A Song Named Alice

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

A cool and bitter breeze greets Loki as he wakes. While he and Alice go on a walk together, Raven has a small conference with Erik and Meg. 

"Meg, Erik, there's something I want you to keep an eye on while you're with Edwin," Raven starts. 

"What happened?" Meg fears. "Has Wonderland or Asgard made another move on him?" 

He shakes his head. "I don't know, he won't tell us, but I know something happened." An idea strikes him. "Could he have read the letter? I don't know who it was from, but it might have been enough to trigger something in him." 

"Lacie," Erik says silently. 

"What?" Raven asks. 

"It was from Lacie." He says again. 

"No," he worries. "Edwin would definitely have a reaction to that. What did it say, Erik? Tell me. This might be our chance to cure him of his grief." 

Meg grabs Raven's shoulder. "You know that won't happen. As long as Alice is alive, he will have a constant reminder. The best we can hope for is that the letter gives him strength to get over most of his grief. Neither of us know what the letter says though." 

"Curse it all!" he swears under his breath. "Is there really that little that we can do for him? No matter, Meg, Erik, keep an eye on him.

As Loki and Alice travel, in an open and empty space they encounter an old woman who seemed to act a lot younger than her actual age. At first she pays no attention to them, but as soon as they pass her, she says, "You two should be more careful. Especially you, young man. There are many dangers trying to seek you out right now. Wonderland won't wait as patiently as Asgard does. Yet, you still ignore the warning we give." 

Alice and Loki swiftly turn around and face the old woman. 

"I suppose you don't know who I am by my appearance yet, Edwin." She clears his throat. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Queen of Hearts, ruler of Wonderland." 

"Furthermore," she continues, "My purpose was not for you to meet me, but someone else. Let me introduce you to him. Joker, come on out." 

A man in plain and casual clothes appears from what seems like nowhere. Hesitantly, he joins the Queen of Hearts' side, avoiding Loki's gaze. 

"Tom?" Loki blurts out. 

"'Ello Edwin," he breathes sadly. 

"Tom, it's not true, right?" He denies. "You can't be working for them, you can't be." 

Tom's arms tremble as his eyes beg for forgiveness. "I'm sorry," 

"No!" Loki denies again. "You're lying. If you were the Tom I knew you would never take a job like this! Never do the kind of things they do. You hate hurting people. Why, Tom? Why would you do this?" 

Loki's words bite at him as he winces, piercing him like an imaginary sword. But the Queen of Hearts grow impatient. "Enough of this bothersome yelling and specks of conversation. Cheshire," she pauses. "No. Joker," she corrects. "Get the pocket watch from Loki now. Don't let him get away. And Alice, don't interfere." 

Alice shudders, taking a few steps back from Loki. Why are you obeying this, Alice? Don't give in to her. Then he remembers his last day with Lacie. No. Not this again. Let's run Alice, he tries to voice to her, nothing coming out of his mouth. Let's run. Quickly. 

Taking shivering steps back, he notices Tom's expression. He desperately wanted to run away, but something held him back. Tom starts to come closer to him, his expression telling him not to worry, but Loki wasn't so sure now.