21Hit 8: Forced Against My Will To Engage With Society
Tsubasa blinked. Then she blinked some more. The more she looked around her, the more her mind contorted, trying to wrap itself around the logistics of Wonderland. Her plan had been to just go with whatever the world threw at her without question but this…. This was too much. A million questions surged up her throat. She flung her arm out to the night sky summing them all into one. "What the HELL is this, may I ask you?"
Alice smiled innocently, "I just told you. It's a time change."
"DON'T ACT SO CASUAL!" Came the snarling reply, "I have some serious issues to discuss with this world, the first being proper time management!"
"I don't think it can hear you. Or talk back either."
"ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?" Tsubasa shouted to the stars. They remained indifferent to her threats, which only seemed to make her angrier. "YOUR. TIME. HAS. NOT. COME. WAIT YOUR TURN AND LET THE SUN HAVE ITS MOMENT!"
"Chill out!" Alice cried, grabbing her shoulder. Tsubasa's mouth snapped shut. She heaved a deep breath in, then out. "Are you finished tormenting the sky now?"
"No."
"Too bad. Your time is up." She glanced at the darkened sky, "We should head home. The woods aren't the safest at night, especially around this area."
"Home?" Tsubasa echoed. She hadn't thought about where Alice might stay in a world as crazed as this one. Until now, the idea hadn't crossed her mind. So many other crazy things had been happening she hadn't even began to plan where she would stay. Did Wonderland even have hotels? "Where do you live?"
.
.
.
.
"No.. way…"
The two foreigners stood on the threshold of Clock Tower. Julius sat at his desk, still working on clock just like they had left him. Where did they all come from? It seemed like he possessed an endless supply.
"You live with this… this cloud of negativity?!"
"Did you just call me a-"
"Is there a problem with the Tower?" Alice countered sharply, cutting off Julius. She seemed to be particularly fond of the cynical hermit. Tsubasa was baffled to see why. The man didn't even smile! Mushrooms could grow under the dark cloud he dragged around all day. Maybe there was something Alice saw in him that Tsubasa didn't. Knowing any other protests would only earn her another glare, she kept her mouth shut.
Alice nodded encouragingly, "That's what I thought. Did Ace leave already?" This question she directed at Julius.
"The other bastard…?" Tsubasa grumbled under her breath which Alice was keen to ignore. Julius on the other hand nodded in unison.
"I sent him off to pick up more supplies for my clocks. He won't be back for at least another ten time periods, maybe even more considering the recent activity at Heart Castle. Ace is a wild card, you never know what to expect from him."
"Hang on," interjected Alice, "What's going on up at the castle?"
Julius looked up, irritated, "What is this, an interrogation? I'm surprised you haven't heard about it yet." Both girls gave him a questioning look. "Heart Castle is hosting another ball. This time, a masquerade. It seems preparations started quite a while ago, but the queen hadn't made the announcement public until recently. They should be handing out invitations any time period now."
Alice beamed. The last ball had been so much fun!...for the most part when people weren't being despicably rude. *cough* Blood. *cough* She was sure Vivaldi would plan something even more spectacular this time around. She looked at Tsubasa, expecting a similar reaction of excitement. Instead Tsubasa sat in the chair across from Julius with a dubious expression on her face.
"You don't….have to go do you?" She asked.
"On the contrary, it is a requirement for every inhabitant of Wonderland to participate, invited or not." He responded, "However, you are neither an inhabitant nor obligated to go if you so wish. Being an outsider means you are not tied to the same same rules."
Tsubasa sighed, relaxing slightly. "Thank god. I hate social events."
Julius nodded solemnly, as though this was something he understood on a personal level.
Alice's smile dimmed, "Wait, so you're not going to go?"
"No I don't think-" Tsubasa began, but she cut short after seeing Alice's crestfallen expression. "Don't take it the wrong way. It's just- I mean, I don't do well with dancing, or people in general, and besides, I don't even have something to wear."
"There's no real proper attire," Julius said, "Although it would be rude to show up in something less than fine clothes. But if that's what you're worried about, you needn't worry. I can provide."
Tsubasa looked at him in annoyance. Not helping. She glared with her eyes.
He returned the look with an iciness to rival her own. If I'm getting dragged into this ridiculous event, I'm dragging you down with me.
She narrowed her eyes. Misery loves company doesn't it?
At Julius' offer, Alice had perked with a hopefulness. "And I can teach you dance!" She said, "I'm not perfect but I can teach you the basics at least. And I'm sure we can get help from other inhabitants if needed." Her smile had returned full blast in it's bright, blinding glory. "Come on! What will it take for you to come?"
Tsubasa shrugged, hesitant to reply. "I still don't think I'll go." She looked out the window, wanting the conversation to be over.
She felt someone slide by behind her right shoulder.
"There will be food." Alice said.
Tsubasa turned her head the other way. "Not interested."
"That's a shame," the blonde responded, "because the chefs in Hearts Castle make the most delicious desserts in the entirety of wonderland, or the upper world."
Tsubasa didn't respond.
"I heard they've been working non-stop since the Queen started preparations." Julius interrupted unexpectedly, "There's sure to be all kinds of things: layered cake, tiramisu, tarts, macaroons, pastries of all kinds. Not to mention the classic chocolate truffles filled with all things imaginable."
"Hm," Tsubasa replied. Unconsciously, she licked her lip. "And, is this available to the general public?"
"Exclusive only to those attending the ball." Julius replied. He exchanged a knowing look with Alice.
Suddenly, Tsubasa turned back around to face them. A determined glint shone in her eyes.
"I've decided," she declared, "I will join you two at the ball. But don't expect me to dance, or interact in general."
Alice beamed. "Wonderful!" She said, "We'll discuss this more tomorrow then! First, let me show you our bedroom that we'll be sharing."
With that, she began to usher Tsubasa out of the room.
Julius was left alone, still hunched over his clocks. There was a curious expression upon his face, part exasperation, part amusement. He shook his head, dark hair spilling across the table.
"The undominantable power of food…"
Hello! I'm still alive believe it or not! I found this old project and will be updating it whenever it strikes me to do so. If you're interested in more frequent updates, feel free to say so! Stuff like that will keep me going to continue writing this stuff. :)
Until next time! Sayonara!
