Engine 999 Fan Fiction: Assistant in Wonderland638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AdbQIrAgX
(1st Song brought about up until the Queen of Hearts part: "Carry On" by Olivia Holt 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fRmCvwiWW
) (2nd Song brought about the rest from Queen of Hearts to the end: "Let It Rock (Radio Edit) by Kevin Rudolf 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2STIo9ZB3c
) (Yuxria and Swift belong to Yuxria so check out his Deviantart ) (Lucy belongs to AmerillaRose so check out her Deviantart ) (Twig and Pilot belongs to GhostLinx so check out their Deviantart )638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRSsDWhz4z
The day had begun and advanced as any other day but this day was different. Assistant worked with Peridot as usual to ensure all the passengers were happy and taken care of. It was a lovely day and they had come to rest at a station in a more country setting instead of a bustling city. It was actually a nice change, different but nice.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYFUFjf47z
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Assistant exited the train once all his work was done and decided he would take some personal time. He had grabbed a book that Alisia had handed him when he asked if she had anything different to read. She had told him the story always made her smile and brought her to feel relaxed along with happier afterwards. The title was faded and she refused to tell him what it was, claiming she didn't recall and only said he would like it. He walked some feet away from the station and sat under a tree with a sigh. “I hope she didn’t do something to this.” The boy in blue muttered as he opened the worn and hard covered book.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWRejeNUGT
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As he got into the book he began to recognize the story. There were a few differences here and there but it had the same basic plot or, some could say, lack thereof. The story was refreshing yet was one he knew and he couldn’t think of anyone, unless it didn’t exist in that realm, who didn’t know this tale. After some minutes in due thanks to the warm breeze, serene area, the leaves rustling, and the warm sun breaking through spots of his shade, Assistant began to close his eyes and started drifting into a nap.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqsaUTYfR3
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Minutes ticked by and those minutes appeared to drift into hours before a quick speaking voice started to rise the black haired teen from his slumber. Moaning softly, he lifted his head and pushed himself up from the ground, leaving the book laying upside down beside him. He rubbed one of his blue eyes to free it from its sleepiness and looked around groggy. “Hmm?” he pondered with a yawn, “guess I dozed off,” he said a bit roughly in his tired voice.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTNPla82zF
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“You need to move it!" the boys nearing voice ordered in a rush. "You’re late! You’re late! You’re always so very late!” Tigro was shouting in urgency which caught Assistant’s attention all the more. Assistant looked around until finally spotting a small tiger cub with what appeared to be a normal human at first glance, both racing or more the cub was trying to hurry with dragging the person and the human wasn't much for it. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNDloStsyQ
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But after a couple of blinks and the pair nearing closer it looked more like a tiger cub with mouse features, such as mouse ears and a mouse tail. He rubbed his eyes and blinked again to make sure the sleep was completely gone from his sight, thinking the light was playing tricks on him as the male human now looked like he had long ears atop his head with a top hat. The cub continued pulling on the arm of the teen with messy brown hair as he groaned while his rabbit ears kept twitching through holes cut out of the brim of his hat. “Ugh it’s fine if we’re late." He pointed out with a heavy sigh. "She can wait.” Conductor complained to the cub.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFqlE3EYZa
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“No!" Tigro snapped with a stern look back to the boy, "no we must not be late! She’ll have our heads if we are late again!” the cub scolded with a few jumps to make eye contact with the green eyes of the rabbit eared Conductor.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeeBe25dYa
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Assistant slowly got to his feet, unable to tear his eyes off this scene. “….Conductor?” he questioned confused, not able to figure out what was going on and if he was even awake at this moment. The pair passed him by as-quick-as-a-whip and his jaw fell open to take in air as he reached out for the pair. “Conductor!” he shouted, getting the boy in the white trench coat to look back before digging his heels into the ground, sliding to a stop. This caused the cub to release a squeak noise as he was jerked suddenly to a stop and fell on his butt.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzIwQPPtbd
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“Who you looking for?” the green eyed teen asked upon his turning around fully to face the approaching boy in blue.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSEeR9lpep
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“What do you mean ‘who are you looking for?’ you idiot? I’m talking to you.” Assistant pointedly snapped some at Conductor, not sure why he’d be asking that unless it was to, for some reason, mess with him for whatever reason.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9gqMxgz71
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Conductor tilted his head to one side, a look one might call blank or quizzical coming to his face before he spoke after some moments of silence. “Conductor?” he asked, “but I’m the White Rabbit. My name isn’t Conductor.” He answered in a calm voice with a tone to show this was just fact.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ720MGRYfN6
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Assistant couldn’t believe this, even less belief as the cub released a frustrated noise before jumping up and grabbing Conductor’s upper arm to turn him around. He showed the brown haired teen an opened pocket watch by nearly shoving it into his face. “We’re going to be late!!” he shouted then took off, dragging the boy with him roughly.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ts4tjDZHL
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It took but a few moments for Assistant to shake off the dazed feeling at what was happening. “Hey! Bring him back here!” Assistant commanded while chasing after the duo. The pair kept running until they ducked low and slid inside of a hallow tree, vanishing from sight into its shadows. “Oh hell no, you are not getting away that easy.” He was determined to get to the bottom of this as he quickly threw his body low and slid into the hole. He expected the land to remain under him inside the trunk but that land soon fell away to open up to a straight shot down.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1yM54P5Rk
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Assistant screamed in fear as anyone would when falling into a black abyss of nothingness besides air rushing up past the falling body. He fell faster and faster as he looked desperately around for anything to grab hold of. Noticing a protruding object he stretched his reach out with is left hand while his right held his hat to his head. He was hoping to reach it as it neared, moving his body to fall closer to it as he didn't want to splatter to his death whenever he'd find the bottom. It was hard to see in the darkness but he kept his reach out in hopes of feeling what he thought he saw, and to his luck his hand did touch then grabbed tightly onto a gritty feeling root. Dirt fell down on top of his head as he winced after an initial grunt from the hard stop, holding onto it for dear life.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59q8vam3of
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His ears rang with the hallow breath of air rushing upwards past his form to the opening above his head. He opened his eyes to look up at the root that was slowly beginning to dip and allow more dirt to give way. “No, no, stay, staaaaay,” the boy pleaded softly with the plant as it lowered more which made it harder to keep his grip. He reached up with his other hand then began to alternate between right over left, tightening his hold while trying to climb up for a secure hold. But eventually he did lose his hold on the dirt covered surface with his palms sweating. He released a yell as he fell straight down again which caused his stomach to feel twisted and churning with internal fear while reaching out quickly, almost frantically, in his attempt to try and find anything to grab hold of.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQHUKFxqIl
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He got his body to flip around and began to see a light after what felt like endless minutes. He brought his arms up to shield his eyes before closing them tightly, bracing for the fatal blow. Luckily for him that never came to be. What came to happen was his fast falling body slowed down, landing in a large soft chair. Assistant after some moments removed his arms and opened his eyes to look down then around confused. “What?” he didn’t know why he was in Conductor’s chair, or the reason it was floating down instead of being in the engine room where it belonged. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vDusRjNFZ
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Moving some he looked down to see the ground covered in a black and white pattern, almost like a checker board or chess board. He sighed while leaning back, his hands moving on the arms and one hitting a button which caused the chair to start spinning. Assistant released a confused noise as he held onto the chair that continued to spin faster and faster until it came to the floor, rocking forwards and throwing him out of its seat. “Oomph!” he slid across the hard tile floor shortly before coming to a stop and got up, glaring at the big chair that sat almost like it was pleased with itself. “I’m telling Conductor you just malfunctioned.” He snorted at the now motionless chair as he dusted himself off before bending down to retrieve his hat, placing it back on his head. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYziYR1HemZ
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After standing it dawned on him something was different and looking down confirmed this. He jumped with his blue eyes widening in seeing that over his normal clothing was a dress that came to his knees. “What the hell?! How did this happen?!” he exclaimed while spinning one way then the other which caused the Alice dress to fan out and his cheeks went red as he came to a halt. He smoothed the blue and white dress out by mainly brushing down the bell of the garment while looking to see if anyone had snuck up on him with his cheeks lightly flushed. “This is so embarrassing.” He complained under his breath before shaking his head and took a deep breath to calm down, releasing it and started to walk forwards. This was no time to freak out although he did wish the dress wound vanish as magically as it had appeared. On another note he was glad to still have his pants and jacket though the dress's short sleeves had merged into his jacket to make it a long sleeved dress. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH7bzUkKx1
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Taking in his surroundings he noticed the room was fairly simple and had a dome shaped ceiling with nicely done detail work to the metal plates. He stopped and turned his gaze to a rounded table which had been set with a flower vase containing lilies, two small bottles, and two plates each with a slice of cake. Each bottle had a simple tag tied around its neck 'Drink Me' were the labels. Which is one will make me shrink and the other will make me grow. This is either some kind of elaborate joke or someone magically warped me into a children's story book. Assistant thought unimpressed before turning his attention to look at a couple of chairs that sat near an unlit fireplace, then looked to across from where he'd came to see a small archway door. “No way this is real.” He mumbled in disbelief to himself before turning his blue gaze to the table to see under one of the plates was a key. He picked it up and pocketed it as his mind was reviewing the story of Alice in Wonderland. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOxg2JOvTQ
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He turned his attention to the bottles hoping as he picked up one that this story was the same as the one he knew, being in with which bottle caused growth and which bottle brought the body to shrink. Hearing a noise drew Assistant to look down and spy a smaller Conductor and the tiger looking mouse cub racing towards then under him, dashing between his feet. He turned and saw them open a door, disappearing through it then closing it with a click of a lock. “Oh he’s not getting away that easy.” The blue eyed boy stated lowly and popped the top off the bottle in his hand before taking a small sip. He repeated this slowly, waiting each time for his body to shrink and stop before taking another sip to reach the appropriate height. He put the bottle down once he was the right height and took off for the door, pulling on the metal knob to see if it would open and found it locked. Just as he thought it would be. This was so far following the tale he knew. He took a breath as he pulled out the key, slipping it into the hole. “Well, time to enter a world of madness…” his thoughts trailed off as he realized that was actually to some degree about his everyday normal.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUDNszOUPj
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Assistant turned the key then the handle as he pocketed the key, pushing the door open as he stepped out into the light of the outside. The nature was larger than him as was to be expected along with its very green and very colorful appearance. He scanned the area with his steps advancing slowly as his face displayed his astonishment at the way everything looked from the smaller viewpoint, watching butterflies flutter past and above him through the sky. He didn't cease his advancements as he took in the scenery while keeping a close eye out for any signs of Conductor. Through the moments into minutes of no signs of the Engine Master brought the boy to frown and sigh in frustration. Yet he didn't stop and kept up his search as he made his way deeper into the forest while following the cleared dirt path. It felt like half an hour had passed by with no signs of other intelligent life which didn't ease the simmering annoyed feeling twisting inside Assistant's gut. “Ugh, damn it. Where the hell did he go?” the teen muttered quietly.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTIpG1OjeP
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“Where did who go?” a female voice asked without a body.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nOZ2pkE8j
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“Conductor, that’s who,” Assistant answered before halting in his steps and start to look around for who just spoke. “Wait, who are you? Where are you?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC31dGvCt3
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“Oh…maybe I’m here or maybe I'm not, who really knows.” Peridot giggled as she spoke in an almost a singsong way before up in a tree did a grin appear. The black haired teen turned his sights up and jumped, startled by a wide floating set of teeth. He then sighed as a face then body of a cat with stripes on its tail that swished leisurely through the air. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwxWjtemWy
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The cat’s grin stretched from ear to ear and he thought the teal color of its fur looked familiar, along with the black hood that held a moon and sun dangling on either side of her head. “…Peridot?” Assistant questioned while tilting his head a little when the cat moved to lie in a different position in the oddly colored tree.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXIehylcy5
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Peridot began to tap her chin as her face squished some in thought. “Hmm…nope," she responded with a shrug and her green eyes closed, "I’m not familiar with that name here in Wonderland." Her eyes opened and she rolled over with the grin returning to her face some. "Have you hit your head dear Alice?” she asked curiously before going quiet with her eyes closing to think. She reopened them with the grin faded as she inspected Assistant over closely from the tree. “Or are you playing to forget?” the cat asked slyly with a coy smile creeping to its furry face.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJloZOLRNG9
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The teen frowned not finding this amusing. “It’s Assistant, not Alice," he corrected flatly, "now would you please tell me where Conductor is so I can get out of this place?” he ordered firmly, chalking Peridot’s odd behavior up to her going along with whatever happened during his nap.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZI7sQ9GL9
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The cat hummed while lying on her belly as her tail danced through the air before starting to fade. “Oooooh I’m not sure who Peridot is,” she began with a wide yawn as her body vanished. “But I know I’m the Cheshire Cat of Wonderland.” Peridot said in a chipper tone as her voice had begun to echo around Assistant before her body appeared sitting in another tree. “I can be anywhere," she vanished appearing in another tree, "and go anywhere I want," she faded appearing on the ground, "whenever I want.” She giggled while vanishing again and appeared floating in front of Assistant’s face, causing him to step back with a startled expression.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkWt7pl9Bb
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He turned and tried to keep up with the feline that was showing off her skill until she finally decided to stay in sight. “You’re Peridot and…" he trailed off when she tilted her head to the side, bringing him to release a heated huff, "ugh never mind, just tell me where the White Rabbit is then.” He snapped frustrated, locking his eyes with her before shifting them to look away briefly. “Stupid Alisia, I bet she talked them all into this stupid gag.” He mumbled under his breath as he watched the ground before returning his full attention to Peridot.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IoVFkrBS8
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Peridot giggled as she moved floating through the air to circle Assistant with glee. “Oh! Why didn’t you just ask?” she questioned before stopping in the air at Assistant’s side. “Just follow forwards until you meet a delightful party." She instructed as a matter-of-fact as she pointed onward down the path, one leg folded over the other from where she sat in the air. "The White Rabbit is always late for the Queen’s meetings.”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyIlNWttqS
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Finally he got an answer and gave a stiff nod to the cat. “Thanks,” Assistant stated with a bit of a flat tone as he took two steps then paused before looking back to Peridot. “Wait, Queen? Who’s the Queen?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWvtG5PyGt
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“Uh duh," she said with a roll of her eyes, "the Queen of Hearts,” Peridot floated over knocking twice on Assistant’s head. “Are you ill or going madder than the Hatter, Alice?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvt3LtcwRw
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Assistant pulled away displeased by having his head knocked upon like a door. “Hey, stop that and it’s Assistant, not Alice!” he tried to correct her sharply.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SWm1nIh4F
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Peridot put her hands up as she giggled trying to cover the growing grin. “Oh so true, Alice,” she said as she flew around and her body faded leaving only the grinning mouth. “Nothing is madder than a cat in Wonderland.” With those last words and an echoing laugh, the grin faded along with any traces of her ever being there. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFl0ujO9f3
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The blue eyed boy twisted his face some with confusion and concern as he watched her leave. “Just what did Alisia or those others do to make her act like that?” he questioned with a shiver before making his legs move to start forwards. “Guess I’ll speak to the Mad Hatter.” He held doubt this was going to be any less of a frustrating meeting but tried to hold hope it wouldn't be too hard. The deeper he went the more he found himself pushing leaves and branches out of his way. Later he came upon a clearing where a long table was set up with a lone train car resting nearby. What is this? he thought as he approached the gate to see a few people sitting at a long table, enjoying cake and drinks. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibHuprDiRe
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“No, no you take the raven feather and put it in the lemon eye then you pat the tea pots back.” A short female corrected the group with a huff, keeping her back towards the boy who watched silently. Twig reached up and adjusted her unique top hat that held a lemon tied on with two playing cards stuck behind the fruit. “I swear you all are none the brighter than the Dodo.” She released a 'humph' sound while folding her arms in front of her chest.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMFKAp1qDl
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Noticing this pause Assistant decided now might be the time to speak up. “Um…excuse me?" he began as he put a hand on the wooden gate. "Would any of you be able to tell me where the Hatter is?” the boy asked as he stepped inside the fenced area.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTQgueTjsB
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“Hatter?” the short female asked tilting backwards to look at Assistant upside down from her standing spot on the table, her hat making a soft thump as it rested on its top under her head. “She be me so who be you?” Twig asked with a tilt of her upside down head. “I say Alice but Alice knows me yet you don’t know me.”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzRI83Uk2J
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A male scoffed with brown rabbit ears as he looked over then sipped his cup of tea. “Please, if Alice is here then she must have gotten something done to her face.” Sho remarked behind the tea cup. “She’s less cute than before.” He rudely said before sipping more of his tea, tapping his right foot.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu00DwpkgW
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“You’re one to talk rabbit boy.” Assistant came back with, folding his arms and set his blue orbs on Sho who was putting down the teacup to its saucer.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9FIdKNji1
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“I am not a rabbit!” the male shouted hotly, standing up immediately as he glared at Assistant with one eyebrow twitching. “I’m the March Hare! A Hare is different than a lowly common rabbit!”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9NObz05ty
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“Oh really?” Assistant asked, not believing there really was a difference as he kept calmer than Sho. “Then tell me, March Hare, what's the differences between the White Rabbit and you?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcWdGRHBff
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Sho snorted as Assistant's accusation that he was the same as Conductor stirred his irritation like angry bees. “For one you brat, a Hare is intelligent with longer ears!” he snapped with a stomp of his foot, one eyebrow twitching in annoyance.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgogpbS8TW4
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Assistant rolled his eyes at the tense boy. “Sure, whatever," he said in dismissal as he started turning, "they’re practically the same.” He stated as he unfolded his arms while stepping around to the side of the table and pulled out an empty seat with the intention to sit, and try to get some answers.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7imjV1yEv
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Twig gasped and dashed at Assistant, throwing a hand out. “Wait!” she screamed in panic which made him stop and look up to see what the matter was. He watched as the Hatter on the table now walked over to him and locked her eyes with his. “You can’t sit there!" she commanded strictly, pointing a finger at the black haired boy. "There’s no room here for you to join Alice!” Twig snapped sharply with determination in her eyes to not let their visitor join.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX80g9NY9j
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“What are you talking about?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow that the boldfaced lie. "There’s plenty of room.” Assistant pointed out as there were more than ten chairs not in use. Down the table were two male twins teasing the other by keeping something of the other out of reach as he motioned to indicate there was more than enough room. He closed his eyes some with an almost scrutinizing look as he examined the small Mad Hatter closely, then he looked closely at the March Hare who had sat down to calm himself with his tea before looking at the twins. “Hey…mind telling me who set all of this up?” the boy in blue asked carefully as he looked back to Twig.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA2pH7iYV1
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Twig looked at Assistant confused. “Huh?" she tilted her head to the side as her hat popped back onto her head. "Have you taken too many lemons to the head Alice?” she asked looking baffled before turning, sitting at a plate and took a large bite out of a slice of lemon cake.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Wj7fuj5o
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“No, I’ve not taken hits to the head. Cut it out Twig, Sho, and whatever you two’s names are.” He commanded as he turned his sights on each one of them during their addressing. “Tell me where Conductor is and how we can end this weird prank.” Assistant ordered the hill fairy. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlBjLUyhLD
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Twig ignored him while finishing the cake then looked to Sho who snorted as did the twins. “I think the White Rabbit has messed with our dear Alice’s head." Sho snickered as he took a piece of cake up onto his fork. "I’ve always been the March Hare," he indicated to Twig with his fork, "she’s always been the Mad Hatter," lastly he indicated to the twins, "and they have always been Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb.” Sho explained with a laugh before eating the cake off his silverware. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq6MqeYmPi
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The teapot lid suddenly lifted up and out came a long rodent that looked like a ferret yet had mouse whiskers and the tail of a mouse. "What's Pilot doing in there?" Assistant asked with hints of disgust with the thought of how long the animal had been in there, feeling glad he hadn't had the tea. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXRJl2Ag0Y
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Twig giggled not noticing Assistant's view of it being not normal. "That's his home silly." Pilot looked around as he came up to a slice of cake, sniffed it then took about four bites before yawning and going to sleep, his tail resting on the cake slice.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvaSnHOv8X
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Assistant tried not to make a face but did feel his stomach a little turned at this. “And that’s gross." He commented quietly before speaking up. "Why's Pilot calling a teapot home in the first place?" he inquired as the feeling of disgust didn't leave with visions of what Pilot probably did in there. It didn't ease up with thoughts that, since no other teapots were in sight, this was the one their lemon tea came from.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXPTwTu5p6
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“That’s the Door Mouse,” the twins said together with a deep sigh, looking at Assistant with their wolf ears twitching. “Really Alice, have you been away so long you can’t remember your friends?” they said in unison.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVbDmGaYVN
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFoYtxXT5Z
Assistant tightened his jaw frustrated while lowering his head to try and contain his emotions as Pilot snored with an adorable snot bubble growing and shrinking with his breathing in and out. They must have all lost it. Yup that’s the only explanation for this craziness that’s more than normal. He thought as he snorted out an annoyed breath. Taking in a deep breath he looked up to Sho and Twig, speaking calmly as he could with his fists clinched at his sides. “Alright then, if all the seats are for some reason taken, tell me where the White Rabbit is.” All four of them pointed in the way that Assistant had been heading. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbYXGxQjJI
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg9n6ZlbPK
“Just go straight.” Sho stated before sipping his tea. Assistant nodded and began to back away from the table to continue on in the direction he'd been going this entire time before an overhead shadow brought his body to hesitate.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3phhLoTQia
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6b5A7jaNq
Suddenly a crashing noise rang out with the dishes flying into the air with a sleeping Pilot as the teen with the white ears in his white trench coat came slamming down onto the table. "I said!!" Tigro shouted out over the noise with his claws dug into the back of Conductor's coat. The Engine Master ignored the cub as he landed hard on the ball of one foot with the knee bending as the other leg was bent up along his side. "We should!!" Tigro tried to get out but again was ignored as the green eyed boy reached down to scoop up a slice of cake quickly before leaping off the table to keep moving. The tiger mouse cub growled in frustration with being ignored as he held on tight during Conductor's quick steps along the table. "Go the other way!!" he finished getting out and hoped the boy heard him for once over the loud ringing noise of glass dishes clattering and a few breaking.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELa8GD806r
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsOYdZC2AZ
“You’re no fun!" Conductor pouted back loudly over the racket he was causing as he glanced back to the cub. "What’s the point in being there on time?” he asked as he rolled his eyes before popping the food into his mouth, leaping off the table and swallowed as he came to land on the grass starting to brush his gloved hands off. “Hmm a little sweet but not bad,” Conductor commented with his critique of the desert.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CyEsP8Af2
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnqrRjVqrl
Assistant immediately rushed over and up to Conductor, getting in front of him and grabbed his jacket near the collar. “Hey! I been looking for you!” the teen of black hair snapped. The green eyed teen watched Assistant silently before pointing at himself almost as if he were asking Assistant if he was actually referring to him and not someone else that wasn't in the angry hold, getting a sharp nod in response.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3WrCOsNRo
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLF3ucVDSM
Sho shot up and used a napkin to try drying the tea off his stained shirt before stopping what he was doing so to glare at the back of Conductor's head. “Don’t you have any manners you stupid rabbit?!” he stammered out with his shock and anger at the table having been now messed up by Conductor’s rude intrusion.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzNtu7LbeP
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIX0BbllFs
Conductor blinked once finally before pushing Assistant off and straightened his jacket as he turned looking to Sho. “Well I heard a little bunny talking about me so I wanted to make an entrance." He admitted casually. "Plus I was hungry.” He said chuckling with a grin.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3hOYAfLyp
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e6hVExLAR
“Because,” Sho began with a tightened jaw as he pointed at Conductor, his hand and body shaking with a cold glare on the White Rabbit, “we Hares are ten times more intelligent and proper than your kind!”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbNBdzfk2z
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSIKgmPDoL
“Really?” the brown haired teen asked tilting his head with a questionable look on his face. “Huh, never thought about it that way." He said innocently, turning his gaze up. "All you do is drink tea as I run the Queen’s errands.” He then shrugged, “eh go figure.” Conductor then proceeded to walk off, stopping when Assistant grabbed his shoulder.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtRheHaSPL
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi10dhywvV
“You aren’t going anywhere." The black haired teen commanded. "We’re going back the way we came and getting out of this, whatever spell or thing this is, to put things back to at least the normal crazy.” Assistant stated strictly.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeteLfBNX5
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKQtvPbuor
Conductor sighed as he closed his eyes while shrugging Assistant’s hand off. “Alice, I am flattered you love me but this fur ball on my back won’t shut up about us being late to meet the Queen.” He explained while opening his eyes halfway to watch Assistant, “and I’d much prefer to not be eliminated and retain my head.” He then straightened his jacket again as the cub climbed up to sit on one of his shoulders. “Now then,” he suddenly turned and it looked like he was going to planted a quick peck on Assistant’s cheek, “I’ll be going now sweetie.” He whispered with a smirk before backing off.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FcB4cEOUq
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu2arwMHl4
Assistant’s cheeks flushed bright red at the sly whisper tone of Conductor’s voice in his ear. No kiss had been planted but that whispered nickname gave new life to a theory this was some sick joke. Assistant shook himself out of his shock to see the boy in the trench coat ran off with a grin like a fox on his face. He closed his eyes tight, fists tightening and he took off after his boss with eyes snapping open. “You get back here you jerk!” he screamed as he glared at the back of the quickly running Conductor.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfc9s3FysG
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv4xTliijg
Conductor dashed into the thick brush, weaving easily though the branches and leaves. Assistant had a trickier time and was slowed down, causing him to effectively lose sight of his friend. The teen with black hair sighed, closing his eyes and rested his hands on his knees with his body doubled over when the foliage gave him room. “Damn, I lost him again.” He looked up to see he had come to another small clearing. But why does he keep running from me? he questioned as he slowly stood up straight. I get being in a role and playing it well but there’s a limit.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXOZPHryjk
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj33YsOgdT0
Assistant began to walk forwards again after catching his breath, wanting this dream or nightmare, whatever one would call it, to end but he wanted to get his friend first. It was but several steps forward before he found himself coughing and waving away a smoke cloud that had been blown into his face. “Oh!" a female exclaimed startled before looking down to her guest, "hello there Alice I didn’t see you down there.” Alanna said apologetically as she sat back out of sight which drew Assistant to look up at a large mushroom.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSO8of0Hzq
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy1fSoeNKZ
“Um…do I know you? You sound familiar.” Assistant asked while moving around and reaching up, pulling himself off the ground to see who sat on its red top.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4APjaCRZni
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu3oKjb7fa
The woman took a breath from the mouth piece of a hookah and exhaled into the air. “You, I will say no. Alice, I will say yes.” She opened and turned her green eyes to the black haired teen, pushing some red strains back. “So I shall ask but once if not be so twice, who be you who comes to Wonderland?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuOLAJdmd2
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxL7grT5Gw
Assistant turned his blue eyes to the woman, staring at her face for a time. “A-Alanna? When did you start smoking?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPe0BaGr06
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeYnv0IMIW
She blinked looking to him confused before inhaling from the hookah again, blowing smoke out as she spoke. “This not smoking but a mix of heat and ice with lemon and lavender grass I got from the Hatter.” She explained calmly as the teen coughed and swatted away the smoke. “And the name is Caterpillar, thank you.” She took another puff of her smoke scented water.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdLZA99iyw
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6desBhNRU
He looked at her with a fallen expression. “You to?” he groaned with disappointment. “I thought at least you wouldn’t have fallen for whatever this is.”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOMH8l8dAT
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2YWONIhAJ
Alanna narrowed her eyes on the youth. “What do you accuse me of? Trickery?!” she snapped with her voice cracking at him. She quickly uncrossed her legs and kicked him off her mushroom at his shoulder, making him grunt as he landed on his butt to the ground with a thud. She took a deep inhale then blew the smoke intentionally into Assistant’s face, leaning towards him then sat upright with her legs neatly folded beside her. She coughed once to clear her throat before taking a deep breath of air and exhaling to relax herself. “I ask you but once more, who are you?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3rOQmXxr1
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblJgoKGuDI
Assistant stood up, looking down as he was dusting himself off then rubbed the small of his back. “I’m Assistant and I’m looking for the White Rabbit, I mean Conductor.” He explained, hoping she was going to be reasonable as he picked up two soft pieces he had dropped.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthnqoNVgEb
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85MfG4etbU
Alanna leaned back sighing and rested her hands behind her on the smooth surface as she rested against them like props. "Oh brother," she moaned while leaning her head back with her eyes closing. “I know none by a name as strange as Conductor." She groaned as she slowly rolled her head to the right as if getting knots out of her neck. "There is the White Rabbit. He serves the Queen of Hearts.” She stated boredly, rolling her head to the other side. “Somehow he keeps his head, I know not how.” She yawned widely as she rested her head back between her shoulders.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmvRvigmcw
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm5vQv98ub
Assistant wasn't amused by how dismissive she was being towards him. “Well? Where’s the Queen then?” he demanded to know as he moved to the side of the mushroom, stepping back to have a better view of the uninterested woman. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJc4kZ7rrX
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXl7YVrJT7
This got Alanna to move her head and to open one eye to stare down at the determined gaze of the teen. “The castle is that way," she moved one hand to point after shifting her weight off it, "fairly huge, you can’t miss it.” She responded flatly as her free hand played with her long red hair. “But you answered naught my question for who you are. How can you find someone when you don’t know yourself dear Alice?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubVY7L9MtI
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8kMU0jkXn
Assistant began walking in the direction she pointed but slowed down to a stop to lock eyes with her again. “I know who I am. I’m Conductor’s friend and his assistant.” A bit of firmness entered his tone, “and together we go around and help those in need.”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnAahpF1PP
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3bFgKsYKT
Alanna listened closely, opening her other eye but just part of the way, closing her half open eye some to look at him as though she were examining something up for auction. “Hmm…I see. But…is that all you are?" she questioned softly keeping her almost shimmering green orbs set with his. "Or is there more?” her tone had fallen to one that one might call coy or sly.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCtH6Xv2QL
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Assistant narrowed his eyes on her. “What are you implying?” his tone had sharpened.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7NDHMTgQn
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cZ9YrqTFK
“But a simple question it is I ask." Alanna said with a bit of a pout at his reply. "So why do you become so much like a prickly bush?” the woman asked in the same calm careful voice.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAZlGxq6sx
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbfNfnUkL5
“I’m not being prickly as you put it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an insanely smart idiot to find.” With that said he strode off, annoyed with the woman whose eyes he felt following him until he was no longer in her sights. She shrugged and went back to her relaxing. As she blew out some smoke in rings she felt like she had forgotten to tell Alice something but ended up shrugging it off, telling herself it was nothing as she did not take notice of two missing spots on her mushroom. The black haired teen pocketed the mushrooms as he continued briskly on his way, muttering complaints about this joke not being funny. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWYXOgiRUS
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVSVxIZ1dc
It would take some minutes but felt as if more than an hour had passed before he came upon castle walls that were built out of hedges. It was neatly trimmed and yet somehow was intimidating. Shaking this off he decided to head inside, slipping past the cracked open metal gates. Sounds of clapping and talking lead Assistant towards the back of the castle where he saw people gathered in seating along the hedges. There was a witness stand set up some steps away before a throne that was raised by about five steps and on this throne sat a tall woman in a red dress, wearing her hair in a unique style and a crown upon her head. Carefully he neared and stayed along the hedges, watching as a person was brought forth and stood in front of the Queen in the standing witness stand. That person looked like a playing card in some ways, most likely due to the way the outfit fit.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sMy9xK0oc
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZArXe4FhI
Scanning the seating he noticed some people had faces and others did not. His eyes eventually spied Conductor and he began to quicken his careful pace, wanting to get to his friend and end this dream that put crazy on the train to the level of normal. It was confusing and felt almost surreal to see faces he knew outside of Wonderland and yet those same faces claimed they were someone else. On top of that he was getting tired of being called Alice when that wasn’t his name. He didn’t even bother to figure out what the Queen was saying, ignoring her long winded speech that was making even the one in the witness stand to look like he was going to fall asleep listening to her. All I got to do is get his attention, make him end whatever has caused this to turn into a book, and we’re out of here then it's back to the average insanity. Assistant thought hopefully but noticed that even Conductor looked bored watching the Queen speak. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGQy8sxKfA
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcE24o5KsM
He got under where Conductor was seated near the Queen and tried to get his attention with hissing up softly to the boy. When that got no response he looked to the Queen who was talking now about something involving baked goods. Rolling his eyes he turned his attention back to his friend. “Conductor, Conductor,” Assistant hissed twice before repeating his name once more a little louder in a whisper. Still Conductor did not respond to Assistant, yawning and rested his head on his closed fist as he tried to keep his green eyes opened. The little cub with him had actually fallen asleep out of sight in his seat beside the teen in white. Assistant glared growing agitated. Fine, ignore your own name then. We’ll try your role name you decided to play. But I’m so getting even later. He thought with a little bit of spite. “White!” he hissed quietly, “White Rabbit,” Assistant whispered sharply up with a smidge of volume.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjeQqBs10Q
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QxxznNjM6
Conductor’s ears twitched hearing his name and glanced down before turning his head to see Assistant after leaning forwards some. “Hey Alice, what are you doing down there?” he whispered.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22fqhwaAfH
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“I’m here to get you so we can go home.” Assistant whispered in return, hoping Conductor would agree.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnItzBYUwUs
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“Go home? But here is home isn’t it?” the teen with green eyes asked curiously.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBxyLYDNqt
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSFEtW3oLN
“What? No!” the blue eyed boy snapped while closing his eyes and shaking his head. “You don't live here in this place. So let’s-”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45t8K8DAVb
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDsKTvd6uy
“Mr. White!” a shrill woman’s voice barked out loudly which caused Assistant to lower some with a small wince along with Conductor who had lowered his ears from the loudness. He raised his ears and began to check them to make sure they weren’t bleeding with an annoyed expression on his face. “What is of such dire importance that you must continue to interrupt my speech?!” Mari snapped coldly, “You know all accused must know their crime and this is also to educate others on what to do to avoid being on trial!”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYHFSNt7ZR
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbfl8TulNX
Conductor groaned and was glad his hearing was still intact. “Well as thrilling as it is to hear for the hundredth time about all the stuff that goes into your tarts,” he took a breath looking to a gloved hand, “and how much it all costs when separate then together…” he paused sighing and looked to Assistant then to the Queen folding his arms. “I thought we already resolved where all your sweets go already being to the Cheshire Cat behind your back.” His tone had gone flat with his last few words.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEQ7VYR5lB
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHksXWjUPO
The Queen glared daggers as she narrowed her eyes and stood with her scepter in hand, holding it tightly. “How dare you tell me I’m wrong?!” she screeched in anger, “I am your Queen! And rules state that I am always right!” she shouted in a shrill booming voice.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoX4iE6U1J
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8joRHamkuC
Assistant finally turned his blue eyes to look at this woman again from his crouched position, as she had looked familiar as well. He narrowed his eyes as he thought then blinked and his eyes opened more as it started to strike him. “Mari?” the teen questioned softly.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDtaVJzgU4
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKdaRt6BRs
“And as delightful as it is that you are always right, my Queen, you can tend to be very wrong.” Conductor stated without fear towards the Queen of Hearts.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn9iglUxFs
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This infuriated her further and resulted in her swiftly pointing her scepter at Conductor. “Seize the White Rabbit! Off with his head!” she commanded heartlessly.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WbL6Jm4pP
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4RnmQ29tU
Two cards moved forward, jumping up and the cub scurried out of the way as both moved to grab Conductor who was refusing to stand. “No! Leave him alone!” Assistant snapped as he got up and jumped, pulling himself up into the seating section to push the two males dressed in outfits that brought to mind playing cards, back. He glared but was taken aback for a moment when he saw one, the 8 of Spades, was Swift and the other, the 6 of Clubs, was Yuxria. “I bet there’s no point in asking you to stop by the names I know you two by, is there?” Assistant asked flatly watching one then the other.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDYZS9DuV3
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19atDihoTr
The Queen tightened her jaw and her grip on the scepter which had returned to her side. “Who are you that interrupts this arrest?!” Mari demanded to know glaring at Assistant.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrHpqSlbHF
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“Alice, what are you doing?” Conductor asked confused and concerned as Assistant stayed standing firmly in front of Conductor.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg4f7FuTQo
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2L7u1yxEEK
Assistant was about to speak before he was waved off by the Queen with a motion of her hand through the air. “It doesn’t matter because now you are under arrest for interfering in private matters while uninvited,” she explained heatedly before speaking annoyed at the two soldiers. “What are you waiting for? Grab Alice and put her in front of me so I may place judgment.” She returned to her throne as Swift and Yuxria grabbed Assistant’s arms before jumping down, taking him over to stand in the witness stand after the previous occupant had already been removed by two other card soldiers. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsCmj6AczT
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme4GNcEvkW
Assistant jerked his arms free of the two as he shot them both a glare before setting his sights on a bored looking Queen. “And the name is Assistant, not Alice.”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VZBvDwYeb
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGRkybUZ9c
“Whatever,” Mari moaned rolling her eyes at the correction. “How do you plead Alice?” she questioned with a clear ignoring of his correction on his name, her hard gaze now locked with Assistant’s blue eyes. It started to feel as if she could see into his soul.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmk0IHvb8U
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7s3BYKhlO
“Not guilty.” Assistant plead firmly, stepping forwards. “Now renounce any charges on the White Rabbit.” He demanded.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCZRy8OwNl
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnU6xCpns5
Mari eyed Assistant over not finding this fun at all. “Why should I listen to a little rat like you?” she asked flatly. “You barged into my meeting and trial to review over to my subjects what the laws and facts are, then you cause a distraction for my right hand and yell at me for wanting to deal punishment for treason in my eyes.” Her tone was hard as stone and her eyes so unwavering it began to feel as if she were chipping away at him, as if she were looking for a dent in his armor. She let the silence linger for some moments before breaking it with a sound of almost some thought to her words. “If you are determined that I not claim the Rabbits head then I shall claim a new head," she paused as her eyes appeared to zero in on their target in front of her, "the head of an intruder who dares preach the ways of treason against my court.” Assistant felt his shoulders start to drop as it felt almost as if something had struck him in the chest. He was picking up on who she was referring to but when he came upon the castle, the gates had already been opened. Sure trespassing wasn’t a good thing but no signs had been there and he just wanted to find Conductor so to return home. “In case your tiny mind is not quick enough, let me state my judgment on you,” she pointed her scepter at Assistant while sitting up straight. “Off with her head!”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a6HRJPzXM
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hJOgLv7yR
That command seemed to snap him out of his mind as the two males went to restrain him. “This isn’t right! Court doesn’t work like this!” Assistant barked out, shoving Swift and Yuxria off before slamming his hands down hard on the front of the witness stand with arms trembling. “Show me some evidence that I’ve committed any crime!” he ordered harshly, working to maintain solid eye contact with Mari.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiOPzsYq7u
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTe299BeSZ
Mari laughed behind the back of her gloved hand. “You silly one, I don’t need to show evidence.” She chuckled laughing a bit more. “I am the judge and jury. I need naught show evidence to anyone, let alone someone as beneath me as you.” She spat at him with a tone to show him that in her eyes he was almost like trash when compared to her.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDVc3Z9sRq
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sTHt266VV
“Then you shouldn’t be Queen!" Assistant lashed out sharply. "You shouldn’t be leading anyone if you can’t provide evidence to validate a choice you make that affects others around you or them!” the blue eyed teen was furious and in the back of his mind his thoughts were playing, in black and white static, the memory of Mari looking down on him and passing her judgment down on Conductor as well as on himself.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYUd21hBXD
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpj1IiywAu
The woman’s jaw tightened as her red lips curled back in a snarl. “How dare you disobey and speak to me like that!” she shrieked, standing up briskly with her fists tightly gripped. “Guards!” she bellowed with a growing temper, “all of you seize him and execute him right here and now!” she demanded stomping her foot. Assistant moved out of the stand and ducked, letting the four fall on top of the other as he dashed out from the small group only to duck as another tried to grab him. As he came up again he was yanked back by Conductor when one then another swung to grab and secure him. “You idiots! Can’t you kill one pitiful intruder right?!”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxdVvUl0Ul
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“Alice you need to get out of here now.” Conductor instructed in an urgent tone to his ear, moving Assistant back along the way towards the gate. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp0Gwdl2oN
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Assistant glared towards Mari who had walked up and hit one of the card soldiers in the head for their missing the traitor. Yanking free Assistant stormed up then ran with adrenaline pumping and shoved Mari back from Yuxria hard. “You should never have been made head of the Engine Masters!” he shouted in her face with his emotions livid after seeing a friend and passenger struck. “You are a disgrace to what it means to be a leader! You self-centered snot!” he roughly reached out and yanked free her scepter, shattering the red glass as he swung it hard, in his surging emotions, into the witness stand. He was panting, staring down at the broken scepter with anger before turning his blue orbs to a shocked and shaking Mari. As his emotions and adrenaline died down, it was now he realized how quiet things had become. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthXhRCsVrq
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Mari was trembling along with her breathing. “How dare you break that and disobey my laws?” her tone was quiet and growing hot with her head down.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLXc3W7yRw
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“Your laws are madness and unfair to every one of your subjects.” Assistant told her sternly with his body stiff as he threw the scepter down at her feet in the grass. He turned and started to walk away from her and looked to Conductor. “Come on, we got to get back before something happens.”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLa4kmGsMF
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The White Rabbit observed all this stunned before turning his attention from Mari to Assistant as he spoke. “But I’ve told you I’m supposed to be here, remember?” Conductor explained watching Assistant stop and turn to face him. “And before you call me your Conductor friend’s name, its White Rabbit.”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4JyU6ixDy
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He closed his mouth before releasing a heavy sigh out of his nostrils. “You…really are dedicated to this prank aren’t you?” Assistant asked disappointedly.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNdUpmqOhC
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The brown haired boy with rabbit ears tilted his head slightly, a little confused before walking up and put a hand on Assistant’s shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll find Conductor, Alice. Just keep looking. He’s gotta be somewhere.” He chuckled with a catchy grin.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaIXcc7t1F
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Assistant sighed closing his blue eyes, “dofus, I’m looking at you right now.” he stated calmly though he felt a bit like he had come this way for nothing.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYTqVmgRI5
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“Aliiiice~ Alice?” a girl’s voice called out in a singsong like tone which caused Assistant to turn and look over his shoulder.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5zfPSlLUw
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD96Ftec1sr
“Huh?” he looked around then to the Queen confused. He didn’t know who it was that just called out as it seemed the Queen with her cards had been frozen in place like statues. Conductor smirked as the calls grew closer and stepped back from Assistant just as a girl came into view with pink hair atop her head, sporting in her locks a braid on the side of her head. This unique color was the first thing seen as she pushed through the bushes. “Lucy?" Assistant questioned stunned. "What’s she doing here?” he asked Conductor until he looked back to see his friend had distanced himself.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8aOKNbpoQ
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The girl looked around then gasped happily, racing over and eagerly took Assistant’s hands into hers. “Alice! I’m so glad to have found you!" she said cheerfully. "Come, we have to get home, mother’s orders.”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLFD06agqU
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Assistant blinked being pulled by Lucy to follow. “But…Lucy we aren’t related and…” he sighed as he realized she wasn't listening to what he was trying to point out, “you don’t know me by any name other than that one to do you?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqKdkmj8MK
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK9xD2zdeL
“Silly Alice, have you been dreaming again?” she giggled before shaking her head, “anyways, no time for that. Let’s get home so we aren’t late for supper and so mother doesn’t worry anymore.” The teen tried to argue this but was yanked and pulled along with Lucy. He looked back over his shoulder to see a waving Conductor with Peridot floating above his head with the large Cheshire cat grin.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1zskkOxpX
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUriRdLa88G
Outside of Wonderland in the open Lucy walked around the area releasing a sharp breath, putting her fists on her hips of her slim frame. “Where is he? It’s not like him to hide and dodge work.” She huffed and continued to walk around the green landscape away from the platform. “Assiiiiistaaaaant!” she called out as she came to the tree where the boy had sat and dozed off at. Taking a deep breath she released it in a heavy sigh, “darn it. Peridot wanted his help to clean up after the guys all had...well um whatever it was they did.” She didn’t even want to think what Kyos, Yuxria, Swift, and Alisia had been doing in one of the cars to make it that much of a wreck. Hearing a noise she looked down confused and picked up a hardback book. “What’s this doing out here?” she asked looking it over before the covers began to glow white and a light shot out of the pages. She screamed and ran backwards, throwing the book away to the ground where it sprung open. A light shot out and as it faded there was Assistant’s form, looking dazed and like he was just waking up. When the light fully faded and the book closed was when Lucy slowly neared the newly reappeared boy. “Assistant? What the hell just happened?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBzSGSUflA
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He groaned with slow movements as he rubbed his head. He didn’t quite hear her as she said his name once more. When she said his name a third time and was closer he heard her speak but not the right name. “I told you! I’m Assistant! I’m not Alice!” he snapped suddenly, his closed eyes shutting tighter.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdVwUavAH4
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Lucy made a noise startled by the sudden outburst and took a step back then two steps closer. “Who’s Alice?" she asked cautiously. "Why did you think I called you that?” she was confused by that and by the fact she just saw a book spit out her friend.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirPQvMcANW
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The blue eyed teen opened his eyes and quickly looked around to see everything was normal again. Was it a dream? the boy questioned as he stood up from the ground before hesitating in acknowledging Lucy. He looked down and reached into one of his pockets as he felt something poke him in the leg. What he pulled out was a key and a torn off piece of mushroom. His eyes widened in shock as he wasn’t able to think of a reason to just call it a chance coincidence.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz2EXE3ckn
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The pink haired girl observed Assistant with concern. “Are you okay? You look kind of pale.” Lucy came to stand at the boy's side, unable to keep the worry off her face as Assistant put the items back into his pocket and picked up the book.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1do8fy2ixs
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“I’m fine, let’s go back to the so I can return the book.” He said a bit short as he began to walk back to Engine 999. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZChFiiDDM
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Lucy, not sure what had happened before she went looking for him, turned and followed after the boy in blue. “Want to tell me what happened to make you look so pale? And," she indicated to the book in his hand, "how did you get into a book?” the teen girl asked curiously, stepping in time beside him onto the station platform and followed him into one of the cars.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mRpPFSoJX
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Assistant sighed looking for trigger happy young woman. “I borrowed a book to read and relax during my break but I’m not going to borrow anymore from Alisia," he stated before his voice dropped some, "especially if they can be so realistic.” He shivered as the memories were vivid in his head of Wonderland. When he found the young woman he dropped the book on the table in front of her. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiiziiIkv9
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Alisia was cleaning one of her guns that somehow had gotten apples and pears both on and inside the the revolving bullet chamber. She looked up to him with sea greenish blue eyes, looking pleased. “Hey, enjoy the book?” she asked innocently with a kind smile on her face.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHFKBLvrft
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The boy wasn’t pleased by being tricked into thinking he was borrowing a normal book, not looking amused in the slightest. “What did you do to that book?”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx72DnheOVe
638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdb0l9FeQS
“Me?" Alisia questioned innocently. "What do…” she trailed off as she remembered, “ooooh yea I forgot to warn you about Alice in Wonderland.” She giggled finding it funny, “my mother had enchanted it with twenty reads when I was younger." She began explaining with a small snort behind a raised hand. "During those twenty reads when it is read, the reader falls asleep and is taken inside the book. It’s so they can more realistically experience the story.” She explained happily with her fond memories. “Did you enjoy it?" it was clear the gun using female was ignoring the easy to read dissatisfaction written on Assistant's face.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEDFpKgKsI
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Assistant felt an eyebrow twitch at hearing all this. “And you didn’t think to tell me that before?” he questioned with his arms folding in front of his chest.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3ilHQpckD
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Alisia shrugged before going back to her gun. “Why? It's not like you got hurt after all." She wasn't seeing the problem as she held up the round chamber to check for food and returned to cleaning it with a cloth. "You came back safe and sound. Also I bet you had a great time.”638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv607mbgBwV
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He was about to argue but released a frustrated breath, moving away. “I’m not going to bother arguing with you about what the dangers are with not warning others that a book is enchanted. I’m just going to do my work and forget this ever happened.” Assistant wanted to forget Wonderland and how weird it was seeing his friends that weren’t his friends. 638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbVhA0vSC0
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Lucy looked to Alisia confused and listened as the young woman explained that her enchanter mother did that so they’d have more fun in reading books, which brought Lucy to make a mental note to be very cautious if borrowing any book from the gun using half demon. There was silence then a yell of anger from Assistant which caused them both to duck some and even brought Alisia to take her gun and slip under the table, then she slipped away to go hide from the boy’s wrath.638Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvduEw7t9KY
