Be My Alice

Everything and Everyone Wants to Eat Leo!

We walked in the woods with nothing but the clothes on our backs (well, Sam got the clothes, and I had my shorts, straps, and swords). I examined the small glass container. What's so important about this little thing? It had a nice, simple design with the lid swirled. Other than that, it was a simple vial. I tucked it in my belt while keeping up with the Mad Hatter (I guess we're doing this).

"So, where are we going again?" I asked.

"We are going to see the Pillar Sisters", Sam answered like it was obvious.

"Right. How could I forget? Let's pretend I know who they are but for future reference I could use a little know-how." I jogged a bit to be beside my new guide.

"My apologies. The Pillars, otherwise known as the Caterpillar family, are infamous informants throughout Wonderland. Any knowledge you would like to know, they hold the answer. Katerina and Katherine Pillar are this generation's Caterpillar. They would answer your unanswered questions." I nodded. Okay, it's a start. In the story, Alice encountered the Caterpillar while being small (or so how the Disney movie goes) and she becomes frustrated at him for correcting her poem. I hope I won't be just as frustrated. "However, there is a problem." I should've seen that coming. "They run a hookah-smoking business. Their time is pricey."

"Don't you mean priceless? As in their time is priceless?"

"No, I meant what I say. They charged any customer who either wanted to use their establishment or seek wisdom. They do have a business to run. You have bargained to even a second to use."

"Well, that's just fantastic! I have no money to give."

"I never said it was currency they seek. In Wonderland, you need to bargain for something of equal value. For example, if you want a life, you need to offer a life."

"Let me see if I got this right: if I want my questions answered, I need to "give something" that holds the same amount. In theory, I must answer their questions."

"Unless they want to change their price."

"Change their price!" I didn't like the sound of that! It could be anything. Don't panic, Leo! Don't panic! Do I need to give up my swords? My legs? My memories?! I think the latter would be a better offer. Hell, I would offer something like that!

I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked over to Sam who offered me an encouraging smile. "Do not fret. They owe me a favor after I helped them with an assignment." His gloved hand felt warm on my shoulder. Sam was a good support despite being the first stranger I've met since landing here.

'Welcome to Wonderland.'

I stopped. No. Sam wasn't the first person I'd met. Someone found me first; they found me and they... they...

"THEY STOLE MY FIRST KISS!!!"

"I beg your pardon." Sam turned around. His green eyes curiously stared at my movements.

"You weren't the first person I've met! There was someone else!" I paced around the footpath. "Someone found me before you came! They carried me and... and..." My eyes widened in realization pausing my next step. "They made me drink something..." My knees grew weak. "That was what the vial was... whatever was in it, is the key."

"...your first... kiss?" I looked at the blonde guy who raised an eyebrow. Why did he look confused? "Is having your first kiss supposed to mean something?"

I could only stare in disbelief. Was this guy serious? "You're kidding, right?" Sam merely tilted his head to the side. I thought it was cute, then I had to snap myself back to reality. Nope! We're not going there, Leon! We need to get home NOW! "A kiss, especially your first one, should be sentimental! And memorable, definitely memorable! Something you can never forget! A kiss is supposed to be -" He silent me. How? He kissed me! I could feel my eyes growing as big as my head. His arm wrapped around my waist and a hand cupped my chin. My body grew stiff.