own territory after passing through Cheshire's forest. It was once the territory of Hearts, but was now considered to be a neutral zone, since Cheshire was now, in turn, a neutral party.

 

"This is most enjoyable," he smiled.

 

"Is that so? Only on your part, then," I groaned, exhausted.

 

"…Just as a note, you realize how badly you rule Wonderland, don't you?" he dropped to a serious tone.

 

I stopped immediately.

"Well. Who doesn't…?" I replied.

 

"Your people…they abhor you. Especially the people of Clover," he continued.

 

"Please; if they hated me so, why didn't they come for my head?' I retorted.

 

"Oh, they will," he smiled dismissively, his words nonchalant but their intentions much the opposite, "Trust me, heed my warning when I say they will…" his voice trailed off as his body vanished.

 

I took a deep breath.

Someone was posing a threat to me. I was raised by Spade so it'd implausibly be them, but Clover was undoubtedly a candidate for suspicion. Someone I had caused great misfortune.

 

At that thought, a handful of people came to mind. More than a handful, in point of fact.

 

I arrived to the gate of the Castle.

"Maxius! Open the gate!" I cried.

 

A short pause and a reply came, "Just a second, your Majesty!"

I heard the hushed sound of multiple footsteps racing around. Strange. Combining the information from Cheshire, trepidation overcame me.

 

"Ah, good evening your Majesty. How were the fruits of your exploration?" he greeted me warmly at the doorstep.

 

"Good evening…" my concerned voice uttered, but all my worries drifted away as I caught a whiff of the delicious aroma that drifted through my hallway.

 

"Mm… You've been at work since my departure, it'd seem clear," I strode straight into the dining room (which had been meticulously cleaned, mind) and sat myself in the grand velvet chair at the head of the long table, then with no vacillation began to wolf down the food that Maxius had prepared. His excited face stood by me, beaming with pride.

 

"I-Is it to your liking, your Majesty?" he enquired.

 

"Very much so, thank you. I daresay that the Duchess hath lost one of her most valuable assets with my hiring of your services," I smiled, finishing my meal.

 

"I am most flattered, your Highness. Please leave the rest to me; your humble servant shall proceed with the cleaning," he stacked the plates skillfully upon his arms and walked into the kitchen.

 

                  Satisfied, I sat in the chair laying my head back in contentment. When was the last time I had such a fulfilling meal? Not in a long time, for sure. The food in this part of Wonderland was far from appetizing in most cases— the Spade people were hard workers, their architecture impeccably designed and distinct. The food cooked here was more so, but in terms of its eccentric and unappetizing flavor, to say the least. Fortunately, Maxius was a man of Hearts.

 

                  I left Maxius to his work, and continued upstairs to my chambers where I positioned my fatigued body upon my bright-red silk divan, relaxing my back as my eyelids dragged shut and lethargy overcame me. The hours drifted by, as I paid no mind to the sun's movement upon the horizon. Alas I awoke at the break of dawn, stretching with satisfaction to the first beams of dawn light slicing through the ragged gray curtains onto my face. I walked downstairs, suddenly stopping. A distress-inducing sound came to my ears: the voices of discourse. Puzzled, I ran down and straight into the kitchen. Maxius stood alone, looking at a complete loss.

 

"Oh, good den, your Highness," he greeted my politely.

 

"Ay. Maxius, was that the sound of discourse I heard? And with whom?" I questioned.

 

"Oh, no, your Highness. 'Twas but myself wondering what should I prepare in my cooking. Why do you ask, though?" he replied innocently.

 

Suspicion arose within me. Surely Maxius was lying? Or did my ears lie to me? I didn't doubt the latter; after all, I was mentally questionable to some extent surely. I put my mind to peace—I was quite sure that Maxius was simply a little mad in the head. Besides, he had been in the Duchess' dying castle, cooking food for a deceased woman who he believed to be simply persnickety. I believed that he was just a bit misunderstood.

 

"No reason. Say, I'm famished. Prepare me another feast, ye?" I declared.

 

"Without hesitation, your Majesty!" he happily returned to his work.

 

After all, I had no reason to believe that he had any ill intent whatsoever.

5: An Author's Note [Not a Chapter]

Hello Dear Readers!

I'm Reynn, the author of Alyss of Wonderland.
I've read the reviews and comments left on this story so far and I must say that I am very happy to hear that you are all enjoying my work! I also apologize to all those who were following the series, as my lack of initiative, creativity and in general, utter laziness, caused me to procrastinate out of furthering Alyss' adventures. I'd like to know what kind of things you would like to see in this book-- I want to get suggestions to widen my limited mindset. So, just what is it that would make this better? Romance? Violence? Mystery? More violence? New characters? Adventures to the land of Diamonds and Hearts? I'd simply love to hear what kind of ideas you think would improve Alyss tale!

 

Alyss in Wonderland is one of the first books I've written (and the only one that I have intent of finishing, truth be told) and I can say that I am genuinely moved by your positive and helpful critique. I'm 100% motivated to keep delivering the quality of work that I am writing now, if not work of even higher standards.

 

I hope that you, as a reader, will enjoy the mystery and adventure of Alyss the Queen of Wonderland as she embarks on this story that I have tailored her; please continue to support the series!

 

Sincere thanks
Reynn

6: A Cheap Discontinuation

I'm sorry to say that, as you may have noticed, this series is no longer being written. I appreciate the support and reviews of everyone who has read this so far; this story has become a great influence on how I write now. This story was poorly planned without any direction, and I realised that I couldn't keep writing it because of this. I wasn't happy with where it was going and looking on it now I see a lot of things that I would want to change. Having gone through the last few years of education in literature has really opened my eyes, and continuing it in college will hopefully help my new stories blossom into more sensational reads. To be blunt, I was 13 when wrote AoW. My chuunibyou days are now something to reminisce, and I'd like to show how I've improved since then.

 

Meanwhile, you may have noticed that I've begun work on a new series called 'Criminal Fiction'. I've been planning this series for the past 2 years and began writing it this year, and as is I'm significantly more satisfied with this story than Alyss of Wonderland. The story is also dystopian, albeit not with typical fantasy elements. I feel that the concept for Criminal Fiction (CrimFic, for short) is significantly more in depth and intriguing than Alyss of Wonderland, and I've done my best during the planning phase to mix a lot of dimension into it. Unlike Alyss of Wonderland, CrimFic has multiple perspectives and is written in 3rd person. CrimFic is still being planned and developed as is, and compared to AoW it has significantly more character development and (in my opinion) a more original storyline.

 

I apologise if I've let any readers down, but I hope that you will support the development of CrimFic. Thank you very much.

 

- Reynn