The Melancholy of Wonderland

Rulebreaker

"Okay, so do you know a better way to get to the capital?" Anya drew her hoodie closer to her body. It was much warmer than the stupid maid uniform but was still thin. The night air was frigid and Anya was jealous of the thick overcoat Raven had donned.

Everything he was wearing was black and lined with silver. Anya had inspected his duffel bag for any useless items and was pleased to find none.

"We could try to find the Mad Hatter and the March Hare," Raven suggested.

"You're joking, right?"

"No, why?"

"Where I come from, there's a book titled Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Some of the most famous characters from that book are the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the March Hare."

"That is very interesting."

"Yes, now what do the Mad Hatter and the March Hare have to do with this?"

"It is said that they have powerful magic that can grant people's wishes. It would take days to reach the City of Aces from here. Perhaps the Mad Hatter and the March Hare can help us. The rumors say that they reside in a tea shop in the middle of a forest but it is unknown which forest specifically."

"Well, there's a forest right here. Let's get walking." Anya took out her cell phone and activated the flashlight feature. Raven watched in slight amazement as the bright light streamed from the device, illuminating the ground. "What're you staring at? Hurry up!"

"You said that the Mad Hatter and the March Hare lived in a forest," Anya said slowly. "We've been walking for literally three minutes. So why the heck are we at the ocean of all places!?"

"The geography of Wonderland is constantly changing," Raven said, sensing something was about to happen. "It is not recommended to travel on foot because you do not know whether you will actually be able to end up where you need to go."

Anya whirled at Raven and grabbed his collar. She brought his face close to hers, glaring straight into his soul. The blond could clearly see the flashes of something unrecognizable within the violet of her eyes. He gulped, sensing the rise of a sensation he was not familiar with.

"And why," Anya's voice was low and hot, "didn't you think to mention this beforehand?"

"I... Well..." Raven had no words to say to the female.

"You idiot!" Anya shrieked, shaking Raven by the collar. "I let you come with me and this is what happens!? I could have gone anywhere but the forest but I did because of your stupid advice! You idiot! Idiot, idiot, idiot!"

She let go of Raven with a huff. Her expression was unreadable. Raven did not know what to say or do. He really couldn't understand this girl, and he had no choice but to follow her as she stomped in the direction of the port.

Anya kicked a pebble in her way as she scowled at her misfortune. What was she thinking, bringing Raven with her? Her brow furrowed as she considered her options. After thinking about it, having Raven was actually useful. She didn't know the ways of Wonderland and he could probably navigate his homeland, despite never once leaving Grimlocke Manor for all sixteen years of his life. Without Raven, Anya would be hopelessly lost and ignorant in this strange land. She sighed, debating apologizing to Raven. She had dragged him on this adventure, after all.

"Oi, Blondie."

"Yes? Are you referring to me?"

"Yeah, I am. Sorry... For bursting out like that."

"Hm?"

"It wasn't fair to you. I was mad and stressed out. Sorry."

"Is that what that specific sensation was called? 'Mad'?"

"Wha? I mean, yeah. I was mad, but it could also be called anger or frustration."

"I see. 'Anger'. I will remember that."

"Whatever, Blondie."

The small port town was bustling with activity. Small bits of glowing particles flew through the air as if ocean sprites dwelled within the port's cobbled streets. The residents were anthropomorphic animals of all kinds. Anya felt out of place but she did spot several humans amongst large ships. Tourists or merchants were her best guess.

"I have a plan," she told Raven.

"What is it?"

"We're going to figure out which one of these ships is going to the City of Aces, somewhere near it, or near the Mad Hatter and the March Hare. Then we're going to buy a lot of non-perishable food and stowaway on the ship."

"But that is against the law!" Raven cried. Anya whirled on him once more; only this time, a different glint shone in her eyes.

"Listen up, Grimlocke," she said, mouth forming into a smirk. "If you're going to be traveling with me, you've gotta be prepared to bend the rules. This is your last chance. If you're not comfortable with it, you can hightail it out now. Else, let's go break some laws and hurry on up to the City of Aces."

"Is there no other option?" Raven asked, swallowing the bile that was rising in his throat.

"Not that I can think of." Anya shrugged her shoulders. "If you have any ideas, then let's hear 'em. This is the most efficient way to get to the capital without wasting too many resources."

"I see." Raven felt the corners of his lips turn up but quickly denied the unfamiliar action. "You truly are an interesting person, Anya. I hope your intuition is not wrong."

"So do I."