Wonderland: Escape From The Mad House [Book One]

Chapter Four: Crows And Demons

Birds cawed overhead as we walked through the dreaded forrest. "How much longer," I whined. They both ignored me as we kept walking. As we traveled, I began to take note of the wildlife, and lack thereof. In the Diamond Division, there were many types animals, like big horned sheep and birds with feathers in all the colors of the rainbow. There were animals that I didn't know exsisted, some from fables like chymeras and phoenixes, and others that nobody has heard of, like snakes with legs and scaley wings, and porccupines with fur instead of quills, and tails like fish. In the first area, however, there were few signs of animals.

A few softly cawing birds were the only signs of life. One of the birds dove towards us, and Jack the one of his cards at it, slicing it's neck, but not killing it. It cried softly as it dashed behind a nearby tree. "What was that for" I asked, being the animal lover I was. "Target practice, " he replied. "They have healing powers. If you slice them, it'll heal in a moments time."

As if on cue, a boy approached us. He was dressed in all black, with a T-shirt and leather jacket. A silver chain glistened at his throat, with a dogtag dangling on it. His strait black hair was covered by a grey hat, and the dark circles and club symbol accented his grassy green eyes. On one of his ears were two black hoops at the top, and the other hung a black feather. He held a cold expression and looked at Jack, his hand on his throat. "That's one way of saying hello" he greeted sarcastically, holding out his card betwewn two fingers.

"I am truly sorry about that," he said, "but we have more important matters to attend to."

He raised an eyebrow at this, and his eyes widened when he saw me. Only then did I notice that his pupils were slit; replaced by black, vertical lines. "She doesn't remember us," Jack said, before he could speak.

"She doesn't?" he questioned, slowly approaching me. I shook my head. "Maybe it's for the better," he said. "If she doesn't remember us, she may not remember what we are."

I eyed him curiously. "What are you," I asked.

"Nothing of your concern," he replied sharply.

"Tell me," I replied.

"I refuse," he said, slightly irritated. He balled his fists at his sides.

"Tell me, or I'm going home," I pouted.

"You don't have a choice," he said. His voice was scarily calm, and he spoke through gritted teeth. His canines were unordinarily sharp, like fangs.

He caught himself, and his mood changed. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "I was being stubborn, and I have no right to keep this information from you."

"It's okay," I told him. "I was just curious."

"You should know," he started, "that each of us here, we're all a bit more than human. I'm sure you might have realized something when Cheshire changed. He's a Cheshire; a cat demon who can change forms. That's where his name comes from." I looked at Cheshi, who shrugged his shoulders in his human form. "Jack is a dark assassin. A combination of a dragoon, an archer or gunsman with extreme accuracy, a swordsman, and a user of dark magic. That's why he carries his deck with him; he uses them as daggers." I looked at him with interest, as he continued shuffling his deck. He eyed me, smirked, and went back to his work. "And me, well-" he backed up a bit and spread his arms, as bird like wings sprout from his back at his armspan. His nails were pointed like black talons, and long black feathers grew from the bottom of his jacket to the back of his knees. His fangs had grown back.

"They call me Crow for a reason."

"Like a Cheshire," he explained, turning back to normal, "I can shift as I please. However, I can only take the form of a crow. I am a beast, which is someone withnthis ability, and the ability to control the animal whose form you took. Since I take the form of a crow-" one of the birds swooped down, and perched itself on his outstreched arm. "This is the animal I control."

I could barely conceal my amazement, but Jack interrupted before I could say anything.

"Crow," he called, as he turned to respond. "Where's Hatter?"

Crow had somewhat of a wicked smile. "I'll lead you right to him," he replied, transforming into one of his bird friends as Cheshi had turned human before. He took off without a moment's hesitation, leaving us to follow. As we walked through, I had a gut feeling that something was amiss. Crow stopped at a looming building, piercing himself on the roof. "This is it, " he said in his human form. We entered, and my blood ran cold.

The man had turned around with a familiarity cold grin. I backed away slowly, trying to decide whether or not to run. Something told me that I'd probably end up dead either way.

"We meet again, Alice,"