a little wicked

Will shook his head. “Seriously? Is that all you think I’m doing? Believe me, I want to get home more than anything - and it’s kind of hard to trust people when they’ve made it clear they’ll hurt us or worse just because we’re not from here!” He crossed his arms over his chest with a huff. “I’m just saying, running off isn’t a plan. We should be doing this together, or else how the hell are we gonna get home? We don’t know Wonderland like these people do.”

“Precisely, I don’t trust these people, whether they say they want to help us or not,” granted, people like Cilla and the Welcomer have proved to be more trustworthy than most everyone else in Wonderland, but she wasn’t ready to put her full trust in them yet. “I’m doing what needs to be done to get us home, because these people obviously can’t. We’ve been gone for weeks now, Will. How do you think Dad’s feeling right now?” First he lost his wife, and then ten years later both his children mysteriously disappear, he must’ve been devastated. Thea’s heart broke just thinking about how their father must’ve felt not knowing where they are, the thought alone causing her to lower her volume as she muttered, “I just wanna go home.”

Did she really have the gall to try and snap at him for coming to get her? So much for that, he supposed. Willem fumed as she turned away and continued outside, but he hurried out after her nonetheless. The further they were away from prying eyes and ears, the better. He didn’t want to set foot in this palace again.

“I know you can, Thea,” he murmured as loud as he dared. “But I’m your brother, and I had no idea where you were. We’re in a strange place where people want us dead! We don’t know what they’re capable of.”

Her eyes rolled again as she whipped herself around to face him, her glare still present on her face towards her brother. “Yeah, and what the fuck are we supposed to do about it, Will? Sit in the inn and feel sorry for ourselves, hoping to god that someone out here can maybe figure out how to get us home if they’re really nice to us? I’m trying to get us the hell out of here.” Thea was done feeling sorry for herself a long time ago, and it was clear to her that action was the only way to get anything done, even if the action was a little bit risky.

Will was just about to apologize again and scramble back off into the crowd when he was yanked away by a hand on his wrist. He stumbled, starting to protest as a brief surge of panic hit him, but it only took a second glance to realize just who was holding onto him with an iron grip. Thank goodness. Relief washed over him and he didn’t fight as she led him toward the doors. At least she had some sense to -

Wait. Why were they hurrying? 

Will glanced behind them and wriggled out of her grasp so he could grab her hand instead of being yanked, relief vanishing as irritation took over. “You better have a damn good explanation for this,” he hissed. “This is the most crowded party around, what were you thinking? I thought you were taken or arrested or worse!” He muttered an apology when he shouldered someone a bit too hard out of his way. “And, not that I’m complaining, but why are we running? Please don’t tell me you got caught.”

They were almost at the door when she felt him break free of her grasp. She rolled her eyes as he began to berate her as they walked, I don’t have time for this shit. She wasn’t looking to start a fight with him, not in front of all these people anyway, so she halted suddenly and spun on her heels to look her brother in the eyes with a sharp glare, “Do not start with me, Willem,” she hissed with a pointed finger at him, hoping that would silence him at least until they got outside.

Every time he thought things might be turning around, going his way, something - usually his sister - upended this notion. Will was hardly in the mood for a party, and certainly not one in full swing, but the moment he’d realized Thea was gone, he knew he couldn’t sit back and wait for her to return. 

It didn’t take a genius to figure out where she’d vanished off to. It seemed most of Wonderland was off celebrating this king’s birthday, and those that weren’t whispered about the festivities under their breath when they thought no one was looking. Part of him found the whole ordeal fascinating, but a louder, more prominent voice in the back of his mind screamed of nothing but danger. He wasn’t here to play, he needed to find Thea and get out of here. What part about people want you dead did she not understand?

He sidestepped a pair of giggling ladies, flashing them an uncomfortably tight smile as he scanned the crowd for his sister. He probably stuck out like a sore thumb, severely underdressed for this celebration. Just as the thought crossed his mind, Will found himself bumping into someone’s back face-first, only just managing to catch himself in time before he took the poor partygoer down with him. “I’m - I’m so sorry,” he ran a hand through his hair and glanced around him once more, already starting to retreat, “I didn’t see you there, so sorry.”

This wasn’t the first situation Thea found herself in where Willem told her not to do something stupid and she ended up doing it anyway, and it ended up getting her into more trouble than it was worth. This might’ve taken the cake for her stupidest decision yet. She hated when he was right. After catching sight of the face Thea only thought she would see in her nightmares for the rest of her life, she knew she had to get out of there and get back to the inn. So much was racing through her mind at the moment and she was probably on the verge of a panic attack, but she remained in control enough to push it down until a more appropriate time. That is until she saw her dumb brother bumping into a poor party goer.

Of course he’d follow her, she honestly almost expected it, but part of her believed - though she’d never admit it - that he was smarter than her and would have stayed at the inn where it was safe but apparently he wasn’t smarter than her after all. After a moment of shock at the sight of her brother at the party, she walked towards him at a brisk pace, not even breaking stride as she grabbed his wrist and started dragging him along with her. “Come on, we gotta go,” she muttered to him as she walked, not even taking a moment to speak with him as she headed towards the exit. She knew he probably wanted to scold her but there wasn’t time for that, not now anyway. The sooner they got to the inn, the better.

“Smile,” She muttered quickly. “Keep up appearances, act like nothing’s wrong, just breathe.”Cilla turned them about on the dance floor, so that she could get a glimpse at just who Thea was talking about. An easy smile warming her face, her eyes scanned the crowd, trying to pinpoint just who the frightened girl was talking about. Cilla’s eyes latched on to a swath of green fabric, and followed it up to catch a glimpse at the face. She quickly turned them back around to hide the surprise on her face. “I’ve seen that face before,” She said, her voice barely above a whisper. That had to be the same girl- she’d come into the cafe once, passing herself off as a poor weary traveler. Judging from the dress, she certainly was not poor, and Cilla regretted wasting a portion of her paycheck on feeding the girl- especially if Thea was to be believed. “How old were you when your mother died- would they recognize you now?”

Thea almost felt a bit of relief as Cilla turned them around so she could catch sight of the woman, it seemed to be the only way Thea could take her own eyes off of her. She forced herself to smile as Cilla told her, trying her best to pretend like she was enjoying herself, though if anyone looked at them for more than a passing glance they probably wouldn’t be very convinced. As they turned again Thea kept her eyes trained on Cilla, if she were to keep up appearances as she was supposed to, she couldn’t look for the woman anymore; old memories threatened to resurface if she looked at that face for too long. “I uh... it was ten years ago. I was eleven, I don’t... I don’t think they’d recognize me,” she finally answered, not breaking eye contact with Cilla.

At the words that left Thea’s mouth, Cilla quickly pulled Alyse back into the dance so as not to draw attention to them, and whisked them across the room with each twirling step. “Thea, breathe.” She said quietly. “Which woman?” She asked, scanning the crowd. “Where should I be looking?”

It was only at Cilla’s instruction that Thea finally let out the breath she didn’t realize she was holding. She kept stumbling over her own feet as Cilla forced them to continue dancing, it was a miracle she didn’t collapse completely. She wanted to look away but her eyes were fixated on the woman, the face that she watched race out of her home after dripping poison into her mother’s mouth when she was eleven. She had been staring at that face for too long for it not to be the same face. “Gr-green dress,” Thea stammered out, still staring in the direction of her mother’s assassin.

She wasn’t sure what an Alpha Delta Chi was are why pissing off it’s president was more dangerous than the king, but she wasn’t in the mood to keep going back and forth with Thea. 

Cilla was turning to go when a hand wrapped around her own and yanked her to the dance floor. She stumbled, following Thea while trying to regain her balance. “Oh- okay?” She said, confused, but quickly sweeping into the quick waltz that was playing. “Not that I don’t love a good dance, but why are we doing this exactly?”

She didn’t even hear Cilla’s question as her eyes locked onto the woman. Her heart was pounding so hard she could’ve sworn it was almost as loud as the music. A terrible pit began to form in her stomach as she realized one of her worst nightmares was coming true. She forced her eyes to squint just to make sure, make really really sure she was seeing who she thought she was seeing in. She so badly wanted believe it wasn’t who she thought she was, but some faces you just never forget. Thea halted their waltz as she swallowed the lump in her throat, her face stark white as she muttered, “... That woman killed my mother...”

“I’ve never been to a college party, but I am fairly certain it is nothing like being at a ball where the host who has a giant army at their disposal probably wants you dead. They are the same in the same way that eating too many cakes and chugging down a bottle of poison are both bad for you. One’s just a little bit worse.” She crossed her arms. “I will get you something. I promise. It won’t be overnight, but I can promise you that I’ll get you some information.”

Thea rolled her eyes slightly, “You obviously have never pissed off the sorority president of Alpha Delta Chi,” she believed that the Crimson King was probably a bit more of a threat to her than a sorority girl, but sorority girls were definitely ruthless. Thea had to swallow her pride a bit as Cilla promised to help her. At least she seemed to care, even just a little bit, about getting them home, “Thank you... for trying, at least.” She turned back around and was about to head towards the refreshments when she saw something that shook her to the core.

Was that? No, it couldn’t be... her eyes widened as she recognized a face she had only seen in her nightmares for a decade. Maybe Wonderland was starting to get to her and she was already going mad. “Cilla, dance with me,” she said, grabbing the other girl’s hand and pulling her towards the dance floor to keep an on eye on the person she caught sight of. She didn’t dare get too close but she had to see if it was who she thought she was seeing.

“I am not nearly drunk enough for this right now,” Cilla groaned, slinging back the majority of the drink, the chilled fizzy beverage tickling her nose and causing her face to scrunch up.  Cilla raked a hand through the few loose curls that had escaped her braid as she took in the savior’s daughter. She was stubborn like Cilla was. To be fair, if they were to trade places, Cilla thought she just might do the same thing. 

She groaned again, grabbing the girl by the wrist as she tried to barge past. “Wait, wait, wait.” Cilla turned to face her, a serious look in her eyes. “I don’t pretend to understand how it all works. My father, however, must know something. I’ll try- try, not promise- to talk to him and get some information out of him. In the meantime just… I don’t know, try to blend in?”

“Me either,” she muttered in response as the other girl halted her by her wrist and spun her back around. She listened to her proposition and her facial expression softened somewhat as she finally told her something useful. “You better get something, cause if you don’t, I will.” She took her hand back from Cilla’s grip and straightened herself, “And don’t worry about me blending in. Parties were the only thing I actually liked about college.” Granted this party was different to a college party, but as long as there was drinking and pretentious people, Thea knew how to blend in.

Cilla pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head slowly. This girl was going to be the death of her, she was certain. “You were safe cooped up at that inn. What part of safe don’t you understand? Is it the part where no one is looking to make that red necklace a reality? Because I guarantee it if you stay out here long enough someone will put the puzzle pieces together and it won’t take much to make that wish come true here.”

This girl made Cilla want to pound her head against the wall. “Darling, I don’t think you understand. You were laying low at the inn. The palace is not, I repeat, not laying low! Big girl or otherwise, you’re going to get yourself and your brother killed if you don’t think.”

Thea exhaled sharply through her nose, clearly Rabbit Girl was in no mood for jokes this evening. “Safe doesn’t seem to be getting me and my family home any faster, now is it?” she retorted, a slight hiss in her tone. “We’ve been here for almost a month now and from what I’ve heard it doesn’t seem like you guys have gotten close to figuring out how to get us home.”

She narrowed her eyes at her, “Do not speak to me like I’m stupid, I’ve had enough of that shit in my life already. Thanks for your help but honestly, I didn’t ask for it.” She said as she tried to shoulder past her.

Cilla nearly choked on her drink when she realized who was speaking to her. She snatched the extended glass, abandoning her own drink, and grabbed the wanderer by the arm and dragged her off to a quiet corner, hopefully far enough away from any prying eyes.

“What in Wonderland do you think you’re doing here?” Cilla hissed, her eyes wide. “Have you gone completely mad? And I do not mean mad in a good way.” Cilla prayed that he didn’t, but it was certainly possible the King already knew of the twins’ presence in Wonderland. “You’re practically waltzing in here like some trussed up bird for a feast!” Her voice was deadly low, as she was terrified to catch the attention of anyone else.

Thea was caught a bit off guard as she was whisked away from the crowd. She couldn’t stop herself as, “Cilla sweetheart, at least buy me dinner first,” escaped her as they reached a more private location.

Thea flicked her eyebrows at the other woman’s aggressive questioning, “No, but I would have if I stayed cooped up in that inn any longer,” she answered with a sip of her drink. She rolled her eyes, almost touched by Cilla’s concern, “Don’t worry, last time I checked I didn’t have ‘Wanderer’ written across my forehead, so as long as I lay low, I’ll be fine. I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself for one night.”

Cilla certainly did not want to be at the ball.

Being forced to pretend to be a happy, loyal subject, thrilled to be in the presence of their tyrannical sovereign was not her cup of tea. But she was one of the children of the White Rabbit. So there she was, sipping on some bubbling, overly sweet but definitely alcoholic beverage.  Her long black skirts swishing as she turned, looking around for literally anyone to talk with. She’d take small talk and pleasantries even though she would most likely loathe every waking minute of it. She wasn’t too keen on the idea of discussing the weather and how lovely Mrs. so-and-so’s rose and petunia garden was looking. Cilla much rather would have been in some cozy bar, plotting something over some drinks with like-minded individuals. Scowling ever so slightly at her drink as she was hopelessly lost in her thoughts, she didn’t realize she had been spoken too until the person tapped her on the shoulder. Snapping her head to attention, she flushed, babbling a quick apology.  “I’m sorry, I must have been lost in my own little world. What were you saying?”

It was clear after being stuck here for almost a month that the Brannans were not going to be getting home any time soon. After finally finding her brother and someone in town was kind enough to point them in the direction of the Welcomer, the twins had managed to be laying low for a little while. They spent their time learning about Wonderland, the people in it, and the monsters throughout the land, both in and outside of the palace. Thankfully they had all been found by the right kind of people and not the kind of law-abiding citizens who would have turned them in to the king. From what she heard he didn’t seem to take too kindly to their kind. What had the Welcomer called them... Wanderers?

It probably wasn’t the best idea to be going to the birthday party of a man who probably wanted you dead, Willem and Whiskey and pretty much everyone else who knew their situation advised against it, but hoes always find the party. Plus it gave her an excuse to try and go undercover and get a little bit more information on the king from others around Wonderland. She hadn’t really talked to anybody since she got there, but when she noticed a familiar blonde she couldn’t help but grab two drinks and headed in her direction, calling out to her as she got closer. She chuckled slightly as she asked her to repeat herself, “I said it looks like you could use another,” she replied, indicating the girl’s almost empty glass as she offered her another one.

She raised an eyebrow, turning back to face the path as she walked. “Not many forests where you’re from?” She asked. The woods were silent with good reason-  not many people with a good head on their shoulders would be foolish enough to traipse through the trees without good reason. “It’s only quiet here because most people avoid it.” 

Cilla tried not to roll her eyes as the girl used her less than creative nickname. “Rabbit-woman, thank you very much. I’m not a child.” They were just about reaching the edge of the woods. The trees were starting to become fewer and further between, and she could just about see town between the rustling leaves. “Cilla. My name is Cilla.”

She shook her head slightly, “Not in today’s time of urban sprawl, no. I mean, there’s a bit of land with some trees behind my house but it’s not like, a forest forest.” 

Thea had to practice restraint from rolling her own eyes as she corrected her, “Forgive me, dear Rabbit-Woman,” she sarcastically grumbled. She pondered her name for a moment. Cilla. Strange name. Pretty, but strange. Not one she had heard before, but it still sounded familiar. “Cilla? What, is that supposed to be like Alice backwards or something?” she joked with a half-chuckle.

She wondered what the girl was used to seeing. She glanced behind and noticed her looking at every little thing they passed, everything that Cilla was so incredibly used to. How different must it all seem to her?

 She gave a soft laugh, shaking her head. “So I’ve heard.” She turned and began to walk backward so that she could keep an eye on Thea. “So what is it like? Where you’re from. Is it so very different from here?”

She quickly glanced at the girl as she saw her turn around before returning her gaze to the scenery around them, trying to note the differences between this place and the one she called home. “Um... I mean I guess it looks pretty similar at a glance but... I don’t recognize most of these plants around here.” Trees bent into strange shapes, mushrooms that seemed to glow, berries that grew in shapes that she had never seen before, all things that had a slight sense of familiarity but nothing she truly recognized. “Not so many trees. And it’s... too quiet out here.” Other than the sound of their feet on the ground and a few birds chirping she heard nothing. No cars, no planes, she wondered just how “fantasy” Wonderland really was.

She turned back to the girl ahead of her, “So, you obviously know my name, for some reason. Are you gonna give me yours? Or should I just stick to Rabbit-Girl?” She asked her guide.

 001: HOME

“It wasn’t your whole life, exactly. You were one or two when I showed up. But yes, I was that cat. That cat was me,” said Whiskey, attempting to clarify the situation as best as he could. 

But really, ‘the cat’? “Um, well first of all, the cat does have a name - it’s Whiskey, which you know. A name which is sort of your fault, but I guess Whiskers wouldn’t have been much better.” He sifted through potential answers that would convince her that he’d lived alongside her for the past twenty years, under the same roof. “Okay. There’s a mirror in the front hallway of your house that’s bordered with daffodils… our house smelled like vanilla and cinnamon for the longest time… once when you were younger, either you or Will found a turtle in the backyard - I don’t remember what you named him - and you put him in a bucket while you went to go find him some food, but I knocked over his container to let it go free and you thought I ate him. I didn’t, by the way.” 

She rolled her eyes at his correction, of course she knew his name, she was technically the one who named him... which apparently he knew as well. Everything he listed off was true, all minute details that no one would know about their family unless they lived in their house. She always resented the cat for that turtle thing...

As the realization hit her she couldn’t help but need to sit, plopping down on the forest floor beneath her and holding her head in her hands to relieve her growing headache. “So to recap,” she muttered into her hands, mostly to herself, “I chase a giant rabbit wearing a waistcoat down a rabbit hole, I fall for fucking hours it seems like, land in the fairytale land from my mother’s outlandish and ridiculous stories, and then come to find out that my cat that I’ve had forever is actually a grown man who happens to be from the land in my mother’s stories,” she finally looked up at him, “Is that it? Am I caught up now? Or is there anything else batshit crazy going on that I’ve yet to find out?”