Chapter 1 - Follow the White Rabbit

19th century London--

Kiera: See you tomorrow!

Shop Owner: I'd better! I'd be out of business if it weren't for you!

I flashed my boss one last smile before heading out into the cool night air. Big Ben stood before me, its hands positioned at 11 pm.

I had been so absorbed with trying to make a miniature sugar rabbit with big, floppy ears, that I'd completely lost track of time.

With a skip in my step, I made my way down the moonlit streets, careful to avoid the rumbling carriages nearby.

Just a few months ago I'd left my family in the countryside, moved to the city, and got a job at the most popular confectionery in London.

For someone like me who wishes they could live off of desserts alone, the job was an absolute dream come true.

(Everything's going so well at work-- the sugar cookies I designed always sell out by the end of the day, and I get along swimmingly with my boss.)

(My new life here isn't so bad either. I make an honest living doing what I love-- what more could I need?)

I didn't think I could be any happier with my entirely normal and uneventful life until--

???: Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!

(What's that commotion?)

I turned toward the direction in which the sound of frantic footsteps was coming from when--

???: Oh!

Kiera: Ouch!

The running man clipped me on the shoulder, nearly knocking me to the ground.

But his reflexes were just as quick his pace, and he caught me in his arms before I could hit the cobblestones.

???: Do forgive me, miss. Are you alright?

Kiera: Yes, I'm fine.

???: Thank heavens. I don't think I could ever have forgive myself if I'd caused harm to such a charming young lady.

('Charming young lady?' This had better not be a ploy to ask me on a date!)

???: I really wish I could stay and chat, but I'm rather late for an appointment. Good evening, miss.

The man gave me a quick wink before disappearing around the corner with a buoyant bounce.

(Guess he wasn't trying to pick me up. Can't say I would have minded if me didn't, though. I've never met a gentleman quite like him before.)

With white hair, peachy gold eyes, and a hop to his step, there was something undeniably rabbit-like about the man.

Trying my best to capture everything about him in my mind's eye before he slipped away, I slowly began to walk home again when--

(Is that a pocket watch? This must belong to the man I just met.)

(It looks like it's very important to him, too. It's polished to perfection and has a gorgeous gemstone in the middle.)

I quickly picked the watch up from the ground before dashing off to catch up with the man.

I found my self running after the white rabbit-man through the middle of St. James's Park.

(He's so fast! I can barely keep up with him!)

(What's he doing running through the park so late at night anyway? Or for that matter, what am I doing chasing after him?)

Though I knew it wasn't the safest choise I could have made, something compelled me to keep running after him.

(It looks like he's finally stopping! Now's my chance!)

Kiera: Excuse me! Sir! You've forgotten some--

Before I could finish calling out, the man disappeared into thin air, right before my eyes.

(What in the-- He was right there in front of me, and now he's gone!)

I took a step forward, and this time the very ground beneath me disappeared.

(YIKES!)

The world spun upside down and the park was quickly out of sight, replaced by the vast night sky illuminated by a full moon and twinkling stars.

Kiera: Noooo!

I was falling down, down, down a hole that seemed as wide as it was long.

(What's a hole like this doing in St. James's Park?!)

(But more importantly, how do I stop myself from falling? I'll turn into a pancake if I-- huh?)

(Everything around me is moving slower. No, wait-- I'm floating!)

(I don't seem to be any closer to the bottom though. How deep is this hole, anyway?)

I looked back up from where I'd fallen, but when I looked back down again I suddenly found myself at the hole's exit.

Kiera: What is this place?

I continued floating through the air, slowly approaching a landscape unlike anything I'd ever seen before.

There was a deep, dark forest, a large town slightly to the north, and a sinister looking tower larger than anything I'd ever seen before in London.

(I have to be dreaming! None of this is possible. None of it.)

Kiera: Aaaggh!

Moments later, I could feel my body growing heavier, and I began to fall faster and faster.

(This isn't happening! Somebody save me! I don't want to die!)

I squeezed my eyes shut in anticipation of the painful impact, but just as I was about to hit the ground--

???: Watch out!

(Oh!)

My long, long fall from above ended not in pain, but rather with a reassuring squeeze from a strong, warm pair of arms.

(I must be back in bed. It feels so soft and warm.)

My eyes fluttered open, and I was met with the emerald green gaze of the man who had saved me.

???: Good. You're alive.

(HE'S the one who saved me?)

???: What kind of girl falls from the sky? How did you get here?

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Chapter 2 - End of the Tunnel

???: What kind of girl falls from the sky? How did you get here?

Kiera: My name is Kiera. I'm still not sure how, but I came here from St. James's Park in London.

???: London? St. James's? Never heard of either.

(Then where in the world am I? Everybody knows where London is.)

I took in the dreamlike rose garden as I tried to get my bearings.

Off in the corner was a large hole with a preternatural light shining on it from above.

???: Ray, what are you doing? Don't tell me you're having a secret rendezvous at a time like this.

Ray, King of Spades: As if, Sirius.

(Im still in this guy's arms! Ack!)

Kiera: Uh, thanks for catching me. I'm fine, so you can let me down now, if you don't mind.

Ray: You just fell out of the sky and you're worried about that? What a weirdo.

Kiera: It takes one to know one.

In spite of his haughty grin, Ray gently lowered me to the ground, making sure I had my balance before letting go.

Sirius, Queen of Spades: Guess you two aren't here for a date then.

Ray: I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Ray, and this is Sirius.

Sirius: Have you lost your way?

Kiera: Hmm, I suppose you could put it that way.

Ray: She just fell from the sky.

Sirius: She what?

Kiera: I'm still not sure why or how, but what he said is true.

Sirius: Then tell me, are you on the Red or the Black side?

Kiera: I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I know what you mean, What color am I supposed to be?

Sirius: Hmm. This girl really is a weirdo, just like you said.

(Who is he calling a weirdo?! These two combined are just as weird, if not more so, than me!)

(I mean, they're wearing army uniforms but they're obviously fake. The English army doesn't wear anything like this.)

The endless train of doubt running through my head was broken as I caught something white racing by from the corner of my eye.

(It's him!)

Someone who looked just like the whitr rabbit-man ran to the back end of the garden, disappearing from sight.

Kiera: It was nice meeting you two, but there's something I forgot to do and I really need to go. Thanks for saving me!

Both: Hey!

I gave a short curtsy before dashing off in the direction the white rabbit-man disappeared to.

(I should ask how to return home once I've given him the watch back.)

(He ought to know. He came from London just like me!)

Ray: And the weirdo's gone.

Sirius: You said the fell from the sky, right?

Ray: Yeah. I was just walking through when I heard someone screaming above me.

Sirius: Ray, do you think it's possible that she's--

Ray: Hm?

Ray leaned closer to Sirius as he began whispering fervently.

Meanwhile, the beam of shimmering light illuminating a hole in the corner of the garden faded away.

Little did they know it was a sign that the wheels of fate had been set in motion, and that everything was about to change...

---

While chasing after the white rabbit-man through the rose garden, I found myself in the middle of a fancy tea party with nobody in attendance.

Kiera: There he is! Please, wait! You've dropped something!

???: What are you doing here?!

(Yes! I've finally caught his attention!)

But there wasn't any time to revel in my small victory, as a rather angry sounding voice interrupted our meeting.

???: Stop.

Kiera: Eep!

The man stepped forward, roughly grabbing me by the wrists and pulling me toward him.

???: Unless you want to find yourself in a world of pain, don't move an inch until I say so.

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Chapter 3 - Trapped and Cuffred

???: Unless you want to find yourself in a world of pain, don't move an inch until I say so.

???: Jonah, you're just going to scare the poor girl if you grab her like that.

Kiera: Who are you two?

Jonah, Queen of Hearts: You mean to tell me you don't know who I-- Jonah Clemence-- am?

(Yep. That's exactly what I just said.)

Edger, Jack of Hearts: I've never seen you around before. Tell me, how did you manage to get inside?

Kiera: It's kind of difficult to explain, but I was chasing after that man over there and I just found myself here.

Edgar: What do you mean, 'that man over there?'

Kiera: He's right over--

The white rabbit-man had disappeared from sight and was nowhere to be found.

(And I'd finally caught up to him! I need to find out where he went if I'm ever going to return this watch.)

Kiera: It was lovely talking to you two, but I'm really in a rush and must get going now.

Jonah: Do you really think a blatant lie like that will get you off the hook for illegally entering the Garden?

Kiera: I'm not lying.

Jonah: Drop the act. T don't take kindly to people treating me like a fool.

Jonah pulled something from his breast pocket and quickly wrapped it around my wrists.

Kiera: You're handcuffing me?! But I haven't done anything wrong!

Decorated with gems and a rose emblem, the cuffs were delicate and lightweight yet managed to withstand Jonah's rough handling.

Jonah: You'll never be able to get these off. Though that might change if you get down on your knees and beg for forgiveness.

(Looks really are deceiving. He has the features of a porcelain doll, but he acts like a heartless monster.

Edgar: You're merciless, Jonah. This puts me in an uncomfortable position.

Jonah: Merciless? You're the last person I want to hear that from.

Edgar: What are you getting at?

(Edgar seems nice, but it doesn't seem like he's going to help me at all.)

(Ugh! All I wanted to do was return the white rabbit-man's pocket watch. How did a good deed escalate into this?)

Kiera: Let me go! I don't have time for this!

Dumbfounded, Jonah and Edgar stared at me.

(What is this light?)

After the light had faded away, I could feel the handcuffs loosen around my wrists before they fell to the ground with a clank.

(I'm free!)

Edgar: You just nullified magic.

Jonah: Are you THE Alice?

Kiera: Magic? Alice? I'm not sure what you mean.

No sooner had I finished speaking than I felt somebody wrap their hands around my wrists.

???: What are you doing? This is your cue to run away, stupid.

.

Chapter 4 - Reunited With the Hatter and Rabbit

???: What are you doing? This is your cue to run away, stupid.

Kiera: Who are y--

Jonah & Edgar: Hey!

The man in the silk hat pulled me through a nearby door just as suddenly as he had appeared.

We ran down a spiral staircase and emerged into what appeared to be a large government office of some sort.

(So all this time I was on the rooftop garden of some building. Glad one mystery's been solved, but more importantly--)

Kiera: Who are you? Why did you--

???: Shut up and run, idiot. Do you want to get yourself captured again?

(We've never met and he's calling me an idiot? I've never met anybody so rude in my life!

Confusion mingling with indignation, we ran through the hall and down another flight of stairs.

???: Out of the way.

The man kicked the main entrance open and led me out across the moonlit cobblestone street.

???: Thanks for getting her out of there for me. You saved the day, Mad Hatter.

(It's the white rabbit-man!)

Mad Hatter: Stop wasting your breath and get her out of here.

The Mad Hatter turned away and jumped up to the driver's box.

White Rabbit: Come on, get in. We need to get out of here quickly.

Kiera: So you're here to rescue me?

White Rabbit: Of course, come on.

The luxurious carriage then took off with a rumble the moment I sat down.

White Rabbit: Now we finally have a moment to talk. I believe you said you'd found something of mine, yes?

Kiera: Yes, I'm pretty sure this pocket watch is yours.

White Rabbit: Oh, it is! I didn't even realize I had dropped it.

White Rabbit: Thank you. I owe you my deepest gratitude. This pocket watch means the world to me.

The white rabbit-man took the watch from my hands with a kind smile.

White Rabbit: I completely forgot to introduce myself. My name is Blanc Lapin, but my friends call me White Rabbit.

(He really is called the White Rabbit! I guess I'm not the only one who thought he's suspiciously rabbit-like.)

(Now that I'm not in danger anymore, maybe I can finally find out what's going on.

Kiera: My name is Kiera. I know this probably sounds like a strange request, but could you tell me where we are?

White Rabbit: Do you know the book 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'?

Kiera: Yes, I've heard of it. It's quite popular with young children.

White Rabbit: The thing is, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is more than just a story-- it's real.

White Rabbit: You're in Wonderland, Kiera.

.

Chapter 5 - Wonderland and Magic Crystals

White Rabbit: The thing is, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is more than just a story-- it's real.

White Rabbit: You're in Wonderland, Kiera.

Kiera: You're joking, right? Sometimes people tell me I look a bit young for my age, but I'm not young enough to fall for that.

Kiera: I mean, we're practically the same age.

White Rabbit: Actually, I'm probably quite a bit older than you think. But, that's a different story for a different day.

Blanc took my chin in his hands and lifted it toward the window.

Kiera: What are you doing?

White Rabbit: I'm proving to you that all of what I said is true. Take a look and you'll understand.

The White Rabbit opened the coach's curtains, urging me to look out the window.

(That light!)

A giant crystal floated above a fountain with rainbow beams of light dancing off of it.

And it wasn't just the fountain-- the streetlamps, too, illuminated the dark night with the soft glow of crystals.

White Rabbit: Those are what we call Magic Crystals. They're not just used for light, though.

White Rabbit: Magical energy resides in each crystal, and whoever holds one in their possession can use it to expel magic.

(But there's no such thing as magic! It's impossible!)

I sat in the carriage dumbstruck, unable to tear my eyes away from the crystals' light, which was unlike anything I'd ever seen before.

White Rabbit: This world exists parallel to yours, just like the back of a coin.

White Rabbit: But our way of life isn't governed by laws of nature and science like yours-- rather, it's governed by magic.

(Governed by laws of magic-- I'm so lost.)

Kiera: You'll have to forgive me if I'm being out of line, but this is all just a dream, isn't it?

White Rabbit: I could give you a kiss to wake you from your slumber if you'd like.

Kiera: Um, I think I'll pass!

Caught completely off guard from the White Rabbit's suggestion, I smacked my head against the window in a moment of panic.

(Ouch! That hurts so-- wait! I can't be dreaming if my head hurts this much!)

(I really did fall down a long tunnel and emerge in a different world.)

(I need to stay calm. I need to stay calm. If I can't keep my wits about me I'll end up in some dangerous situation again.)

(I just need to keep breathing. This is real. This is real.)

Kiera: There's something I need to ask you.

Kiera: That man, Jonah, who was holding me prisoner back there put me into handcuffs decorated with crystals. Were those Magic Crystals, too?

White Rabbit: Yes, they were. The power cast over those handcuffs was unbreakable, that is, until you came along.

Kiera: Wait, you saw what happened?

White Rabbit: I did. I wanted to save you, but there are some circumstances that made it impossible.

White Rabbit: That's why I had the man who's driving this carriage, the Mad Hatter, rescue you instead.

(Now it makes sense why he came to help.)

(He was hardly what I'd call pleasant, but seeing as he did save me I guess I can forgive him for calling me an idiot.)

Kiera: Thank you, Blanc. I'd have been a goner if it wasn't for you.

Kiera: But what did you mean when you said I was able to break the power cast over the handcuffs?

White Rabbit: Nobody in this land is able to break a spell once it has been cast. That is something only people from the Land of Reason can do.

White Rabbit: Some time ago a person with the same power as you lost their way here.

White Rabbit: I'm sure you've heard of her; her name is Alice.

Kiera: You mean Alice as in--

White Rabbit: Yes, Alice from 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' was our first ever visitor from the Land of Reason.

White Rabbit: That makes you Alice the Second.

(This is unreal. So now I'm part of a storybook world?)

White Rabbit: The first Alice was quite the mischief maker, running around breaking magic spells left and right.

White Rabbit: You can only imagine how surprised I was to find out the story of her time here had been published in the Land of Reason.

Kiera: So everything in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' was real?

White Rabbit: Of course not. There are no talking animals, ghastly beasts, or armies of cards here.

White Rabbit: The real Wonderland is filled with far more danger and intrigue than the tale you know.

(That doesn't sound good.)

The White Rabbit smiled on mysteriously as my heart beating faster in anticipation of what was yet to come.

White Rabbit: I think it's best I tell you the secrets of this country, Cradle.

.

Chapter 6 - History of Cradle and the Full Moon

White Rabbit: I think it's best I tell you the secrets of this country, Cradle.

The White Rabbit pulled a map out of his bag, opening it before me.

White Rabbit: Cradle is a military state ruled by two armies, the Red Army and the Black Army.

(Poor Alice fell into a military state? That's terrible!)

White Rabbit: The West is ruled by the Red, while the East is ruled by the Black.

White Rabbit: We're currently in the Central Quarter, an area sandwiched between Red and Black territory which functions as the country's political and economic hub.

White Rabbit: The place where you were captured is called the Garden. This is where Cradle's most powerful figures gather for debates and trials.

White Rabbit: Everyone except for high ranking army officials and myself-- the official record keeper-- are forbidden from entering.

Kiera: That explains why Jonah treated me like some criminal and tried to arrest me.

White Rabbit: Precisely. The highest ranking of both the Red and Black armies are called the Chosen Thirteen.

White Rabbit: The highest ranking is King, followed by Queen, Jack, and Ten, while the lowest is the Ace.

White Rabbit: Though the Ace is technically the lowest in rank, they're often in charge of unusual assignments, putting them in a different league than the others.

(Sounds just like how most card games work.)

Kiera: Cradle must be a peaceful place if all your bureaucratic business gets taken care of at a garden tea party.

White Rabbit: Cradle's about as far from peaceful as you can get. Conflict between the Red and Black armies has been raging on for over 500 years now.

Kiera: How are they able to run the country when neither side gets along?

White Rabbit: Well, the thing is, they decided to go to war at tonight's council.

(Things are going from bad to worse!)

White Rabbit: I was running late for tonight's council since I had some business to attend to in your world.

White Rabbit: It was during my brief absence that the two sides declared war. I was just as surprised as you are now.

Kiera: Surprised? Just surprised? How could you say that when your country is on the verge of destruction!

Kiera: While I appreciate all you've done for me, I can't stay in a place like this. Could you please tell me how to get back to London?

White Rabbit: Did you see the hole in the Garden? That's how our two worlds are connected.

White Rabbit: All you have to do is bring something from the Land of Reason with you and jump into the hole. That'll take you right back home.

You mean the hole with the light shining into it? Yes, I remember! Everything I'm wearing is from home, so I should be able to get back in no time.

White Rabbit: It's not your clothes that will be problematic. The hole opens for just a few hours the night of the full moon.

Kiera: In other words it's--

White Rabbit: Yes, it's already closed off. All you can do is wait until the next full moon.

Kiera: You mean I'm stuck here for a whole month? But I have work tomorrow!

Kiera: Whoa!

The carriage came to an abrupt halt, stopping me from protesting any further.

???: Open the door, Blanc. We're looking for that girl, Kiera.

(Who could that be? It doesn't sound like Jonah.)

White Rabbit: The Red Army has figured out I was the one who saved you, and is here to give us an official greeting.

Kiera: So much for our escape.

???: Get out of the carriage and this will all be over. I'm really not in the mood to pull you out myself.

White Rabbit: Come on, Alice.

Following the White Rabbit's lead, I nervously followed him out of the carriage.

Two men riding horses towered above us.

???: Sorry, Blanc. Beauty and the Beast sent us to find her.

???: You'll be coming with us, Alice.

.

Chapter 7 - To The Red Army barracks

???: You'll be coming with us, Alice.

(Now everyone is calling me Alice just because I fell from London?)

White Rabbit: It's very unbecoming for two gentlemen such as yourselves to intimidate and frighten a young woman like this.

???: Then allow me to apologize if we've frightened you.

(That was surprisingly easy. He's not stubborn like Jonah at all.)

The two men alighted their horses and walked over to me.

Zero, Ace of Hearts: I am the Ace of Hearts, Zero. Our queen, Jonah, wishes to meet you.

Kyle, 7 of Hearts: And I'm the 7 of Hearts, Kyle. Nice to meet you.

Kyle: Look, if you really want to avoid him that much I'll make up some excuse for you.

(He will? Yes!)

Zero: No, Kyle. We're here on official orders-- orders which I intend to follow through with.

Kyle: Whatever. I'm a doctor, not a soldier. Just because I'm in this army doesn't mean I'm going to blindly follow everything I'm told.

Zero: I was a fool to bring you along, Kyle.

Zero: At any rate, Kiera, Jonah absolutely needs to speak with you. He's promised not to be as rough as he was when you first met.

(He's been looking me straight in the eyes this entire time. It doesn't seem like he's lying or covering anything up.)

White Rabbit: Kiera, if you don't have any reservations it might be best if you go along with them.

Kiera: Don't tell me you're on their side now, too.

White Rabbit: Of course not. As record keeper, my job is to keep an accurate log of this country's happenings. I don't get in the middle of political affairs.

White Rabbit: I'm sad our time together has to end so soon, but I trust Kyle and Zero.

White Rabbit: Whether you decide to trust them is up to you, Kiera. What do you say?

(It's not as if I'm exactly in a position to refuse. But then again, maybe if I explain everything that happened to Jonah he'll stop coming after me.

Kiera: Alright, I'll go to meet Jonah-- but only if you promise to let me go when everything's over.

Zero: It's a promise. I like humans like you who are quick to make up their minds. Come along--

(Humans? That's an odd way of putting things.)

Zero firmly grasped me in his strong arms, lifting me up onto his horse.

Zero: Hold on tight, Kiera.

Kiera: Okay!

Kyle: Yeah, you'd better not let go of Zero. I don't like dealing with patients outside of office hours.

White Rabbit: Be careful, Kiera. I'll come for you shortly.

I watched the White Rabbit grow smaller in the distance until I could no longer see him waving me off.

---

Two lurking figures watched quietly from the shadow as Kiera disappeared into the dark of the night.

Harr, Joker: First the two armies go head-to-head, then Alice the Second appears. This is turning out to be an interesting night.

Loki, Cheshire Cat: Yeah, and this new girl is really pretty, too.

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Chapter 8 - The Masked Man and Cheshire Cat

Harr: First the two armies go head-to-head, then Alice the Second appears. This is turning out to be an interesting night.

Loki: Yeah, and this new girl is really pretty, too.

Loki: The panicked look in her eyes was adorable. It made me want to steal her away.

Harr: That's of no importance to me. With all these new developments we won't be able to stay in the Central Quarter for much longer.

Loki: Yep. With you being an outlaw, and me being more or less the same, sounds like a good call.

The two men nodded in unison before pulling their hoods over their heads.

Harr: Let's get out of here.

There was a bright flash of blue light, and the two men began to fade away.

Right before they disappeared, Loki's half-moon smile appeared.

Loki: Things are about to get a lot more interesting around here.

---

After riding through the town, crossing a large bridge, and passing through a sleepy little village, we'd finally arrived at a large manor.

Zero: We're here. This is the Red Army's headquarters. Wait here while I go get Jonah.

Kiera: Okay.

Kyle: That was exhausting. I'm going off to grab a nightcap.

Zero: Kyle, you need to report to Jonah first. You there, gate guard, make sure you keep an eye on her.

Gate Guard: Yes, sir!

Zero and Kyle left me alone with the guard, and I began to worry about how my reunion with Jonah would play out.

Kiera: There's no way things will go well if Jonah's involved. I hope I'll okay.

Gate Guard: Was that a complaint about Queen Jonah I just heard?

Kiera: Oh! Please forgive me! I didn't realize I'd said that out loud.

Gate Guard: So you DID complain about Queen Jonah. You're in for a world of trouble now.

Kiera: Just for that? I'm sure I'm not the first one to say that before.

Gate Guard: Shut up you impudent fool! How dare you insult our Queen of Hearts!

The guard loomed over me, a sinister look in his eye as he cracked his knuckles.

(Oh no. How am I going to get out of this one?)

???: Hey you! Why don't you pick on someone your own size?

???: Get away from her.

.

Chapter 9 - The Black Army Strikes

???: Hey you! Why don't you pick on someone your own size?

???: Get away from her.

The two men grabbed the guard by the arms and quickly pulled him away from me.

(These two must be from the Black Army!)

???: Oh, you poor thing. That must have been terrifying.

???: Don't leave our side, unless you want to get yourself into even more trouble.

Kiera: Thanks for saving me!

(I feel like I've seen the guy on the left somewhere before. He has delicate features just like a porcelain doll.)

(The guy on the right has a completely different vibe than everyone else I've met here. He almost reminds me of one of my girlfriends from home.)

Gate Guard: Get your hands off of me!

(Uh oh.)

The guard managed to pull himself free from the two soldier's grasp, and sprinted off toward the barracks.

Gate Guard: The Black Army has come in attack! Ring the alarm! Form ranks!

(This can't be good.)

???: So much for sneaking in, Seth.

???: You can say that again, Luka.

Kiera: I feel terrible you two are in such a mess now because of me.

Seth, 10 of Spades: Don't worry about it, sweetie. Do you really think we'd let some smelly old guard treat you that way?

Luka, Jack of Spades: This isn't the time to chat. If you want to come with us, come.

Kiera: Thanks.

(I don't want to wait around to find out how Jonah might react to this incident!)

With Seth and Luka on either side, we ran toward the gates with all our might.

Red Soldiers: Hah! Those dopes think they can escape our entire army?

I looked behind me to see the shimmer of a rifle being loaded in the distance when--

(Yikes!)

The enemy soldiers scattered as a shower of bullets pierced the sky with a thunderous roar.

A man stood atop the gated entrance with a satisfied look on his face as he held up two pistols.

???: Did you really think I'd let you two have all the fun? I'm part of this now, too.

.

Chapter 10 - Run!

???: Did you really think I'd let you two have all the fun? I'm part of this now, too.

Luka & Seth: Fenrir!

(Another ally!)

Fenrir, Ace of Spades: Take the girl and get out of here.

Luka & Seth: Yes, sir!

Red Soldiers: Don't let them escape!

Fenrir: Looks like it's going to be a good hunt tonight.

(Have to-- keep-- up!)

I panted as we continued to run farther from the gates.

I turned back to see a rainbow shower of bullets. The air was filled with the sounds of fighting, gunfire, and Fenrir's laughter.

(I'm glad Fenrir saved us, but I think he might be completely insane.)

Luka: Fenrir, you can stop now.

Seth: We're safe now, so cut it out!

Fenrir: Sure, whatever you say!

Fenrir holstered his pistols and jumped down from the gates.

I could see through billows of smoke and dust that every last Red soldier had been downed.

Kiera: Did you really kill all of them?

Fenrir: I guess you could say I killed their careers as soldiers.

Seth: Fenrir uses a gun equipped with bullets made from Magic Crystals. One hit and the enemy is off to dreamland.

(Why am I not Surprised? Of course he's using magic bullets!)

Fenrir: You were in a heap of trouble back there. The name's Fenrir Godspeed. Pleased to meet you.

Kiera: I'm Kiera.

Fenrir: Kiera, would you mind lifting your chin a bit?

Kiera: My chin? Uh, okay.

Fenrir took a long look at my face before pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiping my cheek.

Kiera: Uh, is something wrong?

Fenrir: You had a bit of ash on your face.

Kiera: Oh, thanks.

(He seemed a bit off the rails at first, but maybe that's just how he is in battle. He was quite the gentleman just now.)

It was difficult wrapping my head around how these two strikingly different personalities belonged to the same person.

Seth: Stop hogging all of her attention, Fenrir, and let us introduce ourselves too! I'm the 10 of Spades, Seth, and this cutie is the Black Jack, Luka.

Seth: I can already tell we're going to be the best of friends, Kiera.

Luka: Now's not the time to be talking about friendship. The enemy's approaching.

(Again?!)

.

Chapter 11 - The Revolution Begins

Luka: Now's not the time to be talking about friendship. The enemy's approaching.

I glanced back to see a sea of Red soldiers coming straight toward us from the barracks.

(How many of them could there be?!)

Seth: You just had to go and showboat your way through the Red Army, didn't you? Berserkers are so classless.

Fenrir: Oh, come on. You ought to be thanking me for saving our butts back there.

Luka: Shut up, you two. We're running-- now.

The trio continued their bickering until we clambered into their carriage.

The sky in the east burned a bright crimson as we took off into the night.

I opened my eyes to soft rays of sun filtering in through the window. The longest night of my life was finally over.

We pulled up to the town square in the Central Quarter, and were greeted by a line of soldiers from the Black Army.

(There must be hundreds of soldiers lined up!)

Sirius: Glad you're back in one piece. But why did you bring Kiera back with you?

Ray: Nice to see you again so soon, Kiera.

Kiera: Ray, Sirius, you have no idea how relieved I am to be back here.

No sooner had I spoken than Fenrir and the others' expressions quickly turned to surprise.

Fenrir: Kiera, you already know our king and queen? Talk about a small world, huh?

(Ray and Sirius are the King and Queen of Spades?! I had no idea they were so important!

Ray: You're really good a popping up at the worst possible time.

Kiera: That's not my intention, but--

Luka: We can chat later. The enemy is approaching.

The thunderous sound of hooves grew louder and louder.

(It sounds like the Red Army has brought hundreds of troops!)

Four men led the perfectly synchronized battalion of soldiers clad in red and white.

Jonah was there, his expression icy as ever; Edgar, with an uncomfortably soft smile unbefitting of the tense situation at hand.

Then there was Zero, sizing us up with a calculated gaze; and after him, Kyle, who seemed completely uninterested in the entire affair.

(Something big is about to happen--)

Ray: What the heck is this about?

Seth: Well, you see, we had a little run-in, so to speak, with the Red Army at the gates to their barracks.

Sirius: Seriously? Do I need to send you all back to school to take Recon 101 again?

Seth: There you go with that salty face. I don't know why you're so upset.

Seth: If you really thought nothing was going to happen, then why did you come here with so many men?

Ray: The Reds have been waiting 500 years for an excuse to strike, and they've finally found their reason.

(It's just like Blanc said-- war really is about to begin.)

The Red Army's march finally came to a stop, and the two sides stood facing each other.

Edgar: I'm quite impressed. I wasn't expecting the Black Army to send its leaders out to welcome us.

Jonah: You took that girl, who was under our charge, and then had the audacity to attack. Explain yourselves.

Sirius: You almost had me fooled into thinking you were a victim there for a minute. Twist the truth too much and your face might end up that way too.

Jonah: Say that once more and you'll rue the day you were born.

Red Soldier: How dare you insult our queen!

Indignant cries of anger rippled through the Red Army until--

???: Silence!

.

Chapter 12 - Red and Black Clash

???: Silence!

The furious cries instantly ceased, and the Red troops parted down the middle, allowing a single man to pass.

Red Soldier: Bow down to the King of Hearts, Lancelot! May glory run crimson through our veins!

Lancelot, King of Hearts: May glory run crimson through our veins.

(So this is the King of Hearts. His presence is powerful, to say the least.)

Lancelot: My proud men, there is no need to draw your swords.

The King of Hearts waved his hand and his eyes flashed red--

(What's happening?!)

Weapons held by the Black Army soldiers floated up into the air, then dissolved before our very eyes.

(Did he just use magic? How did he do that without a Magic Crystal?)

Kyle: Ugh, there our boss goes again, overdoing it with the magic.

Seth: It looks like we've skipped right over the 'threaten your enemy' stage.

Fenrir: You think that's all it takes to stop us? Come on! We've been waiting for this battle for 500 years!

Zero: He's right. Leaders of the past may have put this battle off, but the time has come for us to fight.

Edgar: An excellent summation, Zero. Well done.

Jonah: If you're thinking of surrendering, now is the time. I hope you heard that, Luka.

Luka: Did somebody say something? Because all I heard was a gust of hot air.

(It really does look like a war is brewing!)

Caught between the Black and Red armies in a conflict far beyond my understanding, there was nothing I could do but stand there and worry.

Sirius: Lance, call this off!

Lancelot: Don't speak as if we're friends, Queen of Spades.

Lancelot: I have a message for the Black Army-- from this day forth, you have been absorbed into the Red Army.

Ray: I have a message for the Red Army-- quit spouting nonsense.

Lancelot: In that case, I'll just have to dissolve every last one of you.

The King of Hearts's eyes flashed crimson again--

(No! I can't let this happen!)

Kiera: Please! Stop!

Lancelot & Ray: Oh!

My cry faded into nothingness-- and so did the King of Hearts's magic.

(Did I just deflect his spell?)

Lancelot: So Jonah's report was true.

Lancelot: Alice the Second really has appeared.

Lancelot: Just be warned, Alice-- I consider anybody who gets in my way an enemy.

Ray: Stop making stuff up as you go!

Ray: Her name is Kiera, not Alice.

Ray stepped in between me and the King of Hearts, his broad shoulders protecting me from Lancelot's gaze.

A moment later, a carriage violently pulled up before us.

White Rabbit: That'll do, gentlemen.

???: I don't know what you think you're doing, pulling a stunt like this so early in the morning. Don't you know people live here?

(The White Rabbit came! But who is that little boy with him?)

.

Chapter 13 - The Most Powerful Magic of All

White Rabbit: That'll do, gentlemen.

???: I don't know what you think you're doing, pulling a stunt like this so early in the morning. Don't you know people live here?

(The White Rabbit came! But who is that little boy with him?)

The White Rabbit exited the carriage and walked to the open space between both armies, calling out in an uncharacteristically severe voice.

White Rabbit: The Central Quarter is a neutral zone. Any and all forms of combat are strictly prohibited here.

White Rabbit: The entire country of Cradle will be put at risk if you destroy its economic and political center.

Both Kings:

After a long moment of silence, the King of Hearts finally spoke up, his voice nearly a growl.

Lancelot: Let it be known, this is the only time I'll humor the requests of the record keeper. Troops, fall back!

(I'm glad that's over.)

Jonah: I can't leave without giving you something to fret over, Alice.

Kiera: What is that supposed to mean?

Jonah: I'll have you under my command soon enough. You'll learn to enjoy serving me.

Jonah: I hope you'll look forward to it as much as I am.

Jonah's words sent chills down my spine, but things were only about to get worse.

Lancelot: Alice-- I doubt it will be long until I see you again, but until then, enjoy what little time you have left of your life.

The King of Hearts turned around, his cape billowing behind him as he left.

(Weird threats aside, I don't know if I was imagining it or not, but he almost looked sad just now.)

But the King of Hearts never turned back as he and his troops faded off into the West.

(At any rate, I'm glad we're out of danger-- though I wish I hadn't ended up becoming an enemy of the Red Army.)

Sirius: So you really are from the Land of Reason, Kiera?

Kiera: Yes, I am. It wasn't my intention to come here, but now I'm stuck until the next full moon.

(That is, if I can stay alive until then.)

I bit my lip as dread began to set in, until the kind warmth of someone's hand on my shoulder brought me back.

Sirius: Don't worry. We'll make sure you find your way home.

Kiera: Thank you, Sirius.

Seth: Welcome to the Black Army, sweetie! Everything's a bit messier now than when we first met, but I think you'll find yourself at home.

Kiera: I'm one of you now?

Luka: What do you think you're doing, Seth?

Fenrir: I think it's a fine idea. It's gotta be a hundred times better than having to go live with the Reds.

Kiera: Are you sure it's okay for an outsider to live with you? I wouldn't want to cause you any trouble.

Ray: Let's cut a deal, Kiera, that will help both of us survive in this world.

Kiera: What kind of deal?

Ray: Your ability to deflect magic is just what we need.

Ray: If you promise to help us when we need you, I promise we'll keep you safe.

(A symbiotic relationship between myself and the Black Army. Hmm.)

I looked into Ray's dark eyes and considered my options for a moment.

(I'm pretty sure this is the best chance I have at ever getting home.)

Kiera: Ray, I accept.

Ray: Good. Soldiers-- I want you to pledge under the honor of the Black Army that you will protect Kiera.

The soldiers immediately stood up straight in a salute.

Black Soldiers: Freedom soars on raven wings!

Ray: Freedom soars on raven wings!

Fenrir: Kiera, you're officially a member of the Black Army now. Let's make it fun, yeah?

(I can't believe they were willing to take me in as one of them so quickly.)

Kiera: I promise not to let any of you down.

Ray: And us the same.

The Black Army retreated in the opposite direction the Red Army had marched off to.

White Rabbit: In just one night you've become a major player in the war.

Kiera: White Rabbit! I'm so happy to see you!

White Rabbit: I'll do everything I can to help you out. I live in the Central Quarter, so come by whenever you need anything.

???: Ugh, I can't believe you're willing to let such a dangerous woman into our house. You didn't even ask how I felt before offering.

White Rabbit: Oliver, you know it's not polite to speak about a lady that way.

Oliver, Mad hatter: You think I care?

Kiera: It's nice to meet you, Oliver. I hope we can become good friends.

Oliver: Don't treat me like a baby, you idiot.

(The only cute thing about this kid is his looks. He's not the first person here who's had the gall to call me an idiot, either.)

Oliver shrugged his shoulders and glanced at me with his strangely adult looking face before returning to the carriage.

White Rabbit: Though it's quite a relief your safety has been guaranteed, something even worse seems to have transpired.

Kiera: Something worse? What could possibly be worse?!

White Rabbit: Everyone from the Black Army really seems to like you.

White Rabbit: And there are rumors somebody from the Red Army wants to tempt you into joining their side as well.

White Rabbit: It's highly likely that some unforeseen difficulties may arise between you and a certain someone. Maybe even myself and Oliver.

Kiera: What do you mean, 'unforeseen difficulties?'

White Rabbit: Listen well, Kiera. If you want to make it home, there's one kind of magic you must not fall under the spell of.

White Rabbit: It's the strongest, oldest magic in this land-- love.

Kiera: Love?

White Rabbit: Strictly speaking, love on its own doesn't constitute magic. But what I just told you wasn't just some silly metaphor about life either.

White Rabbit: Only tragedy awaits those who fall in love with somebody from a different world.

White Rabbit: Your dream to London will remain nothing more than that-- a dream.

White Rabbit: If you are serious about going back home, then you must remain constantly vigilant.

(I've never really had feelings for anybody before, but even so, I doubt anyone can fall in love in just one month.)

In spite of my doubts, I found myself thinking back to all that had happened since the night before.

(I met so many people in just one night. Some were kind, while others were scary, or even powerful.)

Kiera: Don't worry about me, White Rabbit. I'm the last person you'll catch falling in love.

Kiera: I want to return home and get back to my job as soon as possible. That's what brings me true joy in life.

White Rabbit: If that's what you say, Kiera. Just don't forget about that goal-- no matter what happens.

White Rabbit: I do hope your dream will come true.

I smiled and gave the White Rabbit a small curtsey before running to catch up with the Black Army.

Little did I know then that I was about to fall in love with someone from Cradle, the country shrouded in magic and mystery that had become my new home.

30 days remained until the next full moon