Alex in Wonderland (o p e n)

[Kuuroinochou]

A L E X * I N * D R E A M L A N D​

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"Alex? Alex wake up..." The figure chuckled kneeling before him. "You know, you have a tendency to come here quite often. I'm not sure what about this place you like but you can't stay here. Its too dangerous." Smiling she helped him to his feet and turned the surrounding area lush with plant and wild life. A lake stood before them a waterfall in the background as she watched the boy stand to his feet. He looked rather confused but she didn't understand why when he had a tendency to come to this place at unexplainable times throughout the week.

She seemed to float past him as she jumped into the lake, it was an exceptionally warm day in Dreamland and she had come to the Forbidden Forest to cool off in the Lake of Wonders. And wonders was definately what this lake was made of. From Mr. Catipillar's bizzare pirate ships, Mr. Hatter's pet perana fish and right down to this boy falling out of nowhere into the lake itself. She had no clue what caused these things but chalked it up to being the strange effects that was Dreamland.

With her swim thoroughly enjoyed she slipped from the water turning into her small rabbit form to enjoy the cool breeze. Looking up at Alex now she wondered how many more times he would come visit before he realized the dangerous possibilites. There was no hope for it she hadn't yet figured out the source behind his appearances and therefore could not rectify it.

Sighing she looked to him with curious red eyes her ears twitched with remanents of water that she flicked from her fur. "I do enjoy your company... but its too dangerous for your to stay here." Returning to her form she smiled at him as she took him by the hand. "Come there's got to be a way to get you home."

They left the Lake of Wonders traveling further into the Forbidden Forest where perhaps some answers could be found. She had wanted to request help from the Hatter but there was no telling what kind of mood he was in today. And besides it was her day off she would enjoy it thoroughly. She thought a moment about looking for that wanna-be pirate (Catipillar) but he would require a payment before giving her useless information. Sasha... that damn cat; she was good for nothing but a laugh at their expense no less. There just wasn't anyone she could go to, the twins were definately out of the question; prodigies of the Hatter they were.

"Ah! The Duchess!" she finally squealed and took Alex by the hand. She could enlist the help from the Duchess, surely she would have answers. "I'm going to take you to see the Duchess. Maybe we can find out why you keep popping up." she giggled and pulled on his shirt as they made there way further into the forest.

 

[LitShark]

How Deep The Rabbit Hole Goes.

"Ok so 2 Ounces of weed and 1 of those shrooms, for 50 of the 20mg Valiums and 100 of the 50mg Oxy Contin?" Alex asked softly, scooting orange bottles and ziplock bags over the surface of the old empty pizza box that hid the surface of his motel room coffee table.

"Naw Alex, that was the old bud. You want this shit it's gonna be 25 more Valiums." The much older Latin man said sternly to Alex, pulling a small metal pipe from his pocket. "This shit right here is the 'White Rabbit'. Here, see for yourself."

The dealer proceeded to pluck a nug of the weed from the bag and pack it into the small pipe before handing it to Alex.

"Oh... um, no I can't. That's fine I'll give you 75 of the Val..."

"You gotta be kidding me. Don't tell me you don't inspect your merchandise."

"My, uh, clients are friends. They tell me your stuff is great, I'll take your word."

"C'mon Alex, it's just a bowl. What's your problem?"

"I uh..." Alex's face flushed red, he hated admitting weakness. "I have narcolepsy, weed makes me sleepy." He uttered defeatedly.

"Aight, fine, don't smoke it now." Raul said before snatching up the 175 pills that had been perscribed to help with Alex's affliction. "Just promise me you'll try it Alex. It's something special. Later."

"A-alright Raul, see you next week." Alex called after the man just before the heavy Motel 6 door slammed shut.

Alex continued staring at the small pipe in his hands. "White Rabbit" huh? Alex remembered something about a White Rabbit from one of his dreams. Maybe it had been several dreams... She was a beautiful female white rabbit. Alex remembered that, she had made him happy.

...Maybe this could too.

Alex struck his white Bic and lit the bowl, drawing the smoke deep into his lungs. The 2 bags Raul had left him DID look impressive. The buds were so densely clouded with crystals that they themselves looked like white fuzzy little bunnies. The powerful smoke took effect almost immediately, relaxing his shoulders and sending warmth up his spine. The chair he was sitting in seemed to draw him back slowly, surrounding his back and shoulders in soft warmth.

A knock came at the door, just as Alex's eyelids were drooping. He had to get the door, it might be his Bunny babe. Alex tried to stand but only found himself pulled back, deeper into the fluffy red chair.

Another knock, by now Alex's legs were pointed high in the air and his lower half was almost completely sucked into the chair. Alex flailed for a moment, he had to let his little bunny in. The chair's pull was strong and steady. Suddenly the brass doorknob on the door transformed, his lusty little bunny winked and smiled back at him.

"It's just your friend Luke... Relax, see how deep it goes."

"O-ok..." Alex managed to squeek, despite the particularly folded orientation of his body. "I'll see how deep it- GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOES!!!"

Alex's brief conversation with the doorknob was cut even shorter as he dropped through the space between crimson cushions down a cavernous spherical dirt hole. Down, down, down he went. The dirt tube was studded with mushrooms, clocks, pills, candy and other various random trinkets. The rabbit hole opened up suddenly below him to reveal a beautiful blue sky all around with a glimmering blue lake below. Alex's long scream continued right until the moment his plummeting body struck against the body of water. The massive splash cascaded all around him, engulfuing him into the cool, clear water.

Alex looked around for a moment, allowing the water to gently lift his body to the surface. As he rose through the water, his body looked as though he were still in his recliner. This was certainly some fantastic weed.

Upon reaching the surface Alex's ears and eyes delighted to the little white rabbit he'd remembered from dreams past calling out to him. She dutifully swam out to retrieve him before drying off and returning to her human form.

"I do enjoy your company... but its too dangerous for your to stay here." Returning to her form she smiled at him as she took him by the hand. "Come there's got to be a way to get you home."

She was even more beautiful and sexy than he remembered, it was a lot to deal with all at once. Alex hadn't been around too many beautiful women outside of his circle of close friends in years.

"I...Uh, I enjoy your company too!" ...Lame! It was the only thing Alex could think of to say. He tossled his hair slightly as his face flushed again.

"Ah! The Duchess!" she finally squealed and took Alex by the hand. She could enlist the help from the Duchess, surely she would have answers. "I'm going to take you to see the Duchess. Maybe we can find out why you keep popping up." she giggled and pulled on his shirt as they made there way further into the forest.

The forest all around them blocked more and more of the beautiful day around them, dense foliage becoming thicker and more dense as they advanced. The trees themselves seemed to be watching him, labeling him, judging him. It was painfully obvious that he was an outsider in this place, and the unwelcoming aura around this forest was almost tangable.

Yet even as Alex's apprehension rose, the soft touch of Mikii's hand and he playful tugs on his Goodwill clothing reassured him, pulling him deeper into the forest.

"Uh... you know where you're going right?" Alex asked before flinching aat some small noise behind him in the shadows. Alex was nervous not just about their surroundings, but also slightly self conscious around such a knockout. "I-I mean what if this Duchess thinks I'm an intruder or something?"

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Mikii giggled, "You are an intruder." she said simply and seemed to bounce away from him before slipping back into focus from behind a tree. "This world is very sacred and you're presence sings to the trees, the sky, even the water... its only a matter of time before the 'Blood Knight' catches up to you." she sighed her rabbit ears dropping slightly at the crestfallen look on Alex's face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you... but we really don't have time to beat around the bush. The Duchess is a forgiving woman she will not turn away those in need." Turning she looked around as the trees swayed their eyes opening wide their faces growing in anger.

"You are a betrayer Mikii... he does not belong in this world. Quickly give him to us and we will dispatch of him posthaste."

Mikii pouted jumping in front of Alex than glaring at the trees come to life. "No! I will do no such thing. Alex has done nothing wrong and I understand the Queen's rules. No outsiders...even so it can't be helped. It was an accident so if we get him home before the Knave finds him then he'll be safe. No disperse and let me pass."

The trees sneered at the little rabbit their branches growing longer, their bark growing thicker. Roots that were once planted to the ground began to uproot themselves as one tree after another swoopped down on them. "We will have the intruder. He must be handed over to the Queen's company immediately!"

Mikii ducked low bringing Alex with her. She hated confruntations but knew that it could not be helped sometimes. Alex was definately tempting fate by returning here again. Looking to him now she smiled with an apprehensive tug to her lips. "Why would you return?" she questioned not sure at all what would force him to come back. She reached out to caress his cheeks such an adorable face. Leaning forward she licked his nose a custom similiar to what they call kisses in his world. "Come we need to hurry the forest will inform the Queen's company."

As each tree swooped down to claim the intruder they missed they would miss by a fraction of an inch, second or a hair. Mikii was fast on her feet and was even faster when it came to Alex's safety. Soon they would reach a clearing where a small cottage resided. Despite the trees yowling and groaning in warning of the intruder she pushed forward practically dragging the poor guy along.

They would only come to a halt once they were inside the cottage. It was not the duchess' home. Catching her breath she looked up with one crimson eye then the other, her chest heaving in and out from such a run. When she was finally able to catch her breath she ran toward Alex hugging him tightly. "I am so sorry. If I had gotten you out of here sooner..." but by then she knew it was too late.

The undeniable sound of the trees as they slowed their yells and went silent only spoke of one man. "The Knave is here..." she whispered silently for fear he might hear. Ears drooping down her face she looked up to Alex then to the door. Leaning into him she licked his nose once more with a bright smile despite the situation. "I will speak with him. You stay here..." she turned to look at the door. The knob glaring at her. "Don't give me that." she muttered.

"You know you should hand him over. I am not found of having to rebuild this house every time you get yourself into a pinch." The doorknob glared at her then past her at the stranger. "He does not belong!"

Mikii sighed deeply turning to look over her shoulder once more... "I KNOW! Why does everyone keep reminding me? I know, I know, I know... Hatter's cursed senses I KNOW!" she screamed and grabbed the knob hard before twisting it and heading out the door. There was no need to reach for the thing but this whole situation was pissing her off. Crimson eyes flashed as she stood on her porch waiting. "Show yourself Blood Knight, Knave to the Queen!"

 

[RedMageNeko]

The trees of the forest uprooted themselves, scrambling out of his way like ..... well, like spooked rabits running from a hungry wolf. And the sheer apperance of the creature walking through the gap they made was almost reason enough. It looked as if death itself was walking towards the home of the creature known as Duchess, the eye pieces of his cowl like helm seeming to glow in the shadows thrown by the trees. If not for the subtle clinking of plate against plate, one might think that this was not a creature of flesh and blood, one of the reasons he had chosen this armor. Fear best served his queen and fear was like any other weapon. Waiting to be used.

As he stepped from the trees, those almost glowing eyes fell on the bunny before him. A beautiful creature certainly, but one that did not have the grace and lovely visage of his queen. A creature he had every right to kill right here and now, for she was breaking the queen's decree just by being here. But he tolerated her for the simple fact that doing such also served his purposes. Besides, he had a far greater duty to perform, one that the queen had given to him alone.

A plate covered hand fell to the hilt of the blade at his side, ready to pull it at a moments notice. The threat of violence was also something he wielded like a master puppeteer to get what he needed. "You should be careful with your words little bunny. To use such a tone when speaking to a servant of the Queen could be taken as treason and destroy the mercy she has shown you and your fellow ..... workers at the House of Pleasure."

A subtle bluff, for the queen herself did not know about the House, partially because he himself had kept it hidden from her. Keeping it around kept the king occupied and away, leaving him alone with his queen. Of course, if the queen ever found out some other way, he would not hesitate in carrying out her justice.

But the bunny knew what would happen if the queen went after her and the others. He could see it in her eyes, though she was quick to hide it again. This one had a bit of spine. Curious. "There has been a shift in our lands. An outsider has come. This is not the first time they have arrived. I have been given the duty of finding this .... person and bringing them before the queen. Any who hide him or imbede my path are to be considered traitors and judged such."

Stepping closer, he looked at her through the glowing eyepieces of his helm, his voice dangerously soft. "Now .... where are they?"

 

[LitShark]

The words hit him like a sandbag landing on his chest: "You are an intruder."

Mikii seemed less mortified by that realization than Alex was, she seemed almost joyful at his presence despite their current situation. Mikii reassured him that The Duchess would be willing and able to help, Alex smiled an uneasy smile at the prospect of another who would be willing to help. That smile quickly faded when the loud groaning and screaching of bending brances reached his ears.

"You are a betrayer Mikii... he does not belong in this world. Quickly give him to us and we will dispatch of him posthaste."

Alex was really hoping that the weed had just been making him paranoid, unfortunately for him the trees were somehow enchanted with life. It was pretty obvious that they didn't care much for "outsiders" like Alex. One particularly large, and grizzled tree, wearing a long beard of green moss, began advancing slowly on Alex. Alex fished frantically in his pocket for something that might help him. Just them Mikii jumped in again to protect him, her lean, luscious body pressed close against him, halting the tree's advance.

Despite the urgency of their situation Alex couldn't help but appreciate this contact with Mikii, the soft curve of her ass against his abdomen, her smooth back against his chest. He was thoroughly tempted to reach around and cop a feel on those massive breasts of hers, but the last thing he needed right now was another enemy. She turned and caressed his face for a moment before licking his nose. The lick made him blush again and chuckle with uneasy laughter. Mikii's touch and lick had reassured him slightly, maybe these trees could be reasoned with.

"C-ccan't we just talk about this? I'm not such a bad guy... I mean I always try to use recycled paper, and uh... WHOA!" Just like that the time for talking had ended and the time for running had arrived.

Alex pumped his feet desperately to bring them closer to his upper body that was only feet from the ground, as Mikii yanked him forward through the trees. Branches in all directions lashed out, trying to apprehend or injure this one poor, stoned little teenager.

Alex ought to have expected Mikii to be fast, being a rabbit and all, but this pace was unreal. It was like being tied to a bullet and trying to keep up. Alex saw the clearing just ahead, and felt slightly relieved. The trees became more desperate as they got close, one tree in particular lined up a good shot at the back of Mikii's head. Unable to see behind herself Mikii was nearly helpless, Alex thought quickly. His trusty Bic lighter was pulled from his pocket and struck quickly. He held the flame right in the branch's path, as soon as the tree felt the heat and saw the bright flame it quickly withdrew.

Once they reached the inside of the cottage Alex was coughing and wheezing slightly from the run. His hands found his knees in an attempt to recouperate. He looked up just in time to see Mikii's distinctly impressive breasts heaving and glistening with sweat, just inches from his face. It was then that she hugged him close, nearly smothering him in the welcome embrace that pushed his face into her luscious valley.

"I am so sorry. If I had gotten you out of here sooner..."

"No, really it's ok... I like it here." Alex said whistfully his drug tainted mind forgetting all about the imminent danger, choosing instead to focus on his undeniable pleasure.

"The Knave is here..." Mikii whispered against Alex's ear. "I will speak with him. You stay here..."

"Wait... Who is the knave? Are you going to be ok? Wait Mikii!" It was too late after a brief conversation with the doorknob Mikii was gone.

Alex crouched down by the window carefully peeking outside, using a small looking glass to peek out the window without being readily visible. The forest itself parted for the terrifying, armored... man(?) who stepped toward the cottage. Mikii called him "Blood Knight", that sounded ominous to say the least.

"Off with your head, that's what it'll be" The doorknob chided. "Mikii will probably get it too for helping you."

"Yeah?!?" Alex asked leaning toward the doorknob confrontationaly. "Fuck YOU!"

Alex kicked the doornob squarely in his chin, sending the little brass bastard clanking against wall and floor. The doorknob had been the first enemy in this place that Alex thought he even had a chance at beating. Besides, the broken door might slow the Blood Knight down just long enough for Alex to wake up and get the hell out of here. He began looking around for something with which to defend himself when the doorknob regained consciousness.

"Oh... OH! OHHH!!! HELP BLOOD KNIGHT HELP ME!!! AAAAHHH! An outsider off-ed my head! OWWWW!! He's in the cottage, HELP ME!!"

"Shit!" Alex yelped before overturning the table in the center of the room and using it to barracade the door. A bowl of fruit and small pastries crashed to the ground as Alex tipped the table, though food was not on his mind at this moment, survival was.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Enter Luke and Sasha...

The table woke with a start wondering why she was flipped over so unceremoniously. "Hey what the hell!?" she cried in exclaimation blinking as her face was shoved so uncomfortably against the door. Blushing the table kicked her legs wildly trying to get foot on the floor but to no avail.

"How dair you treat me this way. Mikii? Sasha? There is no way to justify this... hey are you listening to me?" She cried. Those two woman were heartless at times. What had compelled them to shake up as roommates was beyond the table but she wanted answers. "Hey! Is someone there?"

The couch joined in on the activity of furniture with a voice as it opened its eyes both on either side of the arm rests. Its mouth between the form of the custions and the bottom portion of its makeup. It glared at Alex wondering who this creature was and where his mistress Mikii was. "Burglar! On no we are to be robbed? Take what you must but do not burn the house." it cried out. Apparently the couch was quite the scary piece of furniture.

(Sasha may join Alex in the house.)


*****
Meanwhile, Mikii was dealing with the Knave of Hearts. He had found his destination no doubting that and she wasn't so brave as to try and trick him. He was hardly wrong about his missions so it surved no purpose on her part. "I am not a traitor." she said softly her backbone seeming to fade just a little at the sight of the armored man. "... the Queen has lost her mind. These decrees do not benefit our lands at all. Women are to be banished from this land, for what? Because she is jealous? If you were any true knight you would do well to monitor the kings actions and report them." she glared, it was no secret that he kept certain things from the queen. Who didn't? The woman was about as mad as the Hatter... okay so no one was as fucked in the head as that guy.

She had to hold back a slight chuckle from that thought. "Listen are you not also a traitor? You keep things from the queen when she asks you to report all you find." She almost pouted at this. It was interesting to see the Knight before her like this. A tinge of jealous crawled up her spine for the Queen. To have someone completely devoted to you in such a manner warranted some form of respect.

Kneeling she did show her respects as the knave was a representative as well. "I hold my loyalties to this land and our Queen even if she is wacko but I am not going to turn my back on someone that requires help. He is in the house but I am not handing him over without justified reasons." She pouted... there was no explaining it. She always pouted when she was cornered and scared, chalk it up to traits of her animal half. She looked up to the Knave as he walked closer. "Please just allow me time to figure out a way to return him. You know yourself that he does leave its just a matter of learning what will keep him on the other side for good. I only ask for a small favor, after all I kept the king away for you on plenty of occasions. The least you could do is give me til the suns set. Please..." she pleaded. It just didnt' seem right to punish someone for something they couldn't directly control.

(Enter Luke... 'tell us what's going on in the real world' )

 

[caela]

Sasha grumbled as the racket in the cabin's main room woke her from her nap. It had been a boring day thus far and she'd decided to quicken it with sleep. She wasn't due back at the Hatter's until later and the quiet had been compelling with Mikii gone.

And now the furniture was shrieking.

Grumbling she rolled from the bed, her body flashing from female human to sleek black cat, to gone before her paws ever touched the floor. She'd see what the fuss was about and if it was nothing she'd finish her nap. If it was amusing however...well that thought just made her grin. A little mischief and chaos were always welcome in Sasha's world.

What she found in the living room surprised and delighted her. A stranger...and one who already looked slightly afraid and was using the table to barricade the door. No wonder the poor dear was screaming, she really did hate to be knocked onto her side. Leaping up onto the edge of the table she stroked it with her tail as she padded along the upraised edge until she was eye to eye with the strange man in her home.

Not that he knew she was there...yet.

Some part of her knew she should make her presence known to him but Sasha was a prankster at heart and this was just too good of an opportunity to pass up on. Reaching out she batted playfully at the strangers face with her paws without revealing herself. His expression was priceless and only egged her on to further mischief.

Blinking her eyes she let them appear before him, floating, emerald green orbs disconnected from any form of body simply materializing on a level with his own as she murmured, "BOO!" and blinked them out of sight once more.

 

[LitShark]

Alex was already anxious, before the furniture started cursing him.

"I... I'm sorry, uh table." Alex sputtered nervously, just as the couch spoke up. "No, really I'm not a burglar... I..."

Alex was interrupted by soft paws swiping at his face. Alex grimaced and flinched as though he'd just swallowed an entire lemon. There was nothing in front of him, but he still continued feeling the insistant swipes. For a moment he worried that the weed might have been laced with Meth.

"BOO!" Green eyes appeared before Alex and said, causing him to stumble backward.

"WHo's there?" Alex asked nervously from the floor. "I... I'm armed."

Alex used his lighter again, holding the tiny flame in front of himself as though it were a sword. It had worked well last time, maybe he could bluff this invisible green eyed monster and the furniture too.

"Ack! FIRE!! HELP US SASHA HELP!!!" The couch cried.

"Kill the intruder!" The doorknob chimmed in from the corner.

"No, please... I'm trying to help you... The-the-the Blood Knight is out there, I just want to keep him out." Alex said, unsure really where to direct his plea. "Sasha? Is someone here named Sasha? I don't want any trouble!"

Alex kept his small lighter in front of him, unable to think of anything better to do.

 

[RedMageNeko]

"........." The look of deep thought on his face was hidden from view by the full helm, yet another reason he wore the ornate garb. Better to be the faceless executioner of the Queen's will. A face could show weakness.

But know he was at a quandry. He, like many, had questioned the queen's edicts. But he would never go against his Queen's orders and performed her commands without question. And the little bunny had given him an option that would both serve him and allow him to complete his duties. But would doing so be a betrayl of his queen? ......... That line grew more and more clouded with time by his own desires.

".... They are a danger to the balance of this land. You know the more an outsider is here, the more the balance is shifted."

Studying the creature, he tapped his fingers on the hilt of his sword, thinking. "........ However, the queen is merciful. ...... Very well. You shall have your time. But the moment the suns set, if they are not gone, they are to be taken to the queen. If you attempt to stop me, YOU shall go with them."

Hearing the cries and noise from the cottage, he scowled in his helm, looking back at the tiny bunny. "Now ..... take me to them. I would see this outsider."

 

[caela]

"I... I'm armed."

Sasha could practically taste the fear on the stranger in front of her. When he said he was armed she paused for a moment and chuckled at the small flame he produced. It made the couch screech in fear but it didn't bother Sasha in the least. Bounding off the table she leapt onto the couch, soothing it with her soft purring and a few caresses of her paws. With it quieted she turned her attention back to this strange man in her house.

"No, please... I'm trying to help you... The-the-the Blood Knight is out there, I just want to keep him out." Alex said, unsure really where to direct his plea. "Sasha? Is someone here named Sasha? I don't want any trouble!"

Her laugh rang through the room as she leapt from the couch and onto the man's shoulder where she blew out his lighter and then jumped to the floor once more where he couldn't find her. Toying with him was all to fun!

But he'd said the Blood Knight was outside, what would that sycophant of the Queen's be doing here at her home? Jumping up onto the windowsill she looked outside to confirm the strangers words and growled softly. Still Mikii seemed to be handling things just fine so she decided to remain inside and toy with the man some more.

Still remaining out of sight she switched to her female form and sauntered across the room. Stepping up behind him she pressed her body to his back, her breasts crushing against his shoulderblades, soft hair fluttering around to tickle his neck before her tongue flicked against his ear and her voice filled his ears.

"Your unarmed, a stranger, and you've brought the Blood Knight to my doorstep...give me one good reason not to take the doorknobs advise and dispatch you," she murmured in a tone that would have been seductive if it hadn't held a not-so-subtle threat.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Mikii remained silent allowing that time for her to go over in her mind what she could possibly do to return Alex where he belonged. She had a feeling the Knave might allow her to proceed with her plans but it wasnt' much time for such a thing. The first sun was already making its decent while the second seemed to be snoozing... what joy! She had to thank the second sun for being so lazy on such a fine day.

When her request was confirmed and accepted by the Knave she almost squealed with glee but had to hold herself in check. Unlike the knight her emotions showed on her face clear as day. Oh well she was no warrior of the queen's so it didn't matter what she showed.

At the sound of a shriek coming from many different mouths Mikii's ears perked up as she had remembered the furniture wasn't very forgiving of intruders. "Oh no, Alex!" she wailed and hurried to the door uncaring if the Knave followed or not. Most likely he would to investigate the issue.

As she went for the door it wouldn't open. "Huh?" she tried it again but it wouldn't budge. "Hey! Open up in there! Alex... " she called to him from the other side but couldn't hear more than the sultry sounds of her roommate. Why that little... "SASHA!!!" she cried out. If that woman did anything to Alex she would definately have her head. "Open this door right this instant, do you hear me?"

 

[Ahren1]

"Today in Brisco County, a mother was murdered while shop-"

"Evil..."

"-elve car pile-up was originally caused by a drunk driver with a blood-alcoh-"

"Reckless stupidity..."

"The President's order of another 20,000 troops to the border of-"

"Corruption..."

The television reflected in a thin pair of glasses, strands of ivory hair idly drifting in front of them and the azure eyes they covered. A rugged sigh emitted from Luke as his mouth curled into a melancholy frown. Raising his thin arm which held the remote, he flicked off the device and then tossed the item aside. The young student tugged a bit at the collar of his white, long sleeved button-up shirt. The material felt so restricting at times. It was such a bother to have to put on an act for people, to try to pretend like he enjoyed life, like he didn't see those things on television each day. This world was rotten, and there was no reversing such demoralization.

Quietly, Luke walked over to the desk beside him in his well-kept room, taking his silver laptop and slipping it into the carrying case. After shrugging it over his shoulder, his hand raised to his face, pushing his glasses back up his nose with his middle finger before heading out of the room almost reluctantly. Throughout the sickeningly pale, clean halls of the charming home he walked, approaching the front door and turning the doorknob. He hesitated for a moment, looking at the object which he held. Inanimate objects like this had no idea how good they had it. What would the doorknob say if it were alive? Shaking his head, Luke scoffed mentally at his own thoughts. Was he going mad thinking things like that?

Before he could head out the door, a cheerful female voice echoed out from down the hall.

"Luke! Where are you going? You know our parents want to take you to dinner tonight, right? Because of your grades last semester?" The young girl chirped, her blonde haired head peeking out from a door down the hall.

"They're not our parents, they're your parents... and i'm not going to be gone long. I'm just going to hang out with Alex for a bit." Luke replied almost coldly, only half turning his head to repsond.

"Just because you're adopted doesn't mean they're not your parents, or that i'm not your sister. We all love you the same, and we want to show you that we're proud of you!" She continued to smile, seemingly not at all affected by his tone. Luke groaned lightly, wondering why he was having this conversation for the hundreth time.

"Yes, Sarah, I know..." He murmured. "I'll be back, don't freak out or anything."

After exiting the house, the sun still bright shot down upon his slightly paled skin. Raising his hand, he shielded his eyes from the rays momentarily as he glanced toward the white sedan in the driveway. His slow pace continued as he moved toward the vehicle, finally entering it and taking a deep breath at the humid air inside. With a turn of the key and a flip of the button on the stereo, he drove off, heading off to a place where he could finally get a bit of excitement.

The bank was fairly empty, but it didn't matter. All he needed was the machine. Stepping up to the ATM, Luke drew out a card from his pocket. It resembled a credit card, but contained numerous other magnetic strips. After that came a small mechanical device, which he casually placed upon the screen. Flicking on the button, the digital monitor buzzed and wobbled before bringing up an alternate interface. Luke took his laptop and didn't even have to think as he moved his fingers along the keyboard, activating hidden components to the machine's operating system.

"About a thousand should do..." He whispered to himself, directing the pathways for the correct amount. Finally, as if magic, the machine simply spouted out the cash. With an apathetic movement, he pocketed the money and his equipment. Before walking off, he glanced at the screen that read 'Have a nice day' and flicked it off, subsequently doing so to the embedded camera as well. There would be no traces, video or photos outside of that. Poor fools, but their insurance would cover it. He realized the hypocrisy of his actions, his hated for corruption, but this wasn't hurting anyone. Rather, it was necessary.

Now it was time to see Alex. Once again he was located at the motel, which always made Luke feel uncomfortable. It was a rather cheap and decrepit, but then again, what drug deals could you do at a Embassy Suites? Luke finally arrived at the door he was told his friend would be at, and knocked lightly. No response. What a surprise. Another knock.

"Alex, it's Luke. You seriously better not be taking any of your shit right now. I'm not in the mood to play your alarm clock." He said arduously, realizing it would be unavoidable. Luke reached into his pocket with an annoyed expression, pulling out one of the many credit cards and slipping it into the crack of the door. Though before he did, he glanced at the doorknob and decided to give it a turn. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so, the door was open. Rolling his eyes, Luke entered, immediately observing Alex asleep in a large red chair, and some of his.. merchandise beside him.

"Jesus Christ, Alex. At least lock the door... Narcoleptic freak..." He muttered, walking over to his tired companion, shaking his shoulder a bit. "Come on, this is no time for Dream Land. I only have a few hours before Jake and Lisa drag me to dinner."

Of course, it was just an expression. Luke knew Alex went to happy places during his trips, but he had no idea how accurate his words about a dream land were this time. Hell, there were times he wished he could join him. Another universe would be pretty welcome about now...

 

[RedMageNeko]

The knave's narrowing eyes were hidden within his helm as he moved his armored bulk to stand behind the tiny bunny, the door stubbornly refusing to open. He had no time for this. He wished to be done with this foolish mission so he could stand by his Queen's side once more. Gripping the tiny bunny's shoulder, he slowly pushed her out of the way, his free hand pulling his sword free.

As always, Judgement spoke, though unlike most things in this world, it spoke only to him. It would not allow others to know its words save for its master. "Ah, another needing to be judged?"

He required no voice to speak with Judgement, so he did not use one. "Perhaps. But for now I need through this door."

Judgement scoffed and he got the image of it folding non existant arms over an unexistant chest. "You would use me for such a purpose? Master, you are so cruel. My edge will grow dull."

Ignoring the protests of the blade, he brought it up, the edge glinting in the light of the sleeping sun as he brought it down through the door, the edge slashing through the wood despite its cries of protest like it was nothing. Raising a forearm, he slammed it into the cut door, knocking the even cut wood across the room with a single swipe of his arm.

Stepping in, he ignored the moans of pain from a table that had been laid before the door. It would live. His greater concern was with the outsider standing in the middle of the room, a being he realized now was a male. Studying him behind they expresionless mask, he spoke only a few simple words.

"Who are you and why have you come to this land?"

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Mikii squeaked when the armored hand rested on her shoulder, she frowned when he pushed her aside but didn't protest as she moved further. With him brandishing the sword like that she didn't need to take any chances.

When the door was opened she almost shrieked at the sight of her favorite table turned on her side like that. "You poor thing." she cried pushing past the massive armor of the Knave. She managed to pick the table back up, the poor wooden furniture giving its sigh of relief.

She placed hands on her hips as she looked around the room. Sasha was not there but she figured as much the woman had a tendency to cause trouble without being present.

Ignoring the hunk of metal that was the knave for the time being she went to Alex's side. Glaring at him or rather past him she sniffed trying to catch the others scent. Smirking lightly she reached out to grab a handful of the invisible woman's hair. "Leave him alone." she said sternly yanking hard to get the other womans attention. More so in hopes she would materialize and stop scaring the already frieghtened teen. She kept herself close to Alex out of a protective motherly instinct or perhaps possession. After all the laws of Dreamland were strict. First come first served... Finders keepers losers weepers. Therefore, Alex belong to her she'd found him first and it hadn't been just the one time either.

 

[LitShark]

Alex's eyes grew wide and his heartbeat raced. His chest heaved in and out violently as he gasped. So much was happening all at once. He couldn't cope! His only feasable defense went out as something bounded atop and then off him again.

Then he was apprehended!

Taken from behind by... something. A female something. A very sexy female something.

"Your unarmed, a stranger, and you've brought the Blood Knight to my doorstep...give me one good reason not to take the doorknobs advise and dispatch you,"

Damn, Alex couldn't think of a single one. The doorknob was qute persuasive actually. Alex never thought he'd see the day when he was out-negotiated by a doorknob. His chest heaved even harder, yet he was still short of breath somehow. Was he having a panic attack?

Alex was fucked up enough already without adding panic attacks to his laundry list of problems. Of course mental disabilities did get all the best drugs. He'd go ahead and talk to his pharmacist whether or not this actually was a panic attack.

If it hadn't been a moment ago it surely became one when the Blood Knight sliced and diced his way through the much protesting door and table. Alex was glad to see Mikii again, rather glad to be able to actually SEE anyone. The unfortunate part was that Mikii seemed to be taking the table's side in this whole ordeal.

"Who are you and why have you come to this land?" The terrifying knight asked him.

That at least was a question he knew the answer to. He'd answer the knight just as soon as he caught his breath.

-GASP-

-GASP-

-GASP-

No those weren't the answers Blood Knight was likely seeking. The doorknob was quick to submit his opinion.

"The outsider is posessed! He speaks in tongues! KILL HIM!!!"

Alex managed enough strength to kick the doorknob across the room and out of the conversation.

Mikii raced over to Alex. She looked... angry! Was the table really so important? Or maybe it was that damn doorknob that swayed her. He surely was making more sense than Alex at the moment.

-GASP-

-GASP-

-GASP-

That was the only commentary Alex could offer when Mikii yanked his voluptous, translucent assailent away from him by her hair. The Blood Knight already seemed impatient, just then he heard another voice in his head:

"Jesus Christ, Alex. At least lock the door... Narcoleptic freak..."

Upon hearing that voice his body began shaking uncontrollably. Now he was a schitzophrenic, seizure-prone, panic attack having, narcoleptic freak. If Alex thought he was popular before, look out now.

Wait he recoagnized that voice... Luke?

Luke would have his back... Luke would help him fend of Blood Knight... and... and..

Alex tumbled backward once the woman was pulled away from him. He finally crashed onto the couch, much to her dismay. He looked around at everyone in the room, his eyes still wide in shock.

-GASP- (Mikii)

-GASP- (Blood Knight)

-GASP- (...nobody)

-GASP- "LUKE!!!"

Alex shot up from his slumber, gasping out his friend's name and getting the first real breath he'd had since the beginning of his "episode".

"Luke.... I just had the craziest fuckin' dream." Alex said before turning back toward where the knight had been standing and flinched at nothing. "I think Raul put something in that weed."

 

[Ahren1]

Of course, the shaking wasn't going to do much. Alex was a pretty heavy sleeper as it was, and when he was high, there was just nothing you could do but wait for the effects to subside. It really wasn't the most entertaining thing to be on the other side of. Sighing heavily, Luke ran his fingers through his ivory hair and just stood there, looking at Alex futily. His friend's eyes were closed, but still visibly moving at an extremely rapid pace. Not only that, but his breaths were quickening as well.

"This... doesn't seem very normal." Luke commented aloud as he slipped his cell out of his pocket, ready to call the ambulence if need be. And it would seem that to be necessary, as Alex's movements were now no longer resembling a vivid dream, but some sort of extreme seizure. The stuff he took must have been laced with something bad. 'God damn it, Alex, you're way too trusting with your people's shit sometimes...' He thought as he flipped open the phone, kneeling down next to Alex, preparing to take his pulse.

Suddenly, Alex snapped awake with an immense gasp, surprising Luke to the point where he nearly fell backward. As he finally realized his friend was awake and fine, he sighed with relief and a bit of annoyance as he pocketed his phone once again. Luke's azure eyes narrowed almost scoldingly as his arms crossed. This was precisely why he didn't indulge in these sort of activities personally. Granted, he didn't have narcolepsy to only cause further risk, but it still didn't look the least bit entertaining from this perspective. He wanted to tell Alex it was stupid to do with his condition, but he knew he wouldn't listen.

"Dream? You were having some sort of fucking convulsion." He replied at first, wondering just what he had been dreaming about and what he was trying to look at now. Upon hearing the name of the supplier, Luke's eyes rolled. "Raul, well that explains it. You know he does crazy experiments and whatnot. You know, i'm not paying for your funeral if you finally bite it from something like this..." He added with a slight joking tone at the end.

"Do I even want to know what you were dreaming about?"

 

[LitShark]

"Do I even want to know what you were dreaming about?"

Alex sat back in the chair, pondering for a moment how to acurately describe the events that had unfolded since he apparently passed out. Hell, he wasn't even sure what exactly it was that had taken place in his dream though it was obviously important. Then Alex's eyes began to twinkle as he reminisced over his most recent trip to Dreamland. It suddenly occured to Alex precisely how he could convey to Luke what his dream was about.

"Bitches!" Alex groaned, sliding into his trademark grin. "The finest bitches you could ever imagine. One in particular... Well I guess I only got a look at one, but the other one....... I felt..."

Alex's hands crept into the large pocket of the hooded grey sweatshirt that he wore under his windbreaker. His eyes fluttered shut for a moment as he thought he could still feel the warm breath of that invisible woman on his ear.

"Uh, there was some other scary dude too, but I kicked his ass." Alex was beaming by now. Dreamland journeys were almost more fun within the safety of reality, bleak though it may have been. "Don't be so hard on Raul, he's a botanist more than mad scientist. He does a lot of crazy work with hydroponics, but he doesn't deal in REAL drugs. The stuff I give him is the hardest shit he deals in. I can't even buy thizz from him."

Alex was kinda going on a tangent, and tried to reign himself back in.

"Anyway... wanna help me split this stuff up? I've got some work to do before I can eat, and I'm half starved." The grumble in Alex's stomach proved a staunch supporter of that plan. "...You uh, don't happen to have dinner plans do you?"

 

[Ahren1]

Luke scratched the side of his head lightly as his eyes narrowed into an apathetic gaze when Alex informed him of the contents of his dream. That much was unsurprising. For a moment he continued to wonder, however, since the dream seemed to be a little too intense to be just about women. Though he did not even have to ask that question as his friend continued the description, albeit vaguely.

"Of course, I'm sure they were remarkable. Though personally the nonexistant aspect is a turn off for me. I'll stick with the corporeal females, even if the dream ones are ironically more stable..." Luke replied, pushing up his glasses slightly, turning to look away at nothing in particular. "And yes, i'm sure you gave this scary man a run for his money with some Martial Art of the Stoner. A frightening concept even I wish to avoid."

Through Alex's defense of Raul, Luke did not pay much attention. He didn't know terribly much about the whole dealing business, so it did not particularly interest him. He could only go from experience, which was in actuality Alex's experience, and the weird side effects that occured from that merchandise. This time seemed to be the worst though, and he was getting a bit worried. Luke finally managed to catch the end of Alex's sentence, which was first a request and a question second.

Taking a look down at the 'stuff', Luke just shook his head slightly. "Well, no actually, I have work of my own to do. The ATM software is being updated soon, and if I'll get left behind if I don't write the new code for my equipment immediately. I just had to get out of my house for a few hours... If you want to go eat, i'll join you, but I do have to go to dinner later. Normally i'd blow it off, but they like to celebrate shit and if I at least go to one of those every few months, they stay off my case the rest of the time.."

Taking a prolonged glance around the room, Luke's face turned slightly sour at their current residence. "So hurry up whatever you need to do. This place is rather dolorous..."

 

[caela]

Sasha smirked to herself as the Blood Knight came tearing through the door. He wouldn't know she was there and she could always move if he became violent. One of the advantages of being a chesire cat was the ability to hide, literally, in plain sight. She was enjoying spooking the strange male in her home and when she felt him start trembling in her grip it only served to make her grin widen.

And then Mikii had to spoil things!

Her roommate managed to sniff her out and when the other girl gripped her hair and yanked her away from the stranger she gave a low cry of pain and annoyance.

"Leave him alone."

Before she could respond the stranger simply seemed to disappear. She knew he wasn't like her or he'd have figured out what she was doing. He hadn't faded like her either which made her curious as to just where he'd gone and how he'd done it.

"Well I guess I don't have a choice," Sasha said at last, her female form materializing before Mikii and the Blood Knight. "Such a shame too, he really was fun to toy with."

Tossing a grin at Mikii she twisted her hair up atop her head making it a bit less of a target before turning a thousand watt smile on the Blood Knight, "Though this one might be just as amusing in his own fashion if he were willing to play," she all but purred.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

oops one moment.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

"ALEX!" Mikii shrieked she couldn't believe just like that he was gone. It had been one big mess and then he was hyperventilating and then *poof*... gone. It didn't take long for her to realize that he had gone back home. It was the only logical explaination for a place like this.

With a gleeful smile she whooped and pointed at the Blood Knight. "Booyah! In your face. I knew he'd find a way home..." somehow that made her sad but it was better this way. He'd only cause trouble here and more of the strange creatures and people of Dreamland would want to harm him. Yes she was happy...

She wiggled her tail as bushy as it was and smiled preenly. "Alright then..." looking around it was by this time she realized just how screwed up her house was. A crestfallen look on her face she grabbed her hair pulling madly. "DAMNIT!" Sighing this would take a moment to fix but at least this time the house hadn't been burned down. Now then were was that blasted doorknob? She looked around for it ignoring the Knave who might start asking questions and was damn near to livid at Sasha for playing her silly little pranks. "I don't like it when you do that Sasha. The poor guy was terrified and you had to go and do that. I hope he's alright despite everything." she said looking around, again where the HELL was that doorknob?

((Yep the doorknob is on the other side...hehe.))

 

[RedMageNeko]

Glaring at the cat through his helm, he slowly slipped his blade back into its sheath. The boy was gone. That was what mattered. Still .....

Looking at the bunny, his voice was low, dangerous. "If he returns little bunny, ALL of you will be brought to the Queen for her judgement."

Turning, he walked to the door, ignoring the damage he had done to it. What did it matter? All he did was in service of his queen. Such things were unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

 

[LitShark]

Alex sighed at Luke's disheartening response. Alex remembered about a month ago, Luke's parents had made an absolutely fantastic Bar-B-Q. Alex had gotten to eat steak. All his beef since then had been ground and cooked under heatlamps. Not to mention the time it allowed him to spend with Luke's Step-sister Sarah... and his family... and his... "home". Alex wished he could have a place like that.

"Fuck it, I won't crash your little dinner party. This'll only take a sec." Alex said, opening and filling several dime bags with aproximate grams. "How, uh, how's Sarah doing?"

Alex blushed slightly, focusing on the weed to avoid eye contact. It was akward to have a crush on one's best friend's sister. Alex hoped that he hid it well enough to at least maintain his friendship with Luke. Alex threw a cigarette between his lips (one of the few addictions he indulged regularly). But what had he done with his lighter?

"Alright, good to go. I just need to sell any one of these dubs and I'll be in McHeaven." Alex said, reverting back to the charming smile he was known for. "Sorry for the doloriousness of my place."

Alex mocked his friend Luke for a moment by sticking his nose high in the air and sauntering to the door before he erupted into laughter.

"Oh it's all a big joke huh? Well I don't find it funny in the slightest, you... you... KNOBNAPPER!!! HELP!!!"

The cigarette fell from Alex's lips as the doorknob on his "dolorous" motel room door shouted at him. It was that damn doorknob from dreamland.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

"Where the hell is my doorknob?" Mikii pouted as she looked high and low. To no avail the blasted thing was no where in sight. She would have heard it screaming for help right about now. Sighing she decided the best plan of action for now was to clean up and then she'd be able to find the Mr. Knob.

As she began cleaning, glaring at the Knight's warning should Alex return she huffed. He was such a stick in the mud. Give him one night with her and he'd be willing to brodden his options. She smirked wiggling her tail before returning to her cleaning methods.

She sighed again.... "Sasha have you seen Mr. Knob? He's no where around and I can't fix this door without him."

 

[Ahren1]

Luke frowned slightly as he heard his friend's audible sigh. He was aware he was hoping to get invited to the dinner, but this was not a social event like the barbeque was. Alex should have known by now that Luke's foster parents were pretty strict when it came to 'family only' events. Otherwise he would have easily invited him. Any chance to have someone else to talk to other than his family was always preferable. Even still, Alex probably was not the 'fancy restaurant' type. Chances were if he did go, he'd only be miserable with the food options.

Luke tapped his chin lightly in thought before turning his head back to Alex. "But perhaps I could convince them to throw another barbeque this weekend, if only just for us. It's not like I ever ask them for anything. Plus Jake takes any goddamn chance he gets to break out that grill he got for Christmas..."

Luke's expression looked fairly annoyed at the last part, but it faded quickly as he sat down at the small table and removed his laptop from the bag, working on it quietly as Alex focued on his own. When the sudden question of his step-sister came up, Luke tried not to change his glance from the screen. It was pretty clear how his friend felt. That wasn't upsetting, in fact it was pretty expected. The girl was very attractive. The upsetting part was any time Alex mentioned Sarah in a way any person with a crush might, it only reminded Luke of how he felt personally. Luke may not be related to her in any technical sense, but it still felt like having feelings for one's own sister, and that alone made him feel uncomfortable. This was the main reason why he acted like he did not see Alex's obvious feelings, or proceed to be offended by them in any way.

"Oh, Sarah.." Luke began as if it were just any casual conversation, his voice slightly monotonous as the computer screen reflected on his glasses, hiding any other delight he might get from the next thing he was to mention. "She broke up with Travis the other day. The lowlife cheated on her again. I told her that he was scum but she is way too trusting sometimes... No matter, his credit card has recently proven him to be the proud member of various sites and merchandise of abhorrent sexual nature that even I don't feel comfortable mentioning out loud..."

He tried to hide his smirk with all his willpower. There was a very satisfying thing, giving people what they deserved. Even if he deserved worse, much worse for hurting Sarah...

When Alex finished, Luke glanced up from the screen, tapping a few more keys to save his work before closing the laptop. When his friend openly mocked him for his vocabulary choice, he simlpy replied with a disgruntled look as he adjusted his glasses. The annoyance faded quickly as he remembered what Alex had said the moment before and he dug into his pocket, pulling out a few of the bills he had picked up on the way. "Don't worry about that for now. It's on m-.."

As he was about to finish his sentence, a completely different voice filled the air, causing Luke to jump up from his seat wondering just how someone had gotten in without them noticing.

"Who the hell..." He glanced around almost frantically, knowing that they could be in trouble if they were caught with Alex's merchandise around, not to mention if he had been somehow seen stealing from the ATM and followed. Had he been careless? He was always precise on his timing and work... However the alarmed thoughts turned to sheer confusion as he realized just what was speaking. The doorknob from the hotel room door... Shaking his head, Luke removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

"Alex, did some of your stuff get into the air!? You know I don't react well to hallucinogens..." He asked quickly, turning to his friend who seemed just as dumbstruck. Realizing he may not be hallucinating, Luke slowly approached the knob and slipped his glasses back on.

"Maybe i'm finally going insane..." Luke wondered out loud, not really thinking to talk back to a suddenly animated inanimate object...