Down the Rabbit Hole ⚝ Killian Jones

4

I see Jefferson looking at me with an unimpressed raised brow. I look around at my surroundings, unsettled. "I told you, you're not dreaming Alice. This is real I'm real." He speaks passionately, grasping my shoulders once more.

I know I'm being difficult but I can't help it. How can any of this be real? Just hours ago I was being proposed to and that was the craziest thing that had happened to me since my father's death. The Queen taking my memories just seems too... convenient. Or maybe I just don't want to believe. I swallow hard.

"Do you know why a raven is like a writing desk?" He asks nonsensically with an expectant expression, as if I'm supposed to know the answer. I shake my head with furrowed brows and he looks cresfallen. I give him an apologetic look.

"I do." A different voice rings out, smooth and silky. I tear my eyes away from Jefferson and see a cat that seemingly materialized out of nowhere. Defiantly a dream.

"Who are you?" I ask curiously, happy for the distraction from Jefferson's intense gaze.

"An old friend." He says mysteriously before appearing behind Jefferson. "Do not worry Hatter, she will be Alice again, just give her time." He tells Jefferson. I'm filled with indignation at his words. Not Alice? How can I not be Alice when I am Alice?

"What do you mean by that?" I ask with furrowed brows, tired of everyone acting like they know me better than I do.

Just as the strange cat is about to answer, there's a loud howl from outside which causes him to disappear once more. The hair on the back of my neck stands up at the chilling sound. All the occupants at the table stand, looking like they are prepared for a fight. I stand up, going to see what's outside when Jefferson grabs my arm to stop me.

I swiftly pull my arm away, tired of being dragged around. I go towards the door, the fear now gone and replaced by exasperation at the feeling of having no control over my own dream. Coming towards me is a large white beast with white spots. I ponder over whether or not it whether it's a mix of a bear or a dalmation.

"Bandersnatch!" I hear McTwisp shout from somewhere behind me.

I feel my palms turn clammy but I refuse to move, entrusting that this dream will finally end. I close my eyes just as the banderthingy raises it's large back to strike me but Jefferson pushes me out of the way, the beast only managing to scratch my arm. I lay on my back in shock, holding my wounded arm as I realize I still haven't woke up. Pinching myself usually works so why wouldn't this? My arm really hurts. Bad.

I watch, unable to do anything as the bandersack, or whatever it's called, takes Jefferson's foot in its mouth and drags him off to who knows where. Before I lose sight of him he shouts one last thing at me. "Don't follow me!" And with that, he's gone.

I get up, breathing heavily as a feeling of dread comes over me. Why would he do something like that for me? Does he truly believe that I'm capable of defeating the Queen? So much so that he'd be willing to sacrifice himself so I can? I steel myself, knowing what I have to do.

"Cat!" I shout at the air. In a moment the cat from before materializes in front of me, paying close attention to the three gashes on my arm.

"I can heal  that for you, it needs purified so it doesn't putrefy." He says with his usual grin. I move away, sensing a strange, malicious energy radiating from him. I hold my arm protectively. "At least let me bind it for you." He says, materializing a bandage. I nod my head hesitantly in consent and wince as he binds my arm gently.

When he's done I take a step back and look at him with determination. "What's your name?" I ask firmly.

"The Cheshire Cat. But you used to call me Chesh." He says with a...well, you know what kind of grin.

"Where did that thing take Jefferson?" I then ask. The chesh-Chesh appears behind me.

"To the Queens palace of course." He says, tilting his head to the side.

"We're going to rescue him." I state, leaving no room for argument.

"If I recall, did he not tell you to to not do exactly that?" He asks knowingly, appearing back in front of me and rolling to his back.

I let out a frustrated breath of air. "I don't care what he said! He wouldn't be there if it weren't for me." I say and then pause. "This may be a dream... but if it's not." I hesitate. "If it's not then I must save him." I finish.

"You must prepare-"

I feel a rush of anger run through me and I interrupt before he can finish. "From the moment I fell down that rabbit hole I've been told what I must do and who I must be. I've been told I know all of you and I've been scratched by a wild beast but this is my dream! I'll decide where it goes from here." I finish, feeling more self assured than I have my entire life. 

"If you diverge from the right path-" 

"I decide what the right path is! I make the path! So either help me... or stay the hell out of my way." 

His smile becomes even bigger somehow. 

"Now you are Alice."

sorry for the short chapter but our favorite pirate will be making a small appearance in the next chapter

-Ky