Through the Heart's Palace garden, Cheshire Cat skips through; until she finds a newly painted rose and plucks it from the rose bush. Cheshire finds four-of-a-kind gossiping about the upcoming croaky game.
"Do you think the Queen will allow anyone else to win a round of croaky?"
"Who cares? As long as we're not on hoop duty. The Queen can win as many games as she wants."
"As if we're that lucky-"
"Do you know who her majesty wants to come in second this year?"
"Well, as long as I can play, I'm sure no one will realize that her majesty has the game rigged," Cheshire reveals herself to the four threes.
Spooked by her sudden appearance, the four threes kneel before her. It's not often that joker catches a handful of cards by surprise.
"Of course, you may join the croaky game!"
"Yes, yes, yes, you, may you may!"
"Please don't tell her majesty that we were slacking off!"
"Forget about the trouble we'll be in for slacking off! Please don't tell anyone that her majesty rigs the croaky games. I rather not spend the day worrying about my head!"
"That depends on my mood," Cheshire smirks down at the face-down cards, "will there be any prizes for this game? The last prize was a plate of tarts the Queen made herself."
"Not this time Miss Cheshire."
"It's only the reward of participation."
"Or else you'll lose your head."
"Keeping your head is the best prize of all. According to the Queen."
Cheshire chuckles. Such a sentiment is very like the Queen of Hearts. The Queen likely got annoyed with having someone else eat the tarts she made for herself. Although, the treats could have been for Hatter. My, what a tasty secret if true.
"Who will be partaking in this round? And when will the next game be? Oh, and will you four face-up, please," Cheshire huffs at the threes.
The four threes face up like they as ordered. Dusting themselves off from the stuck grass clippings, they stand. Several green stains decorate the four-of-a-kind. Their uniforms will need a good washing. And they'll be getting a decapitation threat from the Queen of Hearts when she sees them.
"The next croaky game will be when all the roses are red again."
"A pair of deuces planted white rose bushes, again."
"You'd think the Queen of White would have forbidden anyone from using white roses by now."
"Oh, please, a pair of deuces would have found some way to dismiss that law?"
"I swear deuces only have two brain cells."
"And you four only have three, back to the point," Cheshire glares at the threes, "Who is all partaking in the croaky game!"
"Well, the Duke and Duchess of Hearts are playing."
"Was the March Hare going to play?"
"No, it's the White Rabbit."
"No One isn't going to join the croaky."
"More like No One was forbidden to play."
"No One doesn't matter to the Queen!"
"What about Alice?"
"She's playing, right?"
"She should be as she came in second last game."
"Alice might win as long as the Queen isn't playing."
Cheshire Cat perks up at the news of Alice being back in the Hearts Kingdom. It's been weeks since the two last saw each other. On the last occasion, Cheshire heard from Alice; she was making trouble in the Diamond Kingdom.
"And once the roses are all red?" Cheshire fishes for a time.
"The game should start when afternoon tea finishes,"
"Do you think we'll get lunch?"
"You want to ask the Queen that?"
"Not it!"
Cheshire leaves the four of a kind to their bickering and nonsense. With a delighted laugh, she leaves Hearts palace. Cheshire plucks the painted petals from the rose stolen from Hearts garden. As she skips through Wonderland, a trail of bleeding petals scatter behind her. She leaves a smear of red on the checkerboard floor of Wonderland. Chessboard City is as busy as ever, but Cheshire refuses to get caught up in the hourly chaos. Instead, she finds herself once more in Time's domain. He shouldn't be at the estate now, but he has never denied her welcome. Wishing to make herself a lovely surprise for Time, Cheshire goes through the side entrance of the manor. Sneaking past the clockwork servants, Cheshire makes her way to Time's bedroom. There isn't a clock in sight; Cheshire removes her heels and climbs into his bed to take a catnap.
A large and gentle hand rubs at Cheshire's pierced triangle-shaped ear. The earrings lightly jingle as her cat ear twitches from the teasing forefinger and thumb. A deep voice rings softly to arouse Cheshire from her slumber. The loving voice wakes her from her deep sleep.
"I was checking on you, love. Go back to sleep," Time softly whispers.
With no reason to wake, Cheshire sinks back into sleep. Down, down, down, she goes into the inky abyss. Tick, tock, tick, tock, the hands of the clock learned a trick. The hands dragged a lost cat from her depth, waking to a living death. And with her waking death, Cheshire sluggishly blinks open her eyes. Turning her gaze at the bedside alarm clock, Cheshire saw that she had rested a couple of extra hours. Once fully awake, Cheshire suddenly started sobbing. Fearing that someone will hear her, she muffles her cries into the pillow. When the last stream of tears falls, Cheshire sluggishly sits up. Unable to stay in bed any longer, she removes the covers and walks around the room.
There are many clocks inside Time's bedroom. Some tell time correctly, others tell time backward, and the silliest clocks won't tell time. Stopping in front of a random clock, Cheshire reads it. However, her reflection shocks her, and she dashes into the restroom. Examining her image, Cheshire sees parts of her body missing. Ducking from her mirror reflection, Cheshire flattens her ears and wraps her tail on her corporeal thigh. She has been having this problem for weeks. Other Wonderlandians have probably noticed. Hatter likely catches on, and Time knows something is wrong. What is Cheshire going to do? How is she going to explain? More and more, Cheshire starts to fade out of reality.
Spinning in her spiraling thoughts, Cheshire doesn't realize that the bathroom door is open. A looming figure crouches down beside her. Cheshire's ear twitches as a familiar hand rubs her back. Shyly, Cheshire leans into Time's open arms. Slowly, he coaxes Cheshire into his lap so they can cuddle better on the bathroom floor. After a few minutes, Time picks her up and exits through the restroom door. Back into the main bedroom, he places Cheshire on his bed again. Unable to look him in the eye, Cheshire keeps her head down. Time kisses Cheshire's forehead before using an ornate nautical rotary phone atop the side table.
"Hello, can you please deliver finger sandwiches and tea to my bedroom? Yes, it'll be for two. Thank you." Time returns to his bed.
Without any words passed between them, Cheshire and Time hold hands. A polite knock notifies the couple before a clockwork servant enters the bedroom with snacks. The serving tray gets parked before Time and Cheshire. The couple says their thanks, and the clockwork servant leaves. Cheshire makes herself a cup of tea and sips from it slowly. She feels more corporeal now. Time's gentle hand once more rubs encouragingly on Cheshire's back. Then, sensing that Time has something to say, Cheshire puts down her empty teacup and turns toward him.
"The Duchess and Duke have been giving you a hard time again, huh?" Cheshire gazes into his eyes.
His unblinking clockface irises keep Cheshire from glancing away. There's no hiding from him. Then again, Cheshire never liked hiding from him for long.
"I wish I belonged to you. But, unfortunately, the Heart Duchy is intolerable to exist in."
"I'll be more than willing to take you if the Duke and Duchess are willing to forfeit their ownership. You know that, right?"
A weak wet laugh leaves Cheshire's chest. She smiles lovely at him, but her bottom lip still trembles. Having that twinge of doubt eased, Cheshire cuddles closer to him.
"Don't worry, love. I'm sure I can get the Duke and Duchess to let you go." Time holds Cheshire to his chest.
As they relax, they munch on the finger sandwiches. While Cheshire feels better, there's still a hardened pit of anxiety. For all the Duchess of Hearts talk of getting rid of Cheshire, she never goes through with it. The new Duke of Hearts is rather indifferent toward her. Cheshire is useful for drawing the Duchess's ire when he's cheating. Before Cheshire can remember the most recent cheating scandal to rock her broken home life, Time kisses Cheshire's brow. His timely affection draws her attention away from her unwinding thoughts. They resume their calm snacking and fill the air with heartfelt chatter. Time was relaying a frustrating appointment with a clock that wished to replace its hands for feet when a clockwork servant knocked on the door.
"Come in," the servant opens the door.
"Master Time, Miss Alice has arrived and wishes to see you and Miss Cheshire," Cheshire's ears perk up at the mention of Alice.
Taking a glance at Time, Cheshire sees him looking back at her. But, unfortunately, his clockface eyes give nothing away as he stares at her.
"I'm sure Cheshire will be delighted in greeting Alice first. Then, after that, I can help clean up here," he smiles at Cheshire.
Unable to help herself, Cheshire's head kisses Time quickly on the mouth as her body heads out the door. He kisses his love back, and Cheshire can't help but playfully wrinkle her nose before her head disappears from Time's sight. Finally, Cheshire's head returns to her body. It was just enough steps away not to be a bother before searching for Alice. It takes popping into and out of different rooms until Cheshire finds another clockwork servant to lead her to Alice. The servant leads Cheshire to the drawing room. But before they could announce Cheshire's presence to Alice, Cheshire holds her finger up to silence them. Then, smiling wickedly, she politely waves the servant off and sneaks into the room.
She watches as Alice opens different decorative jars atop the table. These jars usually have hidden treats inside; that the servants like to snack on while cleaning. Suppressing a laugh, Cheshire tiptoes behind Alice.
Cheshire whispers into Alice's ear, leaning forward, "You're like a naughty kitten sticking her paws into the canary cage."
Spooked by the sudden voice in her ear, Alice whips around only to see Cheshire reappear a few steps behind her. Cheshire playfully wiggles her clawed fingers to match her wide smile.
Alice huffs, "I was only looking for a couple of 'Eat Me' cookies as I've run out."
"I'm afraid you'll have to request those cookies later. There's been a ban on them in the estate; Bill the Lizzard got slapped by a large clock hand."
"Poor, Bill."
"Away, why don't we sit. Time should be here soon, and there's no need for us to continue standing."
Alice accepts the invitation to sit down and sits on one of the loveseat couches. Cheshire takes the divan sofa and stretches out. The two lightly chat when Time enters the drawing room. He hugs Alice warmly before seating himself on a throne chair.
"It's been greater than a minute since I last saw you, Alice. How have you been?"
Alice smiles brightly and recites a poem.
Simply Wonderful
Simply fantastic, I must say
For when Time questions how I've been,
I must be honest and say I've been merely Alice.
Be it any time of day, I am and should still be the only Alice.
But, when asleep, I fear there could be someone else who is Alice.
As far as I know, no one else is simply Alice.
Which is truly astounding, I must say."
Time smiles back and responds with a poem.
A Nice Time
No matter the time, you shall be my dear friend Alice.
I'm thankful that you replied; despite the effort,
it'll take to explain the ache of a possible other Alice.
But be assured, be you awake or asleep,
You'll still be simply Alice to me.
Cheshire applauds both of them excitedly. Alice sticks out her tongue, and Time bats at her hands. With her light teasing over, Cheshire paws at the side table telephone. She calls the kitchen for tea and snacks before hanging up. A trio of clockwork servants enters the drawing room as Alice finishes her tale of her curious doppelganger running around in the Diamond Kingdom. The servants place the tea and snacks on the low table before leaving with the serving tray.
Noticing that someone is missing, Alice calls out, "No One should be in the drawing room to greet me."
And like a snap of fingers, No One appeared. With an excitable laugh, No One hops onto the loveseat and crushes Alice into a hug. Alice giggles and squeezes No One back.
"It was about time you noticed I wasn't here to greet you!" No One lightly bumps Alice's shoulder.
Alice rolls her eyes, "Maybe I just wanted a break from you."
The two lightly nudge each other for a while but stop when No One almost drops their teacup. Then, with the danger of a lost teacup averted, the small group resumes their lighthearted conversation. Cheshire's on her third or fourth cup of tea when she remembers that she needs to ask Alice something.
Cheshire places her cup down, "Alice, will you be participating in the Queen of Hearts' upcoming croaky game?"
No One interrupts, "Wait for a second, there's an upcoming croaky game soon? Why wasn't I invited? Cheshire, you have to invite me!"
Time heavily sighs, "You can't go even if you wished to, No One. The King of Hearts said he doesn't ever want to see you again after you ate his favorite scones."
No One flushes in embarrassment and tries to justify their actions. Alice and Cheshire laugh at the attempts that boil down to No One being hungry and the King scones being freshly baked.
Alice pats No One on the shoulder, "I'll be participating in the match. Are either of you joining in on the fun?"
"I decided to be a good brother and not join this time."
"I'll be taking a crack at this round of croaky."
No One flails their arms about, "How are you allowed to play! Last I've checked, you recently got on the Queen of Hearts' bad side!"
"What can I say. I got a mean poker face and a handful of playing cards fold," Cheshire's tail sways back and forth with satisfaction.
The four snicker at how easy it is to play the playing cards working at Hearts Palace. The laughter dies down, and Cheshire feels a pair of eyes on her. Taking a quick look about, she sees Alice gazing at her intensely. Cheshire smiles at Alice, but Alice's eyes only grow concerned. Growing nervous, parts of Cheshire's body start fading in and out of existence without her knowledge.
May I Please Hide
Please don't see me.
Brown eyes are watching me,
I can feel you staring. Please do not see me,
I'm doing fine.
I fear that I'm fading out.
I know you are watching me
with unwavering brown eyes.
"...Shire, Cheshire," Cheshire comes back to herself and looks at Alice.
Alice smiles, "I'm wrapped in an accordion skirt and have a sweet hat. And when there's a dozen of me, I can make a whole."
Cheshire's ears twitch as she thinks about the riddle before answering, "A cupcake."
A laugh leaves Alice, "My riddle-making skills aren't the best, but you figured that out quite quickly."
"My turn," Time takes a moment to think, "I am a physical reminder of a finite hour."
"OoOOoo, I know! A caucus race!" No One bounces up and down.
"Now that's absurd," Alice's dark brown hand waves off No One's answer.
No One scoffs, "If that's not the answer, then what is, Alice?"
"Naturally, some type of clock."
"But what about a sundial?"
"Then, sunlight would've been mentioned in the riddle."
"I still think a race is involved."
Alice and No One continues to argue about the answer. Cheshire feels herself drift off. Their voices are made wordless by the cottony feel of Cheshire's brain. In and out, she goes more detached from her body. Only to be anchored back by a pair of clockface eyes. Sightlessly, Cheshire meets Time's eyes. The longer she stares at him, the more in focus he becomes. Within a few minutes, Cheshire is corporeal again.
"That's it. I demand a vote!" No One looks to Time and Cheshire, "Who's right. Me or Alice?"
"I'll be honest; I haven't been paying attention to you're arguments," Cheshire laughs at No One's offended face.
Time looks at Alice and No One, "Why don't you both explain your answer to the riddle? Then we'll pick a winner."
No One starts first, "A proper caucus race finishes at the hour. Therefore, any participant will complete only a finite number of laps."
Alice snorts, "The true answer to the riddle is an hourglass. As it is a physical representation of a limited amount of time."
While Alice explained her reasoning, No One boos her response. After hearing them out, Cheshire and Time glance at each other and nod their heads in agreement.
Cheshire claps her hands, "We've decided you're both right and wrong!"
"It's the only way to make sure the loser doesn't give me a headache later on," Time stares at No One.
"I refuse to accept a tie!" No One points at Time, "I order you to declare me right because we're siblings!"
Time rolls his eyes and sips his tea, ignoring his sibling's dramatics.
Cheshire's ears flick whimsically, "No One, your tea's getting cold."
No One makes a high-pitch wail before quieting down to drink their tea. Cheshire's eyes glow with her amusement. Alice giggles at her nearest companion while Time pours himself another cup of tea. It was only a short time until a new clockwork servant sauntered into the drawing room.
"Mr. Hatter has stopped by; shall I lead him to join you?" they look towards Time.
"Why, yes. There's plenty of room for Hatter."
The servant bows and leaves to fetch the new guest. Once Hatter arrives, Time stands up to hug his friend. Hatter sits down in one of the available seats. He helps himself to the tea and snacks as everyone says their hellos. Hatter takes a quick sip of his tea to ensure it tastes right before returning the pleasantries. As Hatter takes a long drink of his tea, he peeks at Cheshire through his lashes. Catching his gaze, Cheshire smirks at Hatter.
Cheshire licks her fangs, "So, Hatter, how have you been?"
Putting down his tea, Hatter replies, "As you can see, I'm here for tea. As I have happened to be free."
"It hadn't been a while since I've seen your smile," Cheshire's grin widens, "I hope your journey was worthwhile."
Alice interrupts with a soft cough, "Anyway, Hatter, will you be participating in the upcoming Queen of Hearts croaky game?"
Hatter leans back, "I will be partaking in the game. I overheard one of the Queen's butlers that there's even a prize after the game."
"Do you know what the prize is, Hatter?" No One asks around a slice of cheesecake.
Alice answers, "According to the King and Queen, the prize is to remain a surprise."
"If anyone were to know the answer, it has to be Hatter," Cheshire points a long-clawed finger.
"If someone is going to know the future, it'd be Time," Hatter looks at the other man, "So, can you reveal the future?"
Cheshire laughs at Hatter's attempt to weasel his way out of answering her.
No One peers at her, "What's so funny?"
Cheshire's face splits into a smile as eyes watch Hatter, "At times, I'm willing given. But I can be stolen, too. I don't have a physical body, but you can express me with a sentimental object."
No One's eyes widen in excitement, "An unbirthday!"
"Nope"
"A hug?"
"Strike two"
"A dream!"
Cheshire snickers, "While a good guess, I'm afraid you're wrong again. Do you wish for me to tell you?"
No One grumbles under their breath. Cheshire never accepts their answer, forgetting that everyone in Wonderland knows that No One never gets a riddle right.
Time takes pity on No One, "The answer is love."
Cheshire places a finger on her nose and points her other hand at Time, "Ding, ding, ding, we have our answer!"
"That's not fair!" No One stands up and points an accusing finger, "You're biased, Cheshire!"
Cheshire kicks her feet up, crosses her arms behind her head, and shrugs, "I am, but you're still wrong, No One. It'll be better for you to improve in answering riddles."
"Riddle skills aside, how has your day been, Hatter?" Alice looks at him.
"I received some great news from my garden. My red roses are in full bloom, and not a Caterpillar in sight of nibbling on the fresh petals."
Cheshire's ears twitch, "Do you only keep roses, Hatter?"
Hatter blushes, "Roses are the Queen of flowers. So, therefore, it's disloyal to serve other flowers when I have roses."
"Your roses sound lovely, Hatter," Alice realizes something, "I don't believe I've ever seen your garden."
"My roses would like to be admired. How about you come for afternoon tea tomorrow and view the garden?" Hatter smiles brightly at Alice.
No One asks, "Is it alright if I view your garden too?"
Cheshire watches the silent exchange between Time and Hatter. After a few blinks, Hatter smiles at Time. Time tilts his head down in acceptance and returns to drinking his tea.
"I'll be delighted to have you and Time for afternoon tea flower viewing," Hatter looks back to No One.
No One excitedly cheers and bounces up and down. Time gives a long-suffering sigh, but a found smile curls at the corners of his lips. Alice giggles at No One's over-exaggeration of cheer.
Cheshire pouts at Hatter, "Am I allowed to join everyone for tea?"
Hatter chuckles, "Naturally, it wouldn't be a proper tea party without you, Cheshire."
Their conversations shifted on a whim, with riddles and rhymes sprinkled all over. As the hours go by, their discussions die down; and the group starts to break apart.
No One stands up and stretches, "I had fun hanging out, but I best go visit Crow."
"Don't you mean pester Crow?" No One sticks their tongue out at Time before leaving.
Hatter breathes a long sigh, "I better be off to check on my hat shop. It's around the time when ribbons start tying themselves into lopsided bows. I need to go and fix them, even though today is my day off. I shall see you all tomorrow."
Alice, Cheshire, and Time wave goodbye to Hatter. A few more minutes go by before Alice stands to leave as well. However, before she goes, she hesitates and looks at Cheshire.
Cheshire's ears give a nervous twitch, "Is there something you want to ask?"
Alice rings her skirt, "Cheshire, how long have you been unable to control your disappearing and reappearing ability? I noticed it happening during tea."
Cheshire gives Alice a strained smile, "I've just been mentally spacy recently! Give it a day or a couple of hours, and I'll return to my normally mad self."
Alice gives Cheshire a worried frown. Then she gazes at Time, and a puzzled look takes over her face. Cheshire turns to him as well. It takes her a second to notice that Time is venturing into a different point in time. Possibly a future self. Whatever he's seeing requires he temporarily depart from linear time. Such a short mental interlude is a minor side effect. At least, that is what he promised Cheshire it was. In a rush blinks, and he returns from his non-linear time experience. Twin clock faces dart between Alice and Cheshire as the information of linear time informs him what has happened.
Alice takes a deep breath, "If you need anything, Cheshire, you can always talk to me."
A relieved smile takes over Cheshire's face. Cheshire then stands and gives Alice a grateful hug. Alice hugs Cheshire back and whispers goodbye. Once Cheshire lets Alice go, Time hugs Alice and thanks her. For what Alice doesn't yet know. With the last of the goodbyes said, Alice leaves the estate. During the few minutes of peace, Cheshire takes Time's hand to play with his fingers. Under her breath, Cheshire pretends that Time's fingers are little piggies. But then the piggies attack Cheshire's hand and capture it.
"Come along," Time guides Cheshire back to his room to retire for the day.
On a new day in Wonderland, the young couple leaves Time's estate to walk to Hatter's manor. And on their walk, hand in hand, they hear a pair of gigantic wings flapping overhead. Gazing up, they spot No One's closest friend, Crow. Seeing an opportunity to get a ride to Hatter's place, Cheshire springs up and down to flag Crow down. The colossal Corvus bird gracefully lands before Cheshire and Time. In a show of grandeur, Crow sweeps one of his inky wings high in a formal salute. Before either Time or Cheshire can return the greeting, No One made themselves known.
"Cheshire Cat, Traitor! Hop on to Crow's back so we can head over to Hatter's place!" No One waves frantically.
Crow's feathers ruffle, "Not so fast, No One! Any lift I give isn't for free. If Cheshire and Time wish for a ride, they must pay me."
Time smiles at Crow, "What would you like for payment, Crow?"
"A poem about crows will do from the two of you," Crow's feathers finally settle.
No One scowls, "Why do they get to recite a poem as payment? While I have to pay you in riddles?"
"Simple, you're bad at poetry, my friend. However, I refuse to lower my standards, so the best payment from you are riddles," Crow tips his head.
No One loudly huffs in offense but doesn't complain. Crow coos at No One for being well-behaved. Time's at No One and gives them a teasing wink.
Stepping closer, Time recites his poem,
Immortal Crows
Cloak in timeless black, crows fly with a superior eye.
They know of hidden knowledge
while humans study in college.
Their wings extend as they ascend,
Cloak in timeless black.
Crow bobs his head in satisfaction and lets Time on his back. Cocking his head to the side, Crow waits to hear Cheshire's poem.
Cheshire skips forward and recites her poem,
Flying Mysteries
Soaring in the air, a murder of crows goes by.
Calling ahead, crows are truly sly.
Leaving behind only riddles and rhymes
Sneaking away, haunting bedtimes.
Crows rhyme and reason,
Change with the season.
Crows are such a mystery,
But that is crows history.
Crow proudly puffs his chest before letting Cheshire atop their back. With his passengers safely settle on his back, Crow takes off. Soaring through the Wonderland sky, late morning clouds lazily pass by. It doesn't take long for No One to start complaining about Crow's bias against their poetry skills. Despite No One's whining, their brother, Cheshire, and Crow, only teased them more. The rest of the flight carries on with a game of Old Maid before Crow informs his passengers that Hatter's manor is just ahead. Within a few flaps, Crow lands in front of the estate allowing his guest off his back. Time and Cheshire climb off with ease and thank Crow for the ride. There's a distant aroma of roses not far from where Crow landed. However, No One decided that they would like to continue to talk Crow's ear off despite already having plans. Figuring out that No One forgot to get off his back, Crow reminds No One of their teatime plans. Taking the hint, No One gets off Crow and waves goodbye, along with Cheshire and Time. And in a gush of wind, Crow takes off, gathering anyone that didn't brace themselves.
Following their noses, the party of three chases after the scent of roses. Once they find the entrance to the red rose garden, they start their journey through the maze. As the group gets distracted by the roses, they hadn't notice Crow flying above them. Crow's wings cause chaotic winds to ripple through the roses. Caught up in the violent gusts of wind, the three travelers get separated as they get lost in red roses.
Now alone in a maze of red roses, Cheshire finds herself flat on her back. Sitting up, Cheshire looks around first to see if she can see No One or Time. Finding neither, she gets up and dusts herself off. Refusing to dally around, Cheshire makes her way through the maze seeking out her friends. Within a few minutes, Cheshire grows bored with the silence and starts thinking of a poem she could recite.
She then fills the silence,
Passionate Flowers
When in love, you gift a red rose.
Red roses symbolize passion and desire.
When in love, your heart drowns in passion and desires.
It's nice to gift or receive a red rose when you're in love.
Red roses express your love, so don't gift them causally.
Red roses can be vain and refuse to be gifted casually.
If broken-hearted, pluck the petals of red roses,
Because now you are loveless.
In her efforts to get lost to find her companions, Cheshire didn't hear someone else behind her. But when her poem finished, she noticed someone humming along. The voice is familiar in its unfamiliarity, and Cheshire can't help but turn around to see who it is. Dread fills Cheshire as behind her is another Cheshire Cat. Cheshire finds herself paralyzed with shock until her doppelganger grins at her. Knowing nothing good will come to her if her double catches her Cheshire bolts. Hearing her doppelganger laugh after her, Cheshire runs faster. Her double skips after her, somehow keeping pace.
In a familiar and unfamiliar voice, a poem rings out,
Cat in the Mirror
Mirror, mirror, reflecting me backward,
Causing there to be two.
I spy a lost cat,
I wonder if she'll hide.
Twist and turns throughout the rose garden
It all looks the same.
Forwards and backward, lost in the garden,
let's continue to play.
While listening to the poem, Cheshire slows down but soon realizes that's what her doppelganger would want. She picks up the pace again and tries to escape her reflection. At each new quick bend of the maze, Cheshire nearly trips in her kitten heels. In her most recent stumble, a bronze rose-shaped key catches her eye. With her limbs flailing, Cheshire snatches up the key and resumes running. Cheshire barely remains out of her double reach; as she searches for a secret passageway. Spotting one, Cheshire bursts forward and unlocks the hidden passage. As she goes through the door, Cheshire hears her doppelganger rush after her. Not taking any chances, Cheshire slams the door and locks it. Unfortunately, she's only a step away when a full-body crash hits the door. Breathing a sigh of relief, Cheshire realizes that the bronze rose key is gone. If Cheshire had to guess, the key probably rehides itself somewhere inside the rose garden maze.
Finally safe, Cheshire gives herself a moment to calm down. Some deep breaths later, her heart at last beats regularly. Then, remembering that she has a tea party to attend, Cheshire restarts her journey. Going this way and that way and finding herself utterly lost, Cheshire stumbles upon a familiar Indian woman.
"Alice!" Cheshire skips towards the other brown skin woman.
Alice spins around with a bright smile gracing her face. But her smile dims as she watches Cheshire get closer. Cheshire feels her purple ears and tail twitch nervously. Cheshire's once joyous sprint slows to a nervous job. Dear Alice, is knows something is wrong. When Cheshire finally reaches Alice, she stops her jog. The two women stand before each other in a buzzy silence for a second or two.
With a determined look, Alice asks, "Are you certain you're doing alright, Cheshire?"
Cheshire answers with a twisty chuckle, "I found myself out running a double!"
Alice laughs at Cheshire's curious encounter but doesn't forget Cheshire's weird behavior the other day. A cat never likes giving straight answers, and Cheshire will disappear if she finds it funnier than answering. Or when she's hiding something.
Alice stops laughing, "Cheshire, when did you start having trouble disappearing and reappearing?"
Cheshire's fluffy tail drops dead, and her ears hide within her kinky purple hair. The sour flavor of anxiety coats her tongue like expired lemon drops. Not even a pinch of sugar to swallow the dread down.
Cheshire licks her teeth, "Missing a knee or a torso isn't something to worry about, Alice! I'm only a skip and a riddle away from being my usual nonsensical self!"
"OVER HALF OF YOUR BODY WAS GONE YESTERDAY, CHESHIRE!" Alice's eyes mist over, "If someone didn't call out to you, I don't, I don't think you would have been more than an eye."
Cheshire's entire body erupts in a mass of shivers. As the house of cards she built to fool herself is knocked down. Leaving only two Jokers chortling at her failure to vanish.
"Does Time know what troubles you?" Alice hesitates, "Have you tried telling him?"
The thought of confessing to Time the extent of her issues causes Cheshire to start fading uncontrollably. Shadows sing of misery as the light promises that she'll cease to exist if she fades away a bit more. And when Cheshire contemplates fading away permanently, a warm body engulfs her in a hug. It's Alice, fully there, wanting Cheshire to be entirely there too. Embracing Alice back, Cheshire squeezes her eyes in thankfulness. Drops of dew race down Cheshire's face to accompany a gasp of sorrow. They stay together until Cheshire's body no longer desires to fade away. Once Cheshire is entirely together, they separate. Cheshire removes her handkerchief from her pocket to dap away the dew from her damp cheeks. When she's finished, she refolds the cloth and runs a loving clawed finger over the skillful embroidery. The needlework of the handkerchief is a pocket watch wrapped around a bouquet of cattails. Her lover has a matching pocket square. It lives in pristine condition, whether in the past, present, or future. A gentle hand takes her, and Cheshire looks up. Alice softly smiles and links their fingers together. Cheshire holds onto Alice, silently pocketing her handkerchief as they make their way to Hatter's garden tea party.
Squeezing Cheshire's hand, Alice asks, "Who were you running from, Cheshire Cat?"
Cheshire peeks at Alice, "Why, no one, of course!"
"Don't be silly. No One is likely with Hatter," Alice mumbles under her breath, "You wouldn't be fearful of No One."
They're still a way from the garden party when Alice halts their progression again. Then, still holding Cheshire's hand, Alice fully stands before her. Cheshire's eyes refuse to look directly into Alice's eyes. But Alice's stubbornness outpaces Cheshire's reluctance, and Cheshire finally looks Alice in the eye.
"Swear to me you'll tell the truth?" Alice holds out her other hand's pinky finger.
Cheshire links her available pinky to Alice's finger, "Promise."
"Who were you really running from? And remember your promise."
"When I heard someone behind me, I saw my doppelganger. I don't know where my doppelganger came from nor how it got into Hatter's rose garden. I knew I couldn't come into contact with it," panic carried the end of Cheshire's retelling.
"You know better than to look behind yourself when traveling uncertain paths!" Concern morphs on Alice's face, "Did your doppelganger want anything? It wouldn't have chased without stating a reason."
A distant look clouds Cheshire's hazel cat eyes as she recites,
"Mirror, mirror, reflecting me backward,
Causing there to be two.
I spy a lost cat,
I wonder if she'll hide.
Twist and turns throughout the rose garden,
It all looks the same.
Forwards and backward, lost in the garden,
let's continue to play."
When Cheshire finishes the poem, she senses Alice tightening the hold on her hand. Then, with her gaze refocused, Cheshire sees Alice's worried smile. Cheshire tries to reassure Alice with her own grin, but that only causes Alice's eyes to flicker in unease.
Alice continues questioning, "Was that your first encounter with a doppelganger?"
The glare off Cheshire's ear piercings nearly blinds Alice when her ears perk up. They twitch serval times as Cheshire untangles her memories while looking for any doppelgangers that could be hiding within them. Only Tweedledum and Tweedledee come to mind, and Cheshire knows neither is a doppelganger.
"That was my first time encountering a doppelganger," Cheshire pauses, "I still can't figure out why it chased me."
Alice lets out a harsh sigh, "Have you told any of your troubles to Time yet?"
Cheshire's face stiffens, "What's there to tell Time? Nothing I say!"
Not wanting to be prob further, Cheshire snaps her eyes around to spy the tea party. Spotting it, Cheshire lets go of Alice's hand and rushes over without looking back. With each muffle click of her kitten heels, Cheshire drapes herself with an invisible cloth of confidence. But it didn't matter how fast she hurried forward; Alice's words still caught up to her.
"Time is going to find out, Cheshire. Whether you want him to or not," with that said, Alice caught up too.
Cheshire only hums in acknowledgment before reciting,
Speaking with Roses
"In Hatter's garden, roses speak.
But, of course, as the Queen of Flowers,
roses are pretty prideful. Red with passion,
these roses command, Allowing not a word of opposition.
Such regal beings are worthy of royalty.
On the other hand, a cat, such as I, dare not be a jester,
Or receive a bouquet lovely enough for a Queen.
Indeed, a garden of red roses is for a Queen alone."
It's Cheshire that joins the tea party first. Before sitting down, Cheshire sees the garden table overflowing with finger food, desserts, and tea. Every tray, plate, bowl, and saucer reminds Cheshire of hat brims. The food towering on top of these dishes are the different ribbons, buttons, bows, flowers, plants, birds, insects, et cetera found on the hats Hatter sells. Cheshire's tongue dampens as her teeth ache to take a bite from the delicacies. Noticing that the seat next to Time is open, Cheshire quickly makes her way to the seat. Sitting down, Cheshire kisses Time's cheek before having her hand crawl across the table, grabbing any food she'll like. With everything she'll want to eat before her, Cheshire digs in. Cheshire's too hungry to pay attention to Alice sitting between her and Hatter.
When Cheshire only has a few bites left to eat, Time asks, "How was your journey through the rose garden?"
Cheshire takes a drink from her tea cup and then answers, "The roses were pretty chatty during my stroll. Although, I can't be too harsh of a judge as they were lovely to look at and smell."
Before Time could inquire further, March Hare calls attention to himself.
"Riddle me this, Doormouse. I lock away all your fears, hopes, loves, and dreams like a safe. But you don't always need a key."
Doormouse delicately places her teacup down, "That is a far too easy riddle for me. The answer you're looking for is a diary. So I guess it's my turn now."
Doormouse looks around the table and sees No One excitedly bouncing in their seat. Then, with a willing victim, Doormouse asks, "Riddle me this, No One. All your senses know me, but you can never fully meet me again. Each time you revisit me, I've changed slightly. And I will never be the same."
No One's eyes widen, and their mouth slackens as they process the riddle Doormouse told them. Then, with no single answer coming to mind, No One pleads to their brother, Time, for help. Time snorts through his nose and goes about eating his strawberry eclair. No One pouts at Time for a moment before looking around.
"Can I have help in answering your riddle?" No One flutters their eyelashes.
Doormouse smirks, "Of course, but whoever gets it right gets partial credit."
"Deal!" No One childishly glares at Time before looking at the others at the table.
"Could it be a scrape book?"
"Nope"
"A memoir?"
"No cigar."
"How about a time capsule?"
"I don't believe I mentioned anything about digging."
"No One; why must you be this bad at riddles!"
"As if you're any better, March!"
"If you two are going to get physical, it best not be on my table. There's still tea left that needs to be drunk," Hatter glares at March Hare and No One.
"I promise we won't fight if you give Doormouse an answer!"
"Black tea with three and a half spoons of sugar and a splash of milk. Then stir until all the ingredients are combined.
"Doormouse giggles, "That's not the correct answer either."
"No One didn't say to answer correctly."
"Alice, help, please!"
"I couldn't possibly try my hand at this riddle. I'm afraid I'm just not interested in answering."
"Alice, are you still frustrated with me because of yesterday?" No One says with a nervous quiver.
"Hmmm, I wonder who said that just now?"
"I suggest you apologize; Alice isn't letting yesterday's slight go," Time warns.
"I'm so so so so so sorry, Alice! Would you please answer this riddle?"
Alice gives it a passing thought, "You're forgiven, but I won't answer the riddle."
"Well, at least I got half of what I wanted!"
And on the conversation went until Time took pity on No One answers Doormouse's riddle, "I believe you're looking for memory, right, Doormouse?"
"And you'll be correct. So will it be you or No One who will ask the next riddle?"
"Go ahead, No One."
"Thank you!"
Cheshire doesn't listen to the new riddle No One asks the table and who is supposed to answer it. The transparent lies Cheshire dressed herself in frays away. With it, her confidence in holding onto her sense of self. Cheshire's mind spirals out of control, simultaneously falling down too quickly and sluggishly. Why does she have to lose control over herself now! In and out, she's fading in and out. The happy chatter has stopped. Cheshire is sure everyone is voicing their concerns, but she can't answer now. And in her rising panic, Cheshire completely unravels. Leaving not even a hair behind.
Time shouts Cheshire's true name, "DIANA!" END.
