The Darkside

Fight

Cath- Queen Cath- needed to get away.

There was so much red. Too much red. She couldn't do it. Not now.

She had to go somewhere, to get away. 

Only one place was left that did that for her. She knew she risked bringing up agonizing memories, but even still...

She ran.

Raven watched his queen run out of her garden. He knew where she was headed.

With a flurry of black feathers, Raven became the bird he was named for. He flapped his wings, reveling in the feeling of freedom he always felt as a creature of flight.

He hadn't done it in a while. Not since Jest's death. 

He let his wings angle him toward Cath, running in the distance, as he let his thoughts remember his friend.

Alice walked through a door of a house in a clearing. To her surprise, there was a table set for tea-time. She glanced at the occupants nervously. She was unaware of Ches, behind her, invisible, as he glided over and took a seat.

Let's see...

There was a hare; he was asleep.

There was a mouse, also asleep.

The other guests were awake. 

There was a beautiful lady wearing the reddest dress Alice had ever seen.

And beside her was a glossy black raven. His eyes glanced over her and she curtsied to them all. The raven nodded in approval.

There was also that cat! The one with the stripes, who could disappear! He'd led her here, in a way...

And then she noticed the man at the far end of the table. His white hair was messy and his top hat was crooked. He smiled slyly.

"No room, sweetheart."

At the same time, two people watched the proceedings below them.

Jest's eyes traveled over the people, then returned to the lady in red. He couldn't move. "Cath." He croaked, voice rough from disuse.

Beside him stood Time. His hands were folded behind his back.

"Jest." He said. Jest turned to him. "I take it you remember?" Jest nodded. Time turned to face him as well. "The three well girls have made a rip in, well, me. I must fix that." He paused. "This would mean something entirely unprecedented for you, however. I cannot say exactly what. Perhaps another chance at life, perhaps not. Are you willing to take that chance?" He asked, his eyes gripping Jest.

Jest didn't hesitate. "Yes. Absolutely."

Oh, YES. I am ready for this! Let's go! (Ha, ha, references. I love Let!) I'm all fired up now!!!!