#nik ryder

They both looked at the white and pink cushions they landed on and then looked around. The surroundings were bathed in a pastel pink light. The air smelled faintly of roses, giving a relaxing vibe.

"Wow, it's so beautiful. Nik, are we in Wonderland?"

"It's... very different from anything I've seen before, rook."

The man stood up, inspecting the surroundings and offered Alex his hand to help her to her feet.

"Nik, let's explore!! Pretty, pretty pleaseeee!!!"

"Alright, let's explore. But let's be careful. We have no idea what's out there or what we might encounter."

He led the way and both moved on. As they walked, they took notice of some strange things. A few feet away, a table with a tea set floated in the air. In the distance, a small group of people played a game of cards, sitting in the air as if gravity did not affect them.

"This place is getting more and more bizarre, Alex.", the man noticed.

The couple continued walking. Soon the two of them discovered a forest ahead. The trees were perfectly green, and the leaves of the bushes were a slightly darker shade of the same color. A variety of birds and small animals could be seen and heard, some of which looked like they had strange colors and patterns.

"Wow!! Look, Nik."

The young man watched where she pointed, noticing the vibrant colors and patterns of the animals.

"Yeah, it's... amazing. Look at these creatures... They look straight out of a fairy tale. That bird's feathers are a mix of blue and pink. Never seen anything like it. And the sky..."

"So pretty. I love pink."

The boyfriend glanced at her and smiled

"I've noticed. You must feel like you're in heaven right now, huh?"

"Well, where are the unicorns then? And I know you don't like them."

"Right, how could I forget... I hope there are no unicorns around. The last thing I need is to deal with those magical horses.", he huffed, rolling his silvery-blue eyes.

"Let's head away from the forest. Over there. I swear we are in Wonderland, Nik."

He chuckled at her enthusiasm and looked in the direction she was now pointing. Hand in hand, they started walking in the direction she indicated. As they approached the area, the surroundings became clearer. The grass was pink, and the sky was still bathed in that pinkish light, but ahead, a clear lake could be seen, its waters as clear and still as a mirror. Nik stopped when he saw the lake, raising an eyebrow. He watched closer at the lake more closely, but something about it looked off.

"Wait... is it me or does the water looks like glass?"

"Really?", his girlfriend asked while admiring her reflection.

"Hey, I wouldn't touch or even get near that water. It doesn't look normal.

Suddenly, something in the reflection moved. Small ripples broke the previously still surface and something was seen moving underneath the glass of water. Nik's nighthunter senses became alert.

"Alex, get away!! Something is in the water!! Back up slowly, we don't know what it is."

"But I was just..."

He took her arm and gently pulled her away from the lake

"I know, I know, but just back up. We don't want to risk it."

"Okay, okay, fine."

He continued pulling her further back. His expression was still alert, but he slowly relaxed as they distanced themselves from the water.

"Nik, what if it was a mermaid?"

He rolled his eyes at her question.

"Yeah, right. Like the next thing we'll find here is a mermaid."

"Or the White Bunny? Or the Queen of Hearts!", she giggled.

"Yeah, right... Or the singing flowers?"

"Or Mad Hatter?"

"Or the Cheshire Cat with that huge grin?", he chuckled.

"The Cheshire Cat!!!"

"Yeah, I already said that."

"No, Nik. The Cheshire Cat... Behind you!!"

The man froze, suddenly noticing a familiar purple-haired woman with cat ears and a tail, resting on the tree. Katherine, the Cheshire Cat, with its ever-present huge, creepy grin and glowing eyes.

"W...What? Impossible... Oh sh..."

Taking a few steps back, he pulled Alex with him.

Wonderland's famous Cheshire Cat continued with its wide grin and looked at the duo for a few more moments before suddenly speaking.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Nik took another step back as the cat approached, his expression a mix of caution and surprise.

"Hey, don't get any closer. Back off, kitty!!"

"Eeeeeeekkk, it's really the Cheshire Cat!! And she looks like our friend, Katherine. Hello, I'm Alex.", Nik's girlfriend excitedly squeaked.

The large grin on the Cheshire Cat's face remained as its focus was now on her.

"Hello, little lady. I see that you know who I am."

The cat's glowing eyes roamed up and down, examining the young lady. The creature's gaze then turned toward Nik, and a mocking smile appeared on the smiley face

"And who's this guardian of yours?"

The man glared at the cat's comment, not liking to be called her 'guardian', but he managed to keep his composure. His voice was somewhat annoyed as he spoke.

"That's right, I'm responsible for her. Her boyfriend."

The Cheshire Cat's expression became even more mocking as it heard this, and the smile widened further.

"Oh, I see... the 'boyfriend', huh? Well, isn't that sweet! What a pair!"

Nik couldn't help but feel a bit irritated, but he tried to keep his cool and spoke in a controlled tone.

"Listen, we don't want any trouble. We were just passing through here. We're looking for an exit."

The Cheshire Cat laughed heartily at this with a raspy voice echoing through the strange place, then it moved closer to them.

"Looking for an exit, are you? And why is that? Not happy with Wonderland?"

Nik doesn't like how the cat was moving closer to them, so he moved to partially position himself in front of Alex and answered.

"Because we don't belong here. We got here by accident."

"Oh, what a shame! Lost so soon? But don't worry, I'm sure you'll find your way out. Or maybe you won't. Who knows what Wonderland plans for you two?"

Nik gently pulled Alex closer to him, turning away from the Cheshire Cat.

"Come on, let's get going. Don't listen to the cat, rook."

He started walking away with her, half keeping an eye on the Cheshire Cat over his shoulder. When they were far away, he gazed at Alex, speaking in a low voice.

"That cat gives me the creeps, rook. That wicked smile."

He continued walking with her, occasionally looking around to see if there were any other strange things or creatures nearby. The sky still looked like it did earlier, with the pinkish hue unchanged. The whole place looked so unreal.

Suddenly the couple noticed the card guards of the Queen of Hearts in the distance.

"What the... Damn it, don't tell me we've walked into Queen of Hearts territory. We have to be careful. These men work for the Queen and I doubt they'll be easy to deal with. Be quiet and stay behind me, Alex."

They started walking forward again, trying to act nonchalantly as if they belonged there. But his mind was racing, thinking about what to do if they got into a fight

The card guards noticed Nik and Alex coming towards them. They exchanged a few words between themselves and then one of the guards stepped forward. He was wearing shiny metal armor in the shape of a heart and looked at the new arrivals with a stern expression. Nik put himself further in front of Alex to protect her and glared back at the guard, standing his ground.

"You both are not from around here, are you?"

"Uhhh, weeeee...", Alex hesitated.

Nik decided to answer the guard, keeping his guard up and his voice as calm and composed as possible.

"No, we're not. We don't even know how we got here."

"You've come to the wrong place, then. This is the domain of the Queen of Hearts."

"Oh, sorry we didn’t know.", she apologized.

The guard glanced at Alex for a moment before returning his stern look to them.

"Ignorance won't excuse you. Her Majesty, the Queen of Hearts doesn't like unannounced visitors. You are under arrest. Capture them, my cards!!", the card commanded and the army surrounded them.

Nik struggled against the strong grip of the guards.

"Hey, what are you doing? Let us go! Damn it! Don't hurt her!"

"Please let me and Nik go. Please have a heart."

The cards ignored her plea and continued to drag them towards the castle.

"I have seven hearts, young lady. I'm card seven hearts, after all."

They marched up to the doors of the castle and shoved them both through the door. The couple stumbled through the doorway, ending up inside a grand and opulent room. The room was filled with red and black colors. In the center of the room sat a grand, heart-shaped throne where the Queen of Hearts sat. She happened to look like a familiar person from their own world, like Tonya Reimonenq, known as Lady Smoke, but was wearing a black-and-red gown with stylish gloves.

"Nik, is that Vera's mother? Lady Smoke?"

The guards forced Alex and Nik to kneel before the Queen, and a silence took over the room. The Queen of Hearts glared at them with disdain, examining them like a hawk looking at its prey. As Lady Smoke typically did. The silence seemed to last an eternity until the Queen finally spoke.

"Well, what do we have here? A couple of intruders, hmm? In my territory!!"

"No, we..."

"Silence! I didn't say you could speak. I decide who does, not you."

She took a moment to study them once more, her gaze lingering on Alex.

"A pretty, little thing you are. But you have no business in my territory, do you?"

"We..."

"Do I look like I want to hear your excuses? I already know what you're going to say... That you're innocent and you didn't intend to come here. But the fact is, you're here, and now you're under my power. What should I do with you two? A little bird told me you were looking for a way out, but I don't think I'll just let you go."

"The Cheshire Cat, wasn't it?",Nik grumbled.

"Well, you're lucky the cat didn't lead you into worse trouble. Could have had fun with poor, unsuspecting humans like you. I think I have a more... entertaining idea. Answer three difficult riddles I give you. Answer wrong or fail to answer, and I shall give you a punishment. Answer them right and you're free."

"Deal."

The couple had no other way but to accept the challenge. The Queen took a moment, looking almost pleased before uttering the first riddle.

"I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. What am I?"

"A map!!", Alex answered quickly, which impressed her boyfriend.

"Ah, so you know the answer. You're off to a good start. Here comes riddle number two. I hold the future, but you only see me in the past. What am I?"

Nik and Alex exchanged a worried glance, neither of them knowing the answer off the top of their minds. The Queen watched, waiting again for an answer. The guards snickered behind them, laughing at their apparent lack of wit.

"You're running out of time. Hurry up! I don't have all day."

Nik's mind raced as he tried to come up with an answer. His mind went blank for a moment, unable to come up with any idea. But then, a thought crossed his mind suddenly. The Queen had already given the answer without knowing.

"Time! The answer is time."

"Last riddle... What disappears as soon as you say its name?"

Nik quickly looked at Alex, silently asking her if she knew the answer. The girl had a look of worry and uncertainty on her face, clearly not knowing the answer. Nik tried to comfort her with his eyes before an idea appeared in his mind. He looked at the Queen again, answering the riddle.

"Silence. The answer is silence."

With everything answered correctly, the guards released them and stepped back, looking at them with a mix of satisfaction and mockery. They were allowed to leave. The Queen watched them leave, a smirk still on her face.

Once they were finally outside the castle, Nik breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Alex.

"That was a close call. Are you alright?"

"Yes, my super intelligent boyfriend."

"Just doing my job, rook. And for the record, you're a pretty smart-ass yourself", the man chuckled.

As they continued walking, they happened to meet the Mad Hatter, who was sitting in his usual spot sipping on his tea. But he looked different from the original Mad Hatter they knew. The stranger had black hair braided in dreadlocks, dark skin, and a tattoo on his chest.

"Luc?"

"Nik, this is crazy. Why do the Wonderland characters look like our friends from back home? Except that Lady Smoke isn't our friend. And our Luc deserved a better character."

The Mad Hatter looked up as they approached, his expression lighting up upon seeing them.

"Ah, if it isn't our brave duo! Survived the Queen's little trial, have you?"

"How do you know?"

The Mad Hatter chuckled, setting down his teacup.

"Oh, ma cher, nothing escapes my notice around here. The Queen's little games are quite the talk. You're lucky that she was in a good mood today, or else she could have done worse. But now that you've passed the Queen's little test, what are your plans? Surely you're not thinking of leaving the Wonderland already?

"Actually we are."

"Ah, my dear, you know I can't refuse a proper tea-drinking session. Have a seat, both of you, and let us discuss your plans over a nice cup of tea. Come on, come on! Sit down and tell me more about this plan of yours.", he requested, gesturing for them to sit down, until he noticed Nik's hesitation.

"Sorr, but we..."

"Mes amis, don't be so guarded. I'm not a liar. I'm simply here to listen and perhaps offer some advice, if you'd like it. You seem a bit hesitant to trust me. I don't blame you, given the nature of this realm and its inhabitants. But I assure you, I have no ill intentions. I'm just here to help, if I can."

"Can you please show us the way back to the rabbit hole?", she asked.

"Ah, the rabbit hole. I'm not surprised you're in search of it. It's a magical passage back to the world you came from. I believe I can help you find it, but it won't be easy, you know. Nothing ever is in Wonderland."

"But we came from there, and it was easy."

"Let me tell you, the path is never the same twice in Wonderland. The rules of logic and reasoning seem to bend and twist, and the landscape itself changes every other day. Finding the rabbit hole is like finding a needle in a haystack. Easier said than done."

These words saddened Alex the most. The Mad Hatter looked at both of them sympathetically, softening his tone.

"Don't look so disheartened, ma chérie. I did not say it was impossible, just difficult. With a bit of luck and a touch of wit, we might have a chance of finding it."

Nik looked a bit sceptical but then nodded.

"All right, if you're sure. We'll give it our best shot. Let's go, Alex, and hope we won't get into more trouble along the way."

And their adventurous journey to find their way back home continued. They made their way across Wonderland, hoping to get back home quickly and without meeting any more trouble.

Suddenly, Nik Ryder stopped in his tracks, alarmed by his partner's scream and sudden disappearance.

"Alex? Alex! What the... She was just here. Where did she go?", he spoke to himself with worry while peering back and forth for any signs of her. If something ever happened to her, especially in a foreign place, he would never forgive himself. Then, his eyes landed on the ground, discovering a deep hole a few feet away. With a hammering heart, he peered into the hole in which she might have fallen.

He tried to see the bottom of the hole, but there was not enough light to tell how deep it was. In his attempt to look into the hole, the man lost his balance and fell down. He tumbled down the hole with a surprised yell until he discovered her. Both of them slid on the smooth, slippery surface, picking up speed at an alarming rate.

"Alex!!"

He woke up with a gasp, disoriented and confused. Looking around, he recognized that he was in his room. The familiar surroundings were a comfort after the crazy dream he had just experienced.

"Damn, that was... One hell of a dream.", he muttered while rubbing the sleep from his silvery-blue eyes. Then his gaze landed on Alex, seeing her still asleep. Safe and sound. He took a moment to compose himself, running a hand over his blond hair, trying to recall the strange dream. He lay back with his thoughts a mix of confusion and curiosity. The dream had been so vivid, it was almost as if he had been transported to another world entirely. Then he glanced at her again, wondering if she was also dreaming of Wonderland. It had felt so real, but he was sure it was just a dream.

After a while, his girlfriend started to yawn.

"Good morning, sleepyhead. You finally woke up.", he chuckled before stroking her long, silky hair.

"Good morning, Nik.", she whispered.

Nik propped himself up on his elbow, looking at her.

"How did you sleep?"

"Fine, I guess. I dreamed about you, babe.", she answered and planted a quick kiss on his nose.

"Oh yeah? And pray tell me, what were we doing in this dream of yours?", he asked and blushed a little.

"Something weird."

"What kind of weird?"

"I don't know. I don't remember. But something weird. Forget it. Let's chill today. How about we watch a movie together and relax?"

"Sure. What movie do you want to watch?"

"Hmmm... How about Alice in Wonderland?"

Nik chuckled at the mention of the movie, which somehow reminded him of the dream.

"Alice in Wonderland, huh? That's fitting. Are you trying to get back in that rabbit hole?"

"It was just an idea. But if you want to choose a movie, then... Whoever gets the remote control decides what to watch", she cheered and started running towards the remote control. Nik laughed at her enthusiasm, hurried to get out of bed and followed her and her endless giggles.

"Oh, no, you don't! Stop right there, rookie!"

He sprinted towards the living room, hot on her heels. He was right on her tail, stretching to reach the remote first, but instead he caught her, pulling her into a kiss, the race for the remote momentarily forgotten.

"Mmmhh..."

He held her close, his lips lingering on hers, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. The young lovers settled on the sofa. He leaned against the backrest, pulling her against his broad chest with her head resting lightly on his shoulder.

"I love you, Nik."

"Love you too, rook."