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 Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2011 11:30 am
"I love you, too," Mimicry said. "I always will." He struggled to sit up, feeling his shirt resist, stuck to the stone floor by the blood he had lost. Pain shot through his abdomen and he winced. "Caterpillar, my good Lepidopteran," he said, "I could make great use of your services right now...."
The Caterpillar rolled his eyes and blew a puff of sweet smoke into Mimicry's face. "When we return," he said. "This stone and mortar monstrosity of a palace is sucking away my power. I will thrive in my natural habitat."
"Zeda, you can come with us," Tick-Tock said encouragingly to the fox-girl. "If you like." The girl merely nodded in response.
Nana shivered as Jasper embraced her; she had thought she would never feel such a loving touch again. She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed her eyes shut, burrowing into his fiery hair, which had grown in the past months so that it nearly reached his shoulders. They simply stood there for a long moment; nothing more needed be said.
"Nana, Jasper," said the Hatter, striding over and placing a gentle hand on each of their shoulders. His In this style, 10/6 hat had returned to his head. "It's time to go home."
Nana lifted her face from Jasper's neck and nodded wearily; then she frowned. "Alessa?" she asked, looking to where the girl was standing, very much alone, head bowed and arms folded protectively across her chest. "Alessa. Come with us. We'll figure out how to get you back to Eris."
Alessa looked up and met Nana's eyes. They shared a moment of silent discussion, and then the girl nodded. Nana extended her free hand-- the other clasped Jasper's as if it would never release him-- and Alessa took it. The Hatter took Jasper's free hand and extended his to Tick.
"Everyone take hands," Nana said, swallowing hard so her voice wouldn't break. She hadn't wanted to cry this badly in three years. "We're going home."
Suddenly she remembered the hundreds of hunks of metal standing uniformly behind them, and asked, "Indya... what are you going to do with the soldiers? You are the only one who can control them now."
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Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2011 11:41 am
The soilders.. I totally forgot " and she truthfully had, and it was true now that with the Tweedles gone she was the only one able to control them. Indya thought for a moment " for now.. I order you to return to the place you came from , the room in the underground and turn yourselves off " She wasn't quite sure now what they could be used for , and figured having them off was the best option until the group could decide together how to use them to help wonderland.
Jasper rubbed Nana's back "Alright Hatter, that sounds good.. home" Alessa just looked at the group and then at Nana " Thank you.. thank you so much" she took the hand of Tick so she could join them in going home
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Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2011 12:30 pm
"As you wish, Your Highness," the army said in unison; then, smoothly-- almost gracefully-- they turned around in place and began marching back down toward their secret room, their footsteps echoing through the halls.
Everyone joined hands-- even Mimicry, who reached up from his place on the ground-- and to the softly fading sound of the mechanical soldiers' retreat, they all began to fade, and bright rays of sunlight began to pierce their vision as they reappeared in the mushroom forest. Home.
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Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2011 9:41 pm
As soon as they were home in the forest Jasper let go of Nana and Tick's hand and scooped Nana up into his arms twirling her around happy. "Its over.. its finially over Nana" He was overjoyed to be able to just enjoy being with her now without worry of some tyrant forcing them or their friends to fight .
Tick went to the Hatter's side to see how he was doing taking his hand and smiling while she stood next to him. Meanwhile Indya collapsed next to mimcry " Caterpillar, now that we are back, can you heal mimicry... " She herself had a few injuries from when she was trying to kill Dee , but didn't want to ask him to heal those
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Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2011 10:44 pm
Nana had thought it impossible to find her place of joy again-- but safely in Jasper's arms, the world spinning around her, she found it after all. A laugh escaped her lips; she couldn't help herself. "I love you," she whispered when he finally let her feet touch the ground again, and she rested her forehead against his. "I love you so much."
The Caterpillar climbed back up to his perch on his favorite mushroom, and gave a small sigh of contentment, closing his keen eyes for a moment as he took in the fresh air. "Ah, yes, of course, the young fighter and his battle wounds." He took a deep puff of his hookah, focused, and blew a steady stream of smoke that wrapped itself around Mimicry's body. Then he pointed his mouthpiece at Indya. "You look a bit damaged yourself, my dear... no offense intended, of course. I can fix that up for you, if you like."
Hatter smiled back, and squeezed Tick's hand. "How are you feeling?" he asked, then released a little "Oh!" Reaching up, he removed his hat and placed it on Tick's head with a wry smile. "I almost forgot. This belongs there."
Alice and Cheshire were kneeling in the grass, holding each other and their children close; Marchy and the Rabbit were cuddling together in the shade of a mushroom, Marchy stroking Rabbit's hair while Rabbit did the same to Dormouse, who was fast asleep and snuggled safely between them. Even Miss Nera dropped from her web to plant a kiss on the cheek of the Caterpillar, who grumbled at her for breaking his concentration, but was clearly very pleased.
The only one who was still alone was Alessa. She sat somewhat apart from the others, knees drawn to her chest, leaning back on her hands, which were splayed behind her. Her face did not betray any emotion, but Nana knew she had to talk to her soon... but she couldn't break away from Jasper just yet. She couldn't bear to.
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Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2011 11:03 pm
Jasper smiled a toothy grin " and I love you Nana , you mean so much to me" He took her hands and held them tightly in his own not wanting to ever let her out of his sight again.
"None taken Caterpillar, I do probably look awful . I suppose I should be healed as well . if it is not too much trouble for you" She watched the smoke vanish from around Mimcry as he was healed once again.
Tick smiled at him giggling a bit when he put his hat on her " I'm well Hatter, and yourself" She raised it up a bit as her head was smaller than his , so the hat went down further on her head . "mm do I look good in this Hatter?"
Clarice was the one who went over first, tugging on Alessa's dress' Pretty lady are you okay? come join everyone else, they won't bite you they're nice. Mr. Kittyplillar is funny and you'll like my mommy and daddy"
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Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2011 11:31 pm
Nana melted at Jasper's expression. It seemed like ages ago that she had been a naive serving-girl, who had fainted when the baby Jabberwocky she had taken in had morphed into a beautiful young man. When she had regained consciousness and declared that she was all right, that was the same grin that had greeted her. So young and carefree and loving. It really could be like it was before. She surprised him with a kiss that seemed to last forever-- and it wasn't nearly long enough.
"Not as much trouble as I make it out to be," the Caterpillar said with a smirk. Then, his face sobering instantly-- except for a fraction of a wicked gleam in his eye-- he leaned forward, pointed his mouthpiece at Indya again, wiggling it between her and Mimicry, and whispered, "But if either of you ever tells anyone I said that, I will alter your memories and make you think you're a pair of wild flamingos. Understood?"
"Ravishing, my dear," said Hatter with a smile. "But that goes without saying. As long as I get to wear this!" From its safe place at the base of the Caterpillar's mushroom, he withdrew the beautiful gear-adorned top hat he had made for Tick and placed it at a jaunty angle on his head. "I'm afraid my head's a bit larger than yours, but I can still pull off the dapper look, can't I?"
Alessa jumped at the voice, but relaxed when she saw that it belonged to a mere child. She smiled at the girl and said, "If you insist." She allowed the child to lead her by the hand to the rest of the group, and sat down in the grass-- still not precisely near anyone, but closer than she had been before. "You're Alice's child, aren't you?" she asked. "What's your name?"
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Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2011 11:41 pm
Jasper stroked her cheek and kissed her back holding her as they kissed . Right now he felt like the happiest Jabberwocky alive, he had Nana and they could finially be together now. He was surprised by how happy she'd made him since she'd first taken him in, he had never expected when they'd met that he'd fall so hard for her.
Indya nodded trying to resist the urge to be smart with the caterpillar, partly out of fear that he would go ahead and make her think she was a flamingo " That secret shall never again pass my lips " She knew better than to make him mad and took mimicry's hands giving him a quick kiss.
Tick clapped after blushing at his compliment " Why hatter that looks wonderful , whenever did you make it " The gears of the hat seemed to sparkle in the light that streamed down from the treetops " Of course , you look very dapper"
"My name is Clarice, and i am my mommy Alice's daughter " Clarice sat own next to her in the grass " How did you know about my mommy?"
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Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 12:06 am
"Stay with me," Nana murmured, idly playing with one of his shirt buttons with one hand and clasping his hand with the other, her head resting against his chest. "Let's have that wedding we planned... no interruptions this time. I can't very well let Miss Nera's dress go to waste...."
"All right then, now that we have that settled," Caterpillar said, the smirk returning, "I suppose I can heal you. That's a very lovely bruise on your cheek, by the way," he added sarcastically. Mimicry rolled his eyes and placed his lips gently on the bruise as it disappeared, along with the other small wounds that dotted Indya's body.
"I tried to present it to you in a more formal way once," Hatter said, "quite some time ago. But it seems things were always getting in the way. No more of that now, though." He grinned and favored Tick with a kiss, reaching up to switch their top hats as he did so. When he pulled away, he smiled in satisfaction. "There, that fits you much better, I think."
Alessa smiled again. "Your mother is famous in many worlds," she said. "Lots of people know about her. We called her the Angel Girl in my world, because she has a very special gift-- a gift that brought her to Wonderland in the first place. Maybe, just maybe... she passed it along to you as well."
She ruffled the girl's hair, and realized she didn't want Zeus getting hold of this child-- or Alice, for that matter. And if she was still here, he could find her, and they were still in danger.... Along with the fact that she would never see her mistress Eris-- her true love, Eri'.
"Nana?" she called softly. The wall of crimson hair turned around and Nana called back, "Yes? Are you all right, Alessa?"
Alessa swallowed. "We need to talk about Eris."
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Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 1:44 pm
Jasper smiled "Yes that sounds good , lets have that wedding we've wanted " He felt nervous and excited at the same time after she had suggested it , excited to finially marry nana without worry but worried about his ability to protect her after the marriage.
Indya shivered slightly puuring softly so Mimicry could hear she was content and happy with what he was doing, as well as to be back in his arms safely. She was happy that they could now start their life together, as theyd wanted to do on the day they'd wed .
"Ah " Was all Tick was able to get out before returning the Hatter's kiss "Yes this is much better, we both look wonderful Hatter in our hats" She grinned and took his hand holding it tightly as the Hatter could see she was very happy with both her new hat and to be with him.
Clarice looked up at Alessa in wonder, having no idea that her mother was famous. Then, at the mention of the gift she began to wonder, what was the special gift her mother had that Alessa was talking about, and did she have it too?
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Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 5:55 pm
Mimicry smiled at Indya's upstart of purring, and stroked her hair. "It seems so peaceful now, I almost don't know what to do with myself," he said with a laugh. "It's as if I don't know where I am if it's not in the middle of a battlefield."
Nana felt a wave of relief at Jasper's assent, and at the same time felt foolish for ever having doubted that he would still want to be with her. Hadn't they sworn their love, human or Jabberwocky, warrior or princess, no matter what?
She gave him a kiss and warned him teasingly, "Don't go anywhere, Jabbers." He snorted and smiled despite his best efforts to look offended, and she moved to where Alessa sat with Clairice, the child gazing at the former in wonder. "I see you've made a friend," she said, smiling at them both.
"I suppose I have, haven't I?" Alessa said. She returned the smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "That's sort of what I wanted to discuss with you."
"I thought you wanted to talk about Eris," Nana said with a frown.
"No, I do," Alessa replied. "But it's just.... As long as I am here, not only am I not with Eris, but all of you are in danger. To Zeus and the other gods I may as well be a beacon on the top of a tower. I have to return to my home as soon as possible."
"I understand," Nana said, nodding. "So we need to find a way to get you safely back to Eris. Do you mind if I call Indya here? I feel like she would be able to help us." Alessa shook her head no, she didn't mind, so Nana lifted her head and called, "Indya? Sweet, we need your help."
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Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 6:03 pm
Indya stroked his hair " well get used to it my Mimcry, because there are no more battles . " Her ears perked up as she heard her name and although reluctant to leave Mimcry's side again she got up going over to Nana and Alessa. "Yes what is it?"
Clarice nodded and hugged her aunt as she came over before allowing Indya to convince her to return to her parents side, or at least to go mess with her uncle Mimcry and let him entertain her. This left the three alone to discuss the important matters as Indya sat herself down beside them.
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Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 6:12 pm
Nana watched the child start to sulk away, then break into a run that ended with a hearty tackle-- the target, of course, being Mimicry, who made a big show of his imminent defeat, claiming "You may have won this battle, but the war shall be mine!" in a silly villain's voice.
Nana smiled before drawing her attention back to the two young women before her. "Alessa needs to get back to Olympus," she explained to Indya. "For both our safety and her reunion with Eris. I promised her I would do everything I could to bring them safely together, but I'm not sure how." She turned to Alessa. "That was the voice of Zeus we heard in the palace, was it not?"
Alessa nodded. "Yes, that was Zeus." To Indya she added, "Zeus is the king of the gods-- forgive me if at any point I explain something you already know, but you were quite often otherwise engaged when I was outlining our strategies to your friends. I mean no offense." Resuming her explanation, she said, "Eris will be standing trial for her failure to efficiently dominate your realm. The safety of our reunion will be relative, depending on the consensus reached by the gods."
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Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 6:23 pm
Indya rolled her eyes resisting her urge to chuckle at mimcry. "So then , the first question then is how do we return you to Olympus to reunite you with Eris, we do not have a map which can show us the way" Indya was all for the plan of reuniting the two , although she wasn't quite sure how they would do it
"It is alright, I was rather engaged in other activities during that time. and there is no offense taken" She thought for a moment again " How long does Eris have until they would begin the trail "
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Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 6:32 pm
"We won't need a map," Nana assured her. "Alessa took me there before by the touch of her hand. She can travel by teleportation, the same way that Eris and Tweedle Dum can-- er, the way Tweedle Dum could." She felt strangely awkward saying it, but she did anyway.
Alessa gave a brief but bitter laugh. "They would have started already," she said. "The gods care little for mortals; they are like playthings, and they only care when they become a direct threat. Which, chances are, they will not. But a chance to determine the fate of a goddess herself-- especially a child of Hades-- it is a rare opportunity, and one that they will not shunt for any human activities."
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