𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕎𝕠𝕟'𝕥 𝕃𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣. ⏱

13. The Machine I

Tarrant disappeared from the chamber of the realms-crossing machine.

Cornelius and Time looked one at another, fearful.

-Since I gave Tarrant all my tools… - The Doctor broke the silence -...I need to go. Maybe Zanik's going to have some screwdrivers.
-I have some for sure. You want me to get you something more? - Time suggested.
-No, that will be fine. I think we should tell Tarrant's parents what's going on. I'll pay them a visit.
-You better stay here, you know what to do if something happens to the machine. I'll go there.
-Just go straight to the Hightopps house, I need you here as soon as possible, you know… if they miraculously came back together in a while. - Cornelius looked at him meaningfully.
Time nodded, it sounded quite reasonable.
-I'll be right back - He said and rushed out of the Marmoreal Castle.

***

-Good evening your Majesty! To what we owe your visit? - Zanik asked, opening the door. He let Time inside their house without hesitation.
-Good evening! Could you lend me your screwdrivers?
-Of course! Is everything alright, Sir?
-Actually not, not at all. I'm in a hurry.
-Oh! May I ask what happened? Is it about Alice? - Tyva asked, coming closer to them.
-Now it's about your son Tarrant too - He's over there - Time pointed up.
-HE'S DEAD?! - She exclaimed, Zanik grabbed her arms as he knew his wife might have a panic attack or faint in the matter of seconds. We can't blame her misunderstandment. It was the Time who was talking to her and he knew such things off hand.
-NO! No! He's 'up there' in Alice's land. - He explained.
-What? - Zanik's heart dropped too.
-He went there after Alice, because I couldn't do it myself. He didn't want Cornelius to put himself in danger also.
-Oh my goodness! Tarrant! - Tyva groaned, covering her mouth. -Why does Alice left? Right after you and her… - She looked at the Time and stopped herself before saying too much. -...Ekhem…Why she did that?
-Cornelius said she desired to bring here some of her memorabilias. I didn't know. He said something had to go wrong and that's why she didn't return. The Hatter went after her.
-Zanik! Take the boys and go after them too! - Tyva was desperate. It was too much for her and she had to sit. She wasn't as young anymore.
-I think we have to wait for… - Zanik tried to be rational.
-We don't need more lost people! - Time interrupted him harshly. All three looked at each other. Zanik nodded. -Where's Cornelius? - He asked then.
-He's at the machine which caused this whole misfortune. We have to watch it over.
-I can help with that! - Hatter's father suggested.
-No, thank you. If there is something I've mastered my skills to perfection with… it's the waiting.

***

Meanwhile our Alice was running down the streets of London, peering in the shops windows. If she noticed a mirror, then she was going inside, trying it out if the mirror would work as a portal to Wonderland. The people were looking at her like she was crazy. Nothing new for her.
Alice was also constantly looking at her pocket watch. - It's taking too long - She whispered. - But I'll be back...There is no way I'm not coming back - She kept her spirit up.

Why was Ascot's mansion so special, though? Was it because of her father's spirit in it? He used to spend so much time there. So maybe she should find a place that was related to Charles? Was her father even a reason? Was there any reason? Maybe Ascot's home was just the best place for portals…? But why?
Anyway, she'll check it out when she's done here.

Alice's head hurt so much, because of her thoughts going crazy, but she had to keep trying - Remember, Alice. Every second counts - She kept telling herself.

The next stop of her journey was an antique shop. She went inside and looked around. There were always lots of mirrors to sell there. The smell of antiques and  mothballs was quite overwhelming and was turning her stomach upside down. She walked down the aisle of the store and then she noticed a mirror that reminded her of the Ascot's one. She ran to it, but before she touched it, a shopkeeper stopped her.
-May I help you, Miss? - An elderly looking woman asked.
-Uhm…Yes! Is it the only one mirror in this style? I'm looking for a few. They could be even bigger and more 'extraordinary'. - Alice said.
-Actually, I think I may have something you're gonna like, Miss! - The woman led her further into the store. Alice hoped to get her away from that one mirror and then she would try it out too.