Warped Wonderland

Depends. I've been thinking maybe but I want to keep it drama and action rather than romance. But, either way, here is an update!
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Chapter 12

I rewind Casey's life back to her usual self. She is pissed. Her body seemed so unreal when I forwarded her life. And this is crazy.

"Now, let's see what everyone else wants before you force them to be troops," I say when she gets done ranting. "All in favor of first working as troop, hands high!" Only a small portion. "Those who would rather rest first?" Majority rules.

Casey grumbles to herself and Michael now stands close beside me, ready to keep Casey from attacking me. His eyes are now glowing silver disks. When I told him about his eyes, he told me it was natural when he got angry enough.

"Go rest up," I say, stifling a yawn. Michael must feel it and places his hand on the small of my back. He leads me to a house as he calls back that I am going to rest. Only one follows. Chess. We walk into a light lavender house and head straight for a bedroom. I lie down and close my eyes.

"You, go," I hear. Michael.

"I think it should be you that leaves. No one trusts you except for Alice." Chess.

"Fine." Michael. I hear him stand and walk out of the room. I hear Chess leave the room for a moment. Did he leave me to sleep? I hear him walk back in and set an object of the floor. I can feel his eyes on me. Is he watching me? That's sweet and kind of creepy. But, it's comforting to know I'm not alone.

In General POV

He paces. That's all he can do. Grey Green isn't back yet. This is worrying him. Larson doesn't know what is taking him so long. Maybe he was rewound. He could have gotten lost. But, Alice is Grey's twin. How could that be possible?

"Larson!" he hears. He sighs and limps to his queen. Why, he asks himself, did I decide to join this bloody queen? He passes the queen's portraits, all with a different king. All before she killed them. Their deaths, he heard, supplied the queen's life. Therefore, making her ageless. And that is how he looked.

"Yes, my queen," he rasps as he enters the room. She is at the mirror once again. She can't get over her newest features. Her crown head is almost complete. The holes, almost sealed by her skin. The detail of the crown is soon to come. But, when it does, she will be almost impossible to stop.

"Where is Alice Liddell?" she hisses. She is becoming impatient.

"Grey Green isn't back yet, Your Majesty. He is soon to be back," Larson replies. Or, at least he hopes.

"Grey Green? Alice's twin?" she hisses again. "Why did you send him? He is now reunited with his twin and now they are impossible to stop!" She is terribly furious. Larson backs up a step, his limp leg sliding along the red carpeted floor.

"Well, my lady," he stutters, "he is on our side. He should be fine. He is probably struggling to capture her." This is a lie, he knows. They have united to fight. Against them. Now only if he could keep this secret from Lillian.
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Time for an update!
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Chapter 13
Alice's POV

I wake up with someone's lips on mine. They taste sweet and make my heart flip. I smile, and the person kissing me must feel it because he pulls his lips off of mine and runs out of the room. I open my eyes, looking for the guy who kissed me.

"Alice," I hear. It's Michael. My brother did not kiss me. I would know. After all, we have that kind of connection.

"Hey, Mikey," I smile. "What time is it?"

"It's evening, and that's all I know. Time shifts from morning to evening to afternoon and back to morning," he replies. Definitely different.

"Where's Chess?" I ask. He's the only one that was around. Unless, of course, they traded watch times. Either way, someone kissed me.

"I'm not-" he starts.

"Alice!" he calls and pokes his head through the door. I smile and he gives me a cute grin. "Sleep well? 'Cuz you started murmuring in your sleep and things started to move which was really weird."

"I did that?" I ask. This is weird.

"Yep. That's why I traded with Blood and then he ran out freaking out when a lamp was about to hit him. I swept up the broken lamp though. It was actually funny." Suddenly very talkative. Maybe he's a night owl. Or night cat?

"Odd. Well anything new other than that I can move things with my mind?"

"Nope! All up to you Captain Liddell. What shall we do?"

"Just call me Alice, Chess. Is everybody rested."

"Yeps!" he smiles.

"Then arm them and get them ready for an attack. Is Mal back yet? And how is the rest of the group?"

"Yes, ma'am. He's back. And they are great! By the way, Casey needs you. Says she needs to start battle tactics with you all over again." Chess waves and then runs out. I stand and lean in the threshold of the door to my bedroom.

"I don't like him. He doesn't trust me," Michael says. "And I don't like him alone with you."

"Well, I like him. He's really sweet and kind, you know?" I say, grinning.

"You know, the story about Blood isn't true. Chess was just in here before you woke up," he says. "I'd watch out if I were you. He lies."

"So do you. You looked like Casey to trick everyone. Chess could tell by your scent."

"Creepy. But still, don't trust him that much. He just weirds me out, like that mouse boy, Mal," he comments.

"He isn't that bad," I start, drifting off. I barely know the guy but I feel like I've known him for years. Michael pats my head and walks out of the house, but I sit there, thinking about what he told me.

Either it was Chess who kissed me, or Michael was lying. And I'm about to find out. But before I do, I hear the mangled voices of an Infected army. And, as I look out a window, I see a green skinned man getting his head sliced off his body by Blood.

In General POV

"Send an army, now!" Lillian commands. She is standing over him, a scowl in her words.

"But they are together. Now it will be-" he starts.

"NO!" the Red Queen bellows. "I will not stand for it! They must be stopped!" Her face is as red as the carpet below her feet. She is furious, ready to destroy him, if she could.

"Yes-" Larson starts.

"And you will join them! I don't care if you die for good, just. Stop. Those. TWINS!"

"Of course," he whispers and lugs his leg behind him as he heads to the army he is command of. Maybe, he thinks, finally I can join the correct side.
~*~*~*~*
They have arrived at the area that the first Infected Unit was sent to. There are actual houses built; originally the houses aren't there, just scraps. This make Larson, who is not in armor, smile. He walks, or at least tries, to walk over to the group gathered together.

"Is there an Alice Liddell here?" he rasps. Suddenly, his head in off his shoulders. He walks over to his head and places it back on his shoulders.

"Stop!" he hears a young girl's voice say.

"Alice Liddell." He walks to her, her eyes golden in fright an in anger. He falls onto his knees in front of her.

"What are you?" she asks Larson, staring at him in disgust. She's never seen anything like this squat man. Alice watches him, taking in his features. His once black hair, gray and rotting. His teeth, also, rotting along with his pale green skin. His foot is wretched backwards, causing his limp.

"He is Larson, servant of the Red Queen," the Moon Twin replies, appearing next to her, his eyes silver.

"Alas, the Sun and Moon Twins. I feel honored to be in your presence," Larson says.

"What do you want, Larson, servant to the Red Queen, Lillian Juliette Rosa Newman, Queen of Death and Wrong Doings?" Alice says, as if in a trance.

"You remember her, and her titles. I am here to change my side. I seek your forgiveness." Larson looks up at Alice and Michael, a pleading look in his eyes.

"What do you want other than that, Larson?" Alice asks him, no emotion in her voice and her eyes still gold.

"To be rewound back to my mortal self. Please, Twins, rewind me," Larson says. "I swear loyalty to you if you bestow my mortal being back to its original form."

"Only Alice can rewind people's lives. She's the only one who can rewind anything. Alice?" Michael looks at his twin, watching what she will say.

"Maybe. But first..." She steps past Larson and closes her eyes. Michael places his hands on her shoulders and the people grow through their stages of life, backwards. Starting at Infected, the slowly lose their green and red skin, their wounds, disappearing. Amputations grow back to their normal looks, and, soon, the once Infected, are back to their human forms.

"Amazing," Larson says. Alice opens her eyes, the golden disks shining like the sun. Michael's are shining like Alice's, except silver like the moon.

"Now, about the rewinding," Alice says, turning towards Larson, her eyes pouring through him. He gives what is supposed to be a grin. Time, he thinks, to join the side of the mortals.
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Is it a trick? And who kissed Alice? 

 

Another update, my loves.
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Chapter 14
Alice's POV

The odd man, whom is called Larson, is grinning like he has a plan formulated. I pull Michael, instructing Blood to watch him in case if Larson tried to make a move to kill someone.

"Michael, do you trust this...thing?" I ask my twin.

"Larson is very loyal. He stood by Lillian through everything, waiting to join this side like I was. I trust him," my twin says, shrugging. It's so strange what Larson said, about us. About us being the Sun and Moon Twins. But, whatever.

"Fine," I say. I walk back over to Larson, placing a hand on Blood. He moves out of my way, taking the hint, and I motion with my hand for Larson to stand. Larson stands, making me realize that he's shorter than I am.

"Larson. Is that your whole name?" I ask.

"No, My Lady. It is Michael, like your brother. I have been called Larson to stop any confusion." I nod and I place my hand on his shoulder. I feel Michael place his shoulders on mine as I close my eyes and focus. He was a man, obviously. His skin was a light peach. His eyes look like they were once a dark brown. And his teeth seem terribly rotten. So, they must have been white, clean, straight and healthy teeth. When I open my eyes, he's straighter, his hair is dark black, he looks human.

"Thank you, My Lady. I now shall be your servant forever," Larson says, bowing.

"Not needed. And you are welcome. Now, Blood and Bell," I say.

"Yes, Alice?" Blood asks.

"Help out Larson. Teach him what he doesn't know. If that is anything. And find out what he does know, about the Red Queen," I command.

"Of course. And Alice?" Blood says.

"Hmm?" He takes my wrist and pulls me aside.

"I have something for you. Here," he says, handing me a bottle of clear liquid and a small box of what looks like cake.

"What is it?" The cake has "Eat me," written on the white frosting in blue. I look at the tag that says, "Drink me," making me want to drink it.

"They change you. The liquid I'd the Infected's blood. Drink it only when it is your last hope. Then eat the cake when it seems safe to change back. The cake has a splash of human blood, so it should work."

"I'm not a vampire, but thanks," I say, starting to hand the items back to him.

"No, it's for your last moments. If you are captured, drink it. Then, when the time seems right, eat the cake, all of it. Then, if you are in the Army, change them back to humans. The drink doesn't change your brain, like most people. It is only to change the body and bloodstream. Your mind will be intact for as long as you are in the body of an Infected."

"You sure it will work?" He nods, grinning at me. He walks away, grabbing Larson and walking with Bell. I was back to my brother, who is arguing with Chess about something while pointing at me. Why? I don't know.

"What are you boys talking about?" I ask them, looking between them.

"Nothing," they say in unison, teeth gritted.

"Are you two okay?" I ask. "You are acting, well, weird."

"Sorry, Alice," Chess says first, glaring at Michael.

"Yeah, sorry," my brother grumbles, walking off.

"What's up with Mikey? Something is off about him. What were you two talking about?"

"Oh, just important matters, Alice. It's nothing to worry about. Hey, what'ch got there?" he says, changing the subject. He's looking down at my hands that are still clutching the drink and the cake.

"Oh, these. Blood gave me a drink and a cake. For my moments in custody of the Red Queen. Though, I doubt that I will need them," I say, trying to find a pocket to place them in.

"Here," Chess says, taking them from me. He places them in a pocket I never saw. I smile at Chess in thanks and our eyes lock. I'm the first one to look away, bringing my attention to the little boys. The are arguing, their voices still high-ish.

"Hey, little ones," I say, kneeling down next to the twins. "What are you two talking about?"

"Dum says that we should head to the Red Castle," the one in blue says.

"Dee says that we should head to the White Castle," the one in red says.

"Well, let me settle this for you, little ones. We aren't going anywhere until I make the decision to do so. That okay with you two?"

"Thanks, Ali!" the exclaim, hugging me. When they let go, the run off, talking about a new subject. Ali? That's a nice nickname.

"Alice!" I hear. I turn to see Michael taking Chess by the neck, shoving him into the wall of a house. Seriously? More trouble? I sigh, walking over to them. I fell power splurge through my body; my eyes seem to also change, like I can feel them change color.

"What is going on? Again?" I ask, becoming impatient.

"He said-" Michael starts. I realize that his eyes are silver. Perfect.

"Release Cheshire," I growl, watching Chess' face grow as purple as his hair. Michael groans and lets go of Chess, Chess falling onto the ground. I help him up, grumbling.

"Now can I tell you," Michael asks, angry.

"No, you can not. I am going to check on his throat. You can stay away from us, Michael. I just can't believe you." Chess and I walk away, Chess holding his throat.

"How is your throat, Chess?" I ask him, heading into a pale green house.

"It-" he starts to be interrupted by me.

"Don't speak. You could damage your vocal cords until I find out if there is any damage," I say, walking into what is the kitchen of the house. He gives me a questionable look.

"I'm in chorus, so I've had something like this happen to me at least once. Not being choked, just hurting my throat to kill my voice for at least a week. It was terrible. But, at least I can sing," I say, finding a flashlight. When I find one, I grab a chair, sitting in front of Chess.

"Open," I command and look into his throat. There isn't any damage as far as I can see. "Speak."

"You sure this is fine?" he says, sounding fine.

"You're fine. Just the damage of being choked," I smile, looking at him happily. He looks into my eyes, causing my smile to fade slowly. He gives me a half-moon grin, causing the tips of my mouth to curl upward again.

"Alice," he whispers.

"Hmm?" I ask him. He takes my face in his hands and pulls me towards him. So, he's the one who kissed me. I don't mind. I wouldn't even mind another kiss. Which is about to happen...
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You wanted romance, you got romance. But I can't guarantee that I will continue the love.

 

Update lovies.
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Chapter 15

"Alice!" I hear. Sounds like Pete. I can hear his footsteps coming close. I spring out of my chair and slowly act like I'm putting away the flashlight when he walks in.

"Hey, Alice. How's Chess?" he asks, Chess confused. He has no idea what the hell just happened.

"He's fine. Just the damage of being choked," I say, shutting the drawer. I walk over to Pete, watching his expression.

"Alice, we need you to tell us where to go: the White or Red castle." He watches me as I weight my options. If we go to the Red castle so soon, we might not be ready. If we go to the White castle, we give Lillian time to add onto her army. I shrug and decide to go to the White castle.

"White. There we can train everyone; Blood, Larson, and Bell will train them. It will give us some time," I say.

"Alright then. Notify us when you are ready," Pete says emotionlessly. He nods at Chess and walk out of the room, soon the door shutting at the front of the house.

"That was close," I whisper. I sit down, glancing at Chess to find him watching me. "What?"

"I am just taking in your features," he grins and takes my hand. This leaves me breathless. I shake my head and pull back my hand, walking out of the kitchen at check the rest of the house for anything important. Really, I'm just trying to make sense of what just happened. I almost kissed Chess. That isn't right, not quite. Why, though? Is it just because I was relieved that Michael didn't hurt him? Probably.

But his eyes are very different. Beautiful, really. They are a dark purple, still bright and beautiful. They seem to have storms swirling in them. They are so enchanting and mesmerizing. They pulled me in. At least, I think they did.

"Alice," I hear from behind me. I don't even need to turn around to know it's Chess. I look around the room, realizing that I am in a bedroom. The dark green room matches my dress.

"Alice?" Chess repeats, now a question, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Yes, Chess," I say, not looking behind me.

"Are you okay? That wasn't you down there after Pete left," he comments.

Now, I turn to look at him. His purple eyes are still that beautiful color. "Chess, I'm fine. I just don't want my overprotective brother to kill you," I say.

"It's cute that you care about me," he smirks. I shake my head murmuring him to shut up, though I don't think he heard it because he keeps talking. "Alice your brother is the spy from when we were little. And he's never going to change. Larson, I trust. Michael, I don't. He's a lier, theif, and even a murderer. He's kill people because of debts they owed to Lillian; and this was after you left, and before you came back. I don't worry about him. After all, I have a spear so I can make him into a Michael-ka-bob. It just doesn't matter anymore. He would have killed me earlier if you hadn't intervened."

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of if this between us goes on," I say, gesturing at us. "This can't happen, period. If it could, then Michael wouldn't be around. I'm sorry, Cheshire."

"Still cute that you care," he grins. I roll my eyes. "But, before we leave..." He starts to drift off, looking at me intently.

"What?" I start to ask but now his lips are on mine, the sweetness of his lips sends a shiver down down my spine.

"We have been like this since we were little," Chess says, his lips grazing mine as he talks. "Flirting without realizing that we were. Ever since we were kittens, this has been going on. But now, it can become more serious."

"Not yet," I say, slipping away from Chess. "But, I think you should know something."

"And what exactly would that be?" he asks, leaning on a wall. I grin and stand in front of him, gazing into his eyes. Then I graze my lips against his.

"You taste sweet," I grin and walk away.
~*~*~*~*
I walk with Bell, Morrigan, and Sylvia to Bell's castle. It doesn't take long. I glance behind me to see Blood, Dee, Dum, Michael, the new Larson, Mar, Mal, Pete, and, finally, Chess. His is close to me, almost close enough for me to lean on him but still standing and walking.

I blink at the sight of the castle. Something tells me that I've been here before.

"Bell," I say.

"Yes, Alice, dear?" she asks, not even glancing at me.

"Have I been here before? I feel like I have been," I say to her.

"When you were very little," she says, nodding. "Almost, what was it Morrigan? Seven? Eight?"

"She was seven, Bell. Quite a curious little girl, you were, Alice. You absolutely were dying to talk to birds and cats like Morrigan and I," Sylvia smiles. "But, of course, now that you are older, you will know it when you join the four kingdoms."

"Join the four kingdoms? Red, Blue, Black, and White, right?" I ask. "And how would I do that?"

"The four crowns of the four kingdoms are sacred. When all four are combined, they are placed on the head of the true queen of the kingdoms. When the full and true crown is placed on the head of the rightful queen, the castles will join and the titles of us will be gone forever. And there is a prophecy that goes along with it," Bell says, her boots clicking quietly on the white roadway to her castle. She doesn't seem very happy to see it, but I know that she is. Even if I am the one in the prophecy, I think she is still glad to see it.

"And what is that prophecy?" I ask.

"The Sun and Moon leave while each will let go of tears," says Morrigan.

"Each will join again, perchance ten years," Sylvia goes on.

"One for their destruction, one for them to thrive," Bell says.

"And in the end, only one will be alive," I conclude, feeling suddenly cold. How do I know this? Chess lightly puts his hand on the small of my back. This should be the end of the prophecy, right? But the three queens continue, more onto the prophecy.

"The one will take the true crown, soon after an army is put down. As the kingdoms die or combine, the true ruler will say, 'This is mine,'" they say in unison. I look back at Michael, his face showing what I'm feeling: grief.

"Does that mean one of us, Michael and I, will...well...you know...die?" I ask. Chess takes my wrist and I shake him off. I can't let anyone know about us, not until this is over, anyway.

"Yes. You are the Sun Twin and Michael is the Moon Twin. One of you will die. And I wish neither of you would," Bell says, though I know she would rather Michael die over all. Sadly, I agree. I am starting not to trust him. He tried to kill Chess. And I just hope I'm the one to say, "This is mine."
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A prophecy?! And who of the two is going to die?!

 

Time for an update.
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Chapter 16

As we walk into the White castle, I realize how breathtaking it is. Everything is purely elegant. Just beautiful. I run my hand on the white wall, feeling the smooth surface. The main room is the throne room and there is a long hallway just to get to it. Elegant columns are at the beginning of the hallway. Almost like Roman columns from forever ago. The hall way seems to take forever to go through as it is.

We finally get into the throne room, which has me gasping at the sight. Also white, the throne is different from original designs I've seen. It's back is shaped into a G and a backwards G, both touching to look like a very odd shape.

"What is the G for?" I ask.

"Graciousness," everyone except for Michael, Bell and I say in unison.

"Right, because you are the queen of graciousness. I forgot," I say, walking over to the throne. As I stand next to it, I realize that there is a crown next to the arm of the throne. I pick up the tiny crown, four small, white gems in the sides and four small points on top.

"May I?" I ask. Bell nods, watching me closely. I slowly place it on my head and I hear everyone gasp.

"What?" I ask. Everyone is quiet, waiting for someone to tell me what happened to make them gasp.

"A fourth of the crown is now placed on your head. Now that it is on, it shall never come off until all four crowns are complete," Larson says, breaking the silence. His voice rich and kind, unlike his raspy voice from earlier. I touch the top of my head, feeling a piece of a crown. I feel jewels encrusted onto the piece, causing me to walk out of the room to find a mirror. Soon, I'm running, up stairs, through hallways, going somewhere to see what is on my head.

I run into a room to find a bed. A white bed and a terrace. I walk to the terrace and lean over the edge of the railing. I see the walkway from far above. It's a beautiful sight. I look up and look to see a red castle in from of me. Lillian's castle. To my left is see a blue and to my right a black. It's just breathtaking, like this castle. The beauty around the castles is breath taking, each of the trees its own color like the kingdom around it. Just breathtaking.

"Hey, you okay?" I hear, causing me to almost jump over the railing. Someone rushes over to me and takes my waist, balancing me. I turn to see my hero's face inches from mine.

"Chess," I breath. His hands hug my waist perfectly.

"Alice," I hear as someone comes into the room. I glance past Chess and see Bell.

"What is going on in here?" she asks, wide-eyed.

"Chess just saved me for being the Twin that dies," I say, removing Chess' hands from my waist.

"Right. I saw her come in here and when I spoke, she almost fell over the railing," Chess adds. It is the truth, after all. We're just leaving out the part where we're were close to kissing and that she interrupted us.

"Well, you are in what was my bedroom. And here is the mirror," she says, tapping the mirror glass.

"Thanks," I say. She nods watching me walk towards it. Before I get a good look at myself, Bell pulls me out into the hallway.

"I don't know what the fuck is going on between you and Chess, but it needs to stop. You are obviously going to be the rightful queen and I have no business telling you who to kiss and who you aren't to kiss. But we have a war going on and you need your fucking head screwed on straight where you can focus!" Bell says quickly, not missing a beat.

"Yes, Isabelle. Of course, I'm focused. But he made the first move. Just saying. Not being the typical seventeen year old. But, it's nice to know that you care so strictly, Bell," I grin.

"Just keep your focus on the war, White Queen," she says.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"I'm now relieved from my duties. You have taken the place of the Queen of Graciousness. Thank you, Alice. Now, go ahead and see how you look. We'll be waiting. And, I would wash out your hair some time soon. You'll see a change in your hair." She smiles and walks down the hall to the stairs. She heads down the stairs, not even looking back at me.

I walk back inside Bell'sーI mean myーbedroom. Chess is sitting on the bed, now watching me. I stand in front of the mirror, seeing a piece gold crown with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and other gems encrusted in it. Not many, but there are gems I've never seen before.

"You look beautiful," he says, walking up to me. He places his hand on the small of my back and watched us in the mirror. I think about how great we seem together. If my crown was complete, and if Chess had a crown, we would look like a royal couple.

Suddenly, the image of us changes. I glance at Chess but he doesn't seem to notice. I see the kingdoms, all aflame. It shifts to the kingdoms, black as night. All burned to crisps. Destroyed. Am I going to do this? I sure hope not.

It changes once again. This time I see all four castles grow together, right in the middle of the large area. It turns into one large castle, the four colors blending to make a beautiful castle, the red at the windows, large black doors, white walls, and blue columns, each making the castle look beautiful. The crown is large enough to fit on my head, which is in the center of four thrones. Each of the thrones are their own color: blue, white, black, and red. Two combine, red and white, making a pink. The other to to combine, blue and black, to create a dark, midnight blue.

Just beautiful. And then it moves to us, standing at the mirror, watching each other.

"That was amazing," I whisper.

"What was?" he asks me.

"Nothing," I say, smiling. This will be a secret. Just for me.
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Interesting...

 

Workin on an update! It'll be about soon!

 

Lovely update!
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Chapter 17

I watch people being trained, some struggling, others succeeding. Chess stands next to me as Morrigan and Sylvia walk to us. They both smile at me, watching us closely. I stand straight, pulling off of Chess. He keeps his hand close to mine, showing that I'm his or that he's ready to protect me. Which of them, I don't know.

"Alice, we need you to do something for us," Morrigan smiles at me. Sylvia is watching Chess, giving him grins and smiles. Sylvia doesn't talk much, oddly. She's always quiet. Which is quite unlike her sisters.

"That would be?" I ask. I glance at Sylvia, seeing her clearly. Her eyes are as blue as her hair and her nails. That makes me look down at my own, seeing that they are white. I wonder if my eyes are like that. Probably not. And, if so, they must still have their pale green and gold behind the white. But Isabelle's eyes weren't like that. So, I guess not.

"Sylvia," Morrigan says, nudging her sister with her elbow. Sylvia looks at me and smiles.

"I just went over the plan with Chess," she grins. That's what she was doing? Telepathy? Makes sense. After all, Chess is part cat.

"Great. Alice, we're going to have Chess take you to our castles. We need you to take the crowns and place them on your head. We want you to be our queen. Once you have the crowns, you will take our places as queens of birds an cats. Then you will be the queen. Unless Michael kills you, but with Chess around, I doubt that will happen. So, you will be our queen.

"Sylvia is a Seer too. Once you take her place, her gift will be passed to you. That means that you will see your future when you please. But you can't let Michael know until you get back. Understood?"

"Got it. And how are we going to get to the castles so fast?"

"Chess has a special talent," Sylvia says to me, smiling. "Go on. We'll be waiting."

"What are they..." I start but I'm cut off when Chess takes my hand. Suddenly, I feel like my stomach is being taken out of my body from my mouth. Not a pretty picture. When we are stable, or at least I am, I sit down and pull my knees to my chest. What the hell was that?

"Alice, I'm sorry. Did shifting hurt you?" he asks.

"What is shifting?" I ask quietly, my mouth barely moving since I'm afraid of throwing up.

"It's where we turn into a mist and abruptly appear in another place in the speed of light. First timers usually throw up. You, however, are stronger than others," he says, probably grinning at me. I look up at him and his grin slowly slips off of his face.

"You look so pale," he says. He kisses the top of my head, dodging the crown. I smile, watching his grin right back.

"Now there's the Alice I love and know," he smiles. He takes my hand and helps me stand, keeping me steady when my legs turn to jello.

"Now, let's get that crown," he smiles. He keeps his arm around my waits to keep me from falling and walks with me to a black throne. Morrigan's throne. I look next to it to see a black crown. I walk up short steps and grab the small table that holds the black crown.

"This is it," I whisper. I take the crown in my handed and then, after a short inspection of the beautiful crown, I place it on my head and hear a small click that means I have half of the full crown on my head. I wipe my hand in the air and a mirror appears in the air. I see the crown, the left side full, the right needing to be complete.

"Can we walk to Sylvia's castle?" I ask.

"We don't have to. Call something," Chess smiles. I look at him, confused. I sit there thinking. What is he talking about? A bird? Probably. But there isn't a bird that big to carry us, is there?

"Chess, what's the largest bird here?" I ask him. He smiles at me, like he knows that I've figured it out.

"It's what we call the phreo. It's large enough to carry four humans, two in it's claws and two on it's back," he says.

"Phreo, huh?" I stand there for a moment, think about it. Suddenly, I hear the strangest shriek. "What the hell did I do?"

"Let's go. It should be waiting," Chess says, grabbing my hand and running out of the castle. When we get outside the black hallway and onto the black walkway, I see the strangest creature I've ever seen in my life. Almost like a pterodactyl.

"This looks like a pterodactyl," I say, watching the large bird.

"What's that?" he asks as he gets on the back of the phreo. He hauls me up in front of him, his arms around my waist protectively.

"It's a prehistoric dinosaur that had wings and a pointed head. The only difference is that this beautiful being is that this guy or gal, and something, probably this, is telling me it's a guy, is much, much larger," I say, images flashing through my mind. I finally see the blue castle and think that this is where I want to go.

"Yes, my queen," the creature thinks towards me.

"Holy shit, this big guy just thought to me!" I exclaim as the phero soars into the sky.

"That's an advantage to being the queen of the birds. You can communicate to them with your thoughts," he says into my neck, keeping his eyes averted from the ground at this height. Something tells me that he doesn't like heights, but he only did this for me. As we head to Sylvia's castle, Chess keeps his face buried in my neck, occasionally kissing me. Probably to make sure I'm still here.

We land at the walk way and I have the phreo stay to wait on us. We walk into the castle and Chess is looking green. I have him sit down and I walk alone. Through the blue castle, I see statuettes of cats. All in a very...human, I guess, pose. I see one sitting in a chair, glasses on his face and his paws holding a book. Human likeness, I suppose. Other are more or not so human. When I walk into the throne room, I look around. Suddenly I see a large statue of a woman with the head of a cat. I remember something about woman. I think her name is Bastet. I get a closer look and I'm right. I decide to read the description.

"'The Egyptian goddess Bastet is the goddess of cats. She was the most famous of all goddesses. She was shown with the head of a cat, body of a woman, and one earring,'" I read out loud. And that's as far as I get since Chess runs into the room.

"What's wrong?" I ask. I can feel my strength doubling, tripling along with my eyesight and hearing. I don't hear anything outside as I feel the crowns give me power. I can feel change in my eyes and I watch his purple ones.

"I thought he was here. I thought..." he says, stopping himself short. I turn to see my brother at the blue crown that's Sylvia's, rubbing his hands greedily. Great. How did he find out? No matter. I raise my hand and a large gust of wind blows Michael off of his feet and far away from the crown. I run and stop at the crown.

"Michael, I'm sorry about this," I say and I pick up the crown, placing it on my head before he can say a word. I hear another click as it falls into place. Michael hasn't even gotten up and I run towards him, the new crown giving me a small bit of extra power that's not needed.

"Hey, sister," he says weakly as I stand over him. He's acting stupid.

"How could you, behind my back?" I ask.

"What about you? One minute you are watching people train and the next you are gaining parts of the puzzle. This power is going to your head!"

"Speak for yourself! You were just standing there. I can feel your emotions! That was greed I just felt! You are out of control! I can't trust you anymore!" I exclaim, placing my foot on his chest, adding pressure with every word. I don't even realize Chess is there until he speaks up.

"Alice, stop," he says quietly. I let my foot off Michael's chest and turn to Chess, outraged from the fact the Michael is a backstabber and Chess is trying to defend him. Chess defending my brother? The one who tried to kill him? This is going too far.

"What are you talking about?" I exclaim. I place my foot back on Michael's chest, not even needing to glance at him to know that he's trying to escape. "This is the boy that tried to kill you, for Bastet's sake!" Goddamn it. Sylvia's crown is effecting me more than with power, but also with knowledge.

"He is your twin. How can you talk to him like that? And, yes, I know that I'm defending him. But, here's the truth: all this power that you are gaining is going to your head. You need to relax. Please," Chess says. He places a hand on my cheek and I realize that he's right. I shouldn't be acting like this. I feel the power fall away from me. I can even feel my eyes change.

"Chess, I..." I start but he stops me short.

"Don't. I understand," he says quietly. I pick my foot up from Michael's chest, watching Chess sadly. Michael stands and runs, but I'm not paying attention. Chess pulls me into a hug, causing me to close my eyes. Then he pulls back and looks at me, I can fell his eyes on my face.

"Let's go," he says. I just nod and walk with him to the phero. I don't know where Michael left to. I just feel so sad. So powerless even though I know that these crowns add onto my power source.

What has become to the girl who only had to think about her solos, her grades? Where is the girl who sat on the grass and listened to her sister read? Where is the old Alice? What happened to me?
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What happened to Alice Liddell?

 

Time for an update!
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Chapter 18

Back at the White castle, I just watch the people train. I soon tell them to go rest for a while and that I'll have Blood and Bell wake them later. I rest in my new room. I told Bell that she could sleep in her old room if she wanted to but she said it was my room now.

I walk into the bathroom that is connected to the bedroom. I look at my now brown hair. I wonder what it looks like now. I turn on the water in the sink and I slowly rinse out the hair dye. When I dry my hair, I look at myself again. I see black hair instead of my blond hair. There are white-blonde and blue highlights that seem to be natural. I look so different. The change must have come with the crowns.

I walk back into my bedroom and climb into the large bed. I'm tired as it is. I close my eyes and a few seconds I hear someone enter my room. They walk over to me and slid into bed next to me. There is only two people who would do this: Chess or some sex crazy jerk. I pick the first.

"Hey, you," I whisper and turn to look at him. He's giving me a sly, half-moon smile.

"Hey," he whispers back, grinning like an idiot. He takes my hands and pulls them towards him. My hands are touching his chest. His bare chest. Holy Hell, he's shirtless.

"Are you..." I start.

"Shirtless?" he finishes. "Yes. And I'm with you." He is purring, which is really cute.

"Meow," I say, starting to purr myself. He laughs quietly and his lips are on mine. I just close my eyes and let his lips take over. He kisses down my neck and stops at my collar bone, causing me to moan.

"Stop," he says. Question or statement, I'm not sure. I just nod and he kisses my forehead. He pulls my head onto his arm and the other rests over me protectively. Reminds me of Catching Fire in a way. Like I'm Katniss and Chess is Peeta. And yes, I am a Hunger Games nerd. Don't laugh.

"Night, love," he says, landing a light kiss on my cheek. I try murmur a good night to him but I just fall asleep, safe in his arms.
~*~*~*~*~*
"Alice," I hear. I stir in my place. I feel a kiss being planted on my lips. I open my eyes and see Chess' shingling purple irises.

"Hey," I say groggily. I smile sheepishly, watching his eyes dart around my face. "Stop that. I know you love me but stop that. Please." He just nods and kisses me again.

"I'm heading back to my room before I get into any trouble. I'll be back through the door again later to have more fun. Bye, love," he says, changing into a mist and leaving my sight. I sigh and get out of the bed, walking to my mirror. My hair is fine and so is the crown. I walk to the closet and see white dress after white dress. I pick the one that would seem the most natural on me and pull it on.

As I fix my hair, it draping over my right shoulder, I hear a knock on the door. I call for them to come in as I grab pins to keep my hair in place.

"Bell, I was wondering if..." I hear and turn. I see Blood, wide eyes and mouth gaping open. He is looking at me so oddly.

"What?" I ask.

"You just look...wow. I mistook you for Bell. You do fit in her clothes really well." I feel my face go hot. That was too flattering. I fit really well in Bell's clothes. Not a comment I would hear from Blood. Or at least I think.

"Thanks. Bell is in a guest room." I push my hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear.

"Right," Blood says. He backs up and bumps into the door, causing me to giggle. He gives me a small grin, almost nervous. He reaches for the door, his hand tapping the wood before he finds the handle. He opens it, jostling forward. This makes me realize that he didn't open it, someone else did.

"Hey, Blood," Chess says, entering my room. "Bell is looking for you. What are you doing in here anyway?"

"I was looking for her. And I found Alice. So, I'll just...yeah," Blood says, causing me to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. He pushes past Chess, giving me a wave. I look at Chess' confused face.

"What was that?" he asks, shutting my door. He walks towards me, watching my expression.

"I have no idea. I think something happened that I don't know about. Whatever it is, I don't know," I say, confused.

"Well, you look stunning, Alice. And that dress hugs you perfectly," he purrs, placing his hands on my hips.

"That almost exactly what Blood said to me," I say, leaning in to kiss him.

"Wait," he says, pulling back to make me look at him. "What exactly did Blood say?"

"He only said that Bell's clothes fit me really well. He said that I "just looks...wow." Chess' face turns from, protective to serious. More like jealous.

"Chess, don't you dare," I say.

"What?" he asks, his grip on my hips loosening.

"I don't want to you go telling off Blood just because he is complementing me. Now, play nice, love. I don't want to have to be forceful."

"But I will," he says, placing more pressure on my hips.

"And that's the Cheshire I love," I say to him, planting a small kiss on his lips.

"Well, let's get to the training, shall we?" he asks, smiling.
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Is Chess jealous? Is Blood attracted to Alice?