A Song Named Alice

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Three days have passed since Loki received Asgard's letter. Desiring a stroll to ease by the day, Meg and Erik request that he goes by Raven's house first and take him with. 

"Fine." Loki replies. "I get why everyone is worrying now, so I won't complain." 

Nearing Raven's home, he peeks around for him, all around the house and in the nearby streets, but he's nowhere to be seen. Just when he's about to give up and go on his walk by himself, Raven pops up, tapping Loki's shoulders. 

He jumps while he turns around. "Whoa! Don't do that Raven, you scared me." He waits for an apology, but as usual, Raven's pride doesn't allow one. "Whatever," he grumbles. "Where were you? I've been waiting a long time." 

"What do you need me for?" Raven asks. 

"Meg and Erik won't allow me to be by myself, so they sent me to get you." 

"Keep quiet then and follow me." He says while he starts to leave. "I'm still on lookout for Asgard and Wonderland. Did you bring your pocket watch with you?" 

"Of course!" 

"Good. Well, Alice will be by momentarily." 

"Sure, that's fine." 

The conversation and new silence felt awkward for both of them. Did something happen? Raven begins to wonder. Edwin isn't disagreeing or questioning anything I say. It's like we're strangers. 

On the other hand, Loki begins to wonder, Should I tell him about the dreams I've been having? It's not like it's all that important, but it might give him some ease. He's seemed stressed lately. No. This would only stress him more. 

Alice appears during their silence, even more confused than either of them. "What?" She asks. "Did you two have a fight?" 

"No, but," Loki pauses, unable to find words to describe the situation. "I don't really know what's going on either." 

"It's not anything to worry about, forget about this." Raven says before Alice can tell them off. "More importantly, did you figure anything out?" 

"No. Wonderland is keeping a low key. I can't find them anywhere. I don't know what their plans are either. It looks like we're going to be completely in the dark now." She remarks sadly. 

Loki grits his teeth. Wonderland, he thinks. The Knave of Hearts is from there. I hate him. 

Alice notices his anger. "Edwin, what's wrong?" 

"Hmm? I'm fine." He puts up an act. 

"Edwin," she says, seeing through his act. "What's bothering? No. What has been bothering you for the past two days or so?" 

"Nothing. I told you I'm fine." 

"Edwin!" She yells. "We both notice that you're not okay. Why don't you let us help?" 

Taking a step back, he picture her as Lacie. No. You can't help me. If what Erik said is true, then none of you should. I won't let tragedy fall again. 

"Please stop asking!" He yells before running away. 

I wish you would come back, Lacie. I need you. You held everyone together, you were their strength. Now that you're gone, I can't take your place. My courage is left when you disappeared. We all need you, in order to win this. Only you could make sure that tragedy won't fall on us. 

Alice tried to call out to him, but Loki kept running. Along the way, he bumped into someone, falling against the building at the muscular man. 

"Oh, I'm sorry." He apologizes before looking up at who he hit.