The Darkside

Don't Be Afraid

Alice looked at the Queen of Hearts questioningly. "Time? I'm afraid I don't understand."

The queen rubbed her forehead tiredly. "Time. Fate. Life. Does it matter? If you truly wish to help, then you must seek him out." She started walking away.

Alice dashed after her frantically. "But Ms. Hearts! Where can I find Time?" She gasped.

There was no answer, and Alice, looking up, did not see a small stone beneath her feet and tripped.

"Oof!" She tumbled down. 

After a moment, she pushed herself back onto her knees and frowned. She had dirtied her beautiful white apron. Now it was brown and grass-stained. However could she get it out before her sister saw it?

Then she bit her lip, realizing that she didn't know how to leave this strange world. She may never see her sister again.

In frustration, she swiped at the tears pooling in her eyes. No, no. I mustn't cry. I will just go find Time and then ask how to go home.

A hand tapped her shoulder lightly.

Alice looked up in surprise, seeing a man standing beside her. "Mr. Raven? I didn't realize you were here."

The man gave her a small smile. "Just Raven." He corrected. "I have been watching and listening. It is good for Cath to confide in someone."

Alice frowned. "Shouldn't you be with her?" She asked in confusion.

Raven shook his head slowly. "No." But he didn't elaborate.

Alice looked back down at her apron, then stood up and dusted it off as best she could. "M- Raven, do you know where I can find Time?"

He shook his head. "My apologies, but I do not."

"Oh." Alice looked at the grass below her and tapped her toes together. Then she looked up. "Will you and Ms. Hearts come with me?"

Raven knelt before her and took her hands. "No, child. We cannot. But do not be afraid. I do not know whether Time is good or bad, but he is fair. If there is something to be fixed, he will fix it."

Well, hello, again. I'm back from the dead...