Guilty Alice: Finding Love In Wonderland

Chapter 15

There's a human sized caterpillar sitting on top of the mushroom. Usually I would be afraid right now, but since I'm in Wonderland, I'm use to it.

"Do you need the mushroom too?" I ask.

"Careful, Mattie. The caterpillar is the ruler of Mushroom Valley," Joker warns me.

I look back at the caterpillar.

"Hmph youngsters these days. They think they can just barge into Mushroom Valley like they own the place," the caterpillar complains. "Who would've thought Joker and Alice would be together?" The caterpillar gives us a hostile glare. "I don't know what you're here for, but the mushrooms belong to me. I won't allow you to take even a slice of the mushrooms here."

"Actually, someone already ate a giant mushroom and she needs help. She needs a mini Mushroom so she can turn back to her normal size! Can you please at least give us a tiny piece," I plead.

The caterpillars tone grows furious. "You're friends with the people who stole my giant mushroom?! I've had it with all of you! You'll never lay a finger on my mushrooms!" The caterpillar shakes and stomps his feet.

I suddenly let out a scream as the mushroom caps start shaking violently. The shaking is stronger than an earthquake which causes me to lose my balance, and topple over. I land right over the edge of the mushroom cap. As soon as my mind is filled with terror, despair, and the the thought of death, Joker grabs my arm before I plunge off the side into the ravine.

"Mattie!" Joker yells.

There's nothing for me to grab onto. Nowhere for my feet to land on. His hand is the only thing holding me up. A shiver runs down my spine.

"Mattie, don't look down!" Joker yells.

I look up reflexively when I hear him. All the terror I was feeling disappears. I see a look of panic on Joker's face like I've never seen before.

"Joker..." I can't look away from his desperation filled eyes. Something else fills me, something that isn't despair.

"I don't want you too..." he stops before he can say anything else.

I'd ask him what he was going to say, but I don't have time for that right now. Suddenly, Joker yanks me back up onto the mushroom. I end up landing right on top of him, but quickly get off of him as my face heats up.

"I'm s-safe!" I yell.

"Hmph, Alice seems to stubborn to fall," the caterpillar huffs. 

The caterpillar starts rocking the mushroom back and forth. I can't act immediately, but Joker takes off running. I barely have time to blink before he closes the distance between him and the caterpillar. He draws out his dagger that gleams in light. The caterpillar staggers back as he's slashed by the blade and falls into the ravine. It all happened so fast that I only have time to stand there and gawk.

"Joker..." I start to speak up hesitantly, but a butterfly suddenly rises up from the ravine.

My eyes widen at the sight of the beautiful, brightly colored fluttering wings. It flies off into the distance, and I hear it say, "I did it! I've finally become a butterfly!"

"Was that the caterpillar?!" I ask. I don't know what I was expecting, but this certainly wasn't it. I guess anything can happen in Wonderland, right?

"Mattie!" Joker yells.

He throws down his daggers and starts running over to me. Uh oh. Please don't be mad at me. When I Iook up at him, he throws his arms around me.

"I'm glad you're safe," he mumbles with a voice of heartfelt relief.

He seems really relieved now, but on the other hand, I'm really shaky.

I compose myself and tell him, "I'll be okay."

I'm painfully aware that he was worried about me. I want to let him know that I'm here. I'm sure he heard me, but his arms grow tighter. His embrace is making my heart go nuts, but not in a bad way.

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"Oh, my! Could it be...?! It that a mini mushroom you're carrying?!" Duke shouted.

"Yes, indeed. Feel free to use it, please. Right, Joker?" I asked.

"Whatever you like."

"I'll give it to Margarete right away!" Duke says.

The Duke dashes over to Margarete and hands her the mushroom. The Duchess eats the mini mushroom, and slowly starts shrinking, until she's back to her normal size. But just as I began to think this was over the Duchess starts scolding the Duke.

"My goodness! I was quite scared there," Margarete says. "The whole reason why I ate that mushroom is because you were talking about getting a rare food from a merchant!"

"If I'd known she'd get THIS mad I would've rather let her stay big," the Duke yells.

"But I guess since I was changed back I can't stay mad at you. You say it was Alice and Joker who went out of their way to bring the mini mushroom here?"

"Yes, ma'am," I say. I straighten in place under her piercing gaze.

"You saved me," she smiled.

I was ready for another angry tirade, so this leaves me a bit deflated. I squirm uncomfortable as she stares at us.

"Your attire is quite acceptable. It perfectly befits the dignity of this house," the Duchess says.

"Thank you very much." I awkwardly smile.

"I like you, so I'll give you a word of advice. Try to tone down the heroics. Don't help out others like you did me. You're in for a rude awakening if you think others will act grateful like I do. People should keep their heads down and focus on themselves. Society works best when people stay out of each others business," the Duchess says.

I'm to stunned to even object any of what she said. I remember when I nearly fell to my death in Mushroom Valley. If it wasn't for Joker, I would've died back there. Joker could've fallen right along with me. I've put Joker in danger. That thought makes me realise, I can't completely say that choosing to help people was the right call. Joker stands in silence as the Duchess speaks.

After plenty of thanks from the Duke, we leave the Duke's manor and Protea behind.