Button Eyes, Clock Hearts

Amusing Heartbeat

Alice smiled at Coraline as the three left the tower. At least they lent her a winter coat, how Gray found one was unknown. But the bluenette and Cat agreed it would be useless to ask. The snow crunched under their feet as they slowly made their way towards the forest in order to change the season. Cat was inside of Coraline's coat just like he used to do with Wybie.

Coraline shifted, "So...who is Vivaldi, exactly?"

Alice giggled, "She's the queen of hearts. She can seem a little harsh, but she really is a nice person who loves cute things. Just like Gray!"

Coraline gawped at her with wide eyes, "A queen?! Oh my God, I can't meet a queen looking like this! Look at me, I'm filthy!" Coraline started to prattle on about her attire while Cat sighed in annoyance, 'why do humans place so much on appearance?'

Alice smiled and patted Coraline's head, "Don't worry Coraline, she's very nice and maybe we can ask if she can give you some clothes." Coraline settled down at that, but she was still uncomfortable about the whole thing.

It had been so long since a creature or person from another world gave her something. Soon enough they arrived to the colorful circus in the middle of the forest. Cat jumped from her arms walking by her side as children and other performers whizzed by. The blonde was greeted by faceless children along with Coraline. At last, Joker arrived with a pleasant smile, he seemed happy to see them both there.

"Lovely to see the three of you here, it's been a while." said the man pleasantly.

"Sure, sure. Look, did you have anything to do with the Beldam?" asked Alice seriously. Coraline did not understand, why would Joker have anything to do with it?

"No, you fucking bitch! We ain't got nothin' to do with the wench spider! She even blocked us." exclaimed the mask.

"True, we cannot play in the dream world anymore. Such a shame really." added the jester.

"Well...uhh...could we go to the heart castle?" Coraline wanted desperately to stop talking about this.

"Well, I can make it spring." answered the red head calmly "but it will not be for free."

"What do you want?" asked Alice icily.

"Nothing much. Only the coat" said Joker calmly. "After all, she will not need it there."

"Sure..." Coraline started to take off her coat looking back at Cat who nodded.

"Ugh! will you hurry the fuck up?! We don't have time for this bitch!" yelled a similar voice coming from his hip.

"Now, now, Joker, calm down," said the jester as he received the coat. "It will wait for you when you go to winter. Now, you can go to spring"

It wasn't too long before they appeared at the gates of the castle, and Coraline gaped at the gushy décor as they were led inside. The throne room, that was where they got to. Around them, it was filled with hearts and candles. Guards stood with numbers and hearts on their chests. And at the middle of it all, a woman of average height, with dark violet eyes and purple-black hair with six large ringlets. Her lips in a shade of maroon and a beauty mark on the lower left side of her chin. Her elaborate gown focused on a red and black color scheme her crown was small compared to the ones Coraline had seen. Her dress consisted of a wide-skirt mainly focused on red and accented by a black bodice and bows. The gold heart accessories and her crown with a matching scepter in hand gave off her authority. With this ensemble came a giant heart-shaped collar to frame her head.

One of the faceless soldiers announced their arrival a booming voice, "Your Majesty, Alice has arrived with guests!"

Coraline wasn't expecting the woman to rush to Alice with unbelievable speed "Alice! Why have you not visited us in so long?!" She blinked, seeing Alice's 'guests'. "Oh? And who are these?"