‘’ So this is where the Hatter lives?’’ I look at the worn-down mill with a disgusted emotion on my face. Cosy, I believe the sarcastic word is. After a long walk through the Tulgey Swamps we finally get to see the Hatter. I can’t wait to meet him. Never in my daydreams would I believe it is possible to actually meet him!copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZmzNUNTDn
‘’ Yep. With the March Hare. They don’t really live in there though; they mainly just sit at their table and pretend it’s always tea-time.’’ He raises his purple eyebrows. Obviously he judges the activities of the Mad Hatter. Absurd.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VL4gIKzge
‘’ Well. That sounds sane to me.’’ I start to stroll over the Mill. Where’s the table? Is it round the back of the Mill?copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaSA9PFNTk
‘’ A Very Happy Unbirthday to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!’’ I hear from over the back of the Mill. I point over by the Mill and glance at Ches. He nods and disappears. Maybe he and the Hatter don’t get along.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zkp97jX0W
I still here the Unbirthday Song being chorused throughout the land. And I finally go inside the Mill. Well (in the kindest words possible), I would describe the Mill as ‘I would be surprised if anyone inhabited the place’. After dodging all the strewn items across the floor, I finally get to the back. And my mouth gapes open. {Author’s note: Venus is sixteen years old. I write the story in a sixteen year old’s perspective}copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5S698PTH6
This is definitely not like the rest of Murderland. It actually reminds me of the old Wonderland. It has emerald, ripe grass, a beautiful collection of Wonderlandian flowers (from talking ones to ones that actually grow cakes!) and even a striking tree. Right in the middle of it all is the table. It has an assortment of untouched cakes and numerous pots of tea on its snowy tablecloth. Sitting on the chairs are Absolem (sapphire and old as ever), the March Hare (perfectly the same which makes me glad) and the Mad Hatter (he’s much more attractive in real life than in the movies and books.) He has very sharp cheekbones and jawline with no makeup on him at all. He looks younger than in the movies and books. Maybe the movies and books were just making the Mad Hatter look more…mad. He still has his eminent inflamed frizzy hair and his top hat. He has the same clothes. He’s just younger. And beautiful.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ng0YqPEeJ
I cough clumsily into the conversation they were having. They all spun around to me. Absolem looks too old to care. The March Hare slants his head, confused. The Hatter’s expression was the best: he grinned an extremely broad smile.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgjjGsrZqr
‘’ Come dear. Is it your Unbirthday too?’’ He asks with a husky, excited voice. It’s quite sexy.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLwOSGXIAE
‘’ Indeed it is.’’ I smile. He gasps loudly.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI24J1vzGJ
‘’ Wooooooonderful.’’ He turns to the March Hare. ‘’ More tea!’’ He shouts.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF0CZG4qGv
‘’ More tea indeed Hatter!’’ Absolem answers. March Hare still looks confused.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCgor84oQE
‘’ Did we invite her? I don’t recognize her. But yes more tea!’’ He pours an extra cup.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fn6J68eFO
‘’ No we did not. However,’’ He turned back to me. ‘’ We do now! Come I need to ask you a question.’’ He grabs my hand and runs back over the table. I smile politely. He’s got soft hands. I sat next to Hatter in a sofa-like chair. ‘’ Why is a raven like a writing-desk?’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYuYAtEFUk
I purposefully think about it for a few seconds. ‘’ No idea.’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMXqaozfNq
‘’ Precisely. No one knows.’’ He grins. ‘’ Just like Alice.’’ His smile disappears. He looks down at his tea and sips it quietly.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR5hXPo543
‘’ Cheer up Hatter. It’s only been-‘’ March Hare looks at his broken watch. ‘’ Actually I don’t know. My watch is covered in tea.’’ He laughs manically.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡU22o0CSFhM
‘’ 3 years.’’ He puts down his tea. ‘’ 3 years Hare.’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡZryWSJlrZ8
‘’ That’s not that long.’’ He pours himself another tea even though he’s got three already.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡST0XbYNA4R
‘’ Never mind me.’’ He reaches up to take my hand. I smile inside me. ‘’ What’s your name dear?’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYUGnVifAz
‘’ Venus.’’ Hatter grins.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2z1BwTlRlk
‘’ Venus! I like that name!’’ He shook hands with me and suddenly clapped. ‘’ And what made you come to Wonderland?’’ I don’t correct him to Murderland. It feels wrong to do so.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0de0bqZY03
‘’ I fell.’’ I explain. ‘’ And I fell here. On the other side. You know.’’ He nods solemnly.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE1KkpGCFg
‘’ Yeah. Just like Alice.’’ His mood changed suddenly. He gasps loudly. ‘’ Would you be my Alice?’’ He asks. I know just what he means. He wants me to be exactly like the Old Alice. And you know, I will. I will be his next Alice. That’s if he consents my proposition…copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHQejm8Edt
‘’ Yes!’’ I confirm. He cheers eagerly. copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdHdeSEdRE
‘’ More tea! And you know what. I’ll have a cake.’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIiitCI9fn
The March Hare laughs again and lobs a cup of tea at Hatter. I attempt to elucidate my offer. ‘’ If.’’ I bellow.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡps4fGnCO2P
‘’ Hmm?’’ Hatter asks downing his tea.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡi13ZfhSTvK
‘’ I’ll be your Alice, if you help me bring down the Bloody Big Head.’’ He ponders about it.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMsQ5WtN5I
‘’ Yes. The Bloody Big Head should go.’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvafLRDnGG
Absolem opens his mouth. ‘’ Whenever I say this, you completely ignore me. But when she says it, you completely listen to her.’’ He slumps and sips his tea indignantly. Why did he call me she?copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYHgYWyRP4
‘’ I’ve been singing the Unbirthday Song when you start to say it that’s why.’’ He gasps again. He likes gasping a lot doesn’t he? ‘’ We need to sing it to you.’’ He taps my shoulder.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnQ5dW1GK7
‘’ And me.’’ Cheshire Cat emerges and sits on a table. I gasp. His teeth and eyes have disappeared.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVCAborPL7
‘’ Hello Ches.’’ Hatter says with a drone. Well. I need them both on taking the queen down. They have to be friends.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY6cf59NWZ
‘’ Give me a tea Hare, I need a tea for this Quest here you know.’’ The March Hare pours one and reluctantly gives it to Ches. He says thanks and sips his tea courteously.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzmIEAEFho
Hatter is actually at a defeat for words. He stares at Ches straining them suspiciously. ‘’ Why are you here?’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGkpgvNHkz
‘’ I took Venus here.’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPyW2N1bAY
His face glows brighter. ‘’ Well I will sing the Unbirthday Song for you, now.’’ I smirk, blushing under the tablecloth. He starts up in tune and suddenly an orchestra of instruments promenade with his voice. He hasn’t got a good voice but it’s still widely entertaining. He finishes the song with cakes in his hands.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡasxxab8ORp
‘’ One for you.’’ He puts a slice for Absolem. ‘’ One for you Hare.’’ The March Hare quivers and takes his slice graciously. ‘’ One for myself. Thank you, your welcome.’’ He puts a slice for him. ‘’ One for my former enemy but now he is my friend.’’ He puts one down for Ches. ‘’ And one for my Venus.’’ He puts a big slice on my plate.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE5x4l3S3n
I turn to Cheshire Cat. ‘’ Wait where are your teeth and eyes?’’ I point a bit rudely at him. Ches, however, laughs.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTdZPfMQrn
‘’ When I’m with the White Queen, I change my transformation. She thinks I’m on her side but really I’m not. I don’t like killing. It scares me a bit.’’ Hatter hoots.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCPl9ZxhOo
‘’ That was one of the reasons I hated you. You have to stand up for yourself with the Bloody Big Head’s reign.’’ Ches raises his eyebrows and Absolem starts puffing on his cigar. Cobalt flames erupt from the nozzle.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡG23MA77D0b
‘’ So who are you?’’ Absolem inquires me. Really this again? I can see why Alice got annoyed now…copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r4erTueKV
‘’ Venus.’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡByxrUGrrYf
‘’ I know you’re Venus. I want to know who you are?’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFiUrS2zw2
‘’ I don’t know.’’ Absolem nods a couple of times.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyuPNVJh9t
‘’ Good answer. I like her.’’ I nod gratefully. Hatter rises with his tea in his handcopyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL2JdXqEpp
‘’ A toast. For the good will and life of each and every one of us and this area of the only remaining Wonderland.’’ We all raise our teas as Hatter toasts and we all clink!copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf4caw5c6C
‘’ So what happened to Wonderland?’’ I ask, daring enough to say it now.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSaIHXErfO
Hatter puckers his lips and leans forward. ‘’ Jabberwocky.’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrAXaNUBrj
‘’ But that’s beheaded. Alice killed him.’’ I say with certainty.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mz5zKCEWJ
‘’ The brother is dead. This is the main one.’’ Absolem declares. ‘’ He burned the land down on the Red Queen’s orders with many of us dying. Alice was trying to help us but she got seized by the queen. She was taken into the castle along with McTwisp, Mally, Dee and Dum and Dodo and were all tortured and had adjustments to their bodies. It set a curse onto this land. ’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbBsUjqyKF
‘’ That’s horrible.’’ My eyes widen with fear and anger.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF6XDhLySc
‘’ It was. The White Queen then rebelled against her sister but was also tortured. Alice watched laughing at her.’’ Hatter speaks up. ‘’ I stood watching her from afar, trying to see the Alice I fell in love with.’’ He looks down upon his half-eaten cake. ‘’ I couldn’t find her. She’s gone now.’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTzsY8cBM9
‘’ But can’t they be brought back?’’ I ask dumbly. I know the answer already.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4kVwfeWNZ
‘’ No.’’ Hatter whispered, head shaking.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbFI8j0TRS
‘’ Actually.’’ Absolem interjected. ‘’ We can.’’ Hatter straightens up with a glint in his eye.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KMGcLOomB
‘’ We can?’’ Ches’ mouth agape. Absolem sighed most likely wondering why he was surrounded with a bunch of idiots. With his antennae, he pulls up a dusty, antique sheet of parchment. The March Hare quivers and pours tea on the table. It must be an imperative document.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHFSCc7R8V
‘’ The Oraculum will guide us.’’ Hatter face-palms his head.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡRK6xtfQt9H
‘’ Of course. Why didn’t I think of that?’’ He plucks his pocket-watch up and snaps its gold surface open. ‘’ No wonder. It’s Unbirthday time again.’’ He closes it with a loud snap, which stirs the March Hare who grabs two plates and starts banging them together.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgr8WETK2g
‘’ It’s always Unbirthday time.’’ Absolem mutters to me.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAX1sAdzsm
‘’ It’s…’’ Hatter begins. ‘’ A very very happy Unbirthday to you!’’ He points to the March Hare.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk7BRARH30
‘’ To me?’’ Hare points to himself.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡppgRydvsYy
‘’ To you!’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk8GmBhAbK
‘’ A very very happy Unbirthday to you too!’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡWG54hWE9EI
‘’ To me?’’ Hatter exclaims in shock.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ948qWGEs9C
‘’ To you too!’’ Hare shouts dispensing another cup of tea. Hatter gasps again. Does he ever stop gasping? It’s really a turn-off…copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SW9yjLQTW
‘’ We need a cake!’’ Hare proclaims. I cover my ears slightly. He is really loud.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQCGUUDz3h
Hatter echoes blissfully. ‘’ We need a cake!’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdmqEi6iKf
Absolem hisses. ‘’ You’ve had three!’’ He shakes his head dismissively.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡUL8RVGaGx3
‘’ Well we need our strength up for the big fight.’’ Ches decrees fairly. I look at the Oraculum being the interfering person I am. And I see… me! I’m on there, fighting the Jabberwocky #2 and Alice.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9TePO9snc
‘’ Absolem? Why am I on here?’’ I query. I’m not part of Wonderland. Then again, neither was Alice.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFp653pcm9
He exhales. ‘’ Because dear one, you are expected to save Wonderland. On Frabjous Day, your picture came on here fighting the Jabberwocky and replacing Alice.’’copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgUA8PhjvO
‘’ But why me?’’ I have nothing to do with Wonderland.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8YhmN5wgs
March Hare reads my mind. ‘’ You must have Wonderland blood.’’ He shrugs his shoulders and yet pours another (yes another) cup of tea. Do they even need to go to the bathroom?copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1787dcwpy
‘’ But my family is pure English.’’ Protesting, I sip my tea proudly.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRPBrYqJhW
‘’ Any one of them go mad?’’ Hatter asks. Now that I think about it…copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE5wVsj0YA
‘’ Great Aunt Greta, if I think about it.’’ I completely forgot about Greta. Mind you, everyone forgets about Greta.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGBBPJO2fd
Ches chokes on his cake. ‘’ You don’t mean Greta Thornbrush?’’ How does he know about her? She doesn’t live here on Murderland? Or does she…copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV5qxxoXgG
‘’ Yeah why?’’ Casually I wait for their reply. But it doesn’t come. There’s just this eerie silence, in which Hatter does nothing to try and break it off. Absolem sits there with a look of pure horror etched onto his face. March Hare starts shivering in fear every few seconds. Ches keeps disappearing and reappearing. Hatter has a genuine look of terror engraved onto his porcelain, defined face.copyright protection46ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOkZkfsEgq
Absolem at long last, has the audacity to speak up. ‘’ That is the mother of the Red and White Queen. My dear: you’re the daughter of the Red Queen.’’ And that’s when I shut off and just hear the buzzes of voices in my head. 50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnALt0i1pgh
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