User blog:ExdeathsBagel/Hush Valley (WWYD by Flamebiplane)

WWYD by Flamebiplane: http://monstergirlencyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Thread:819812

I park my car on the side of the cracked, unfinished street; other cars in similar spots told me this was the right place. The abandoned town once known as Clarksburg, though now given the moniker Hush Valley for obvious reasons. Standing before one of the few roads that has not been overtaken by vegetation, my heart began to pound with excitement. This was my first time ever partaking in any sort of urban exploration, and this was going to be worth it.

The silence was beautiful, though not perfect. The whistling of wind as it weaved through broken windows and ajar doors was acceptable, but I was not the only one here, and the voices of fellow explorers and click of cameras seemed to echo noisily. It did not truly bother me though, in fact, I contemplated joining someone or a group if they accepted, for my amateurism has probably led me to make many mistakes prior to even stepping into this abandoned town.

All I had on me was my jacket and my phone which came with a flashlight. I was sure I lacked something vital, but in my excitement to visit this abandoned town I must’ve forgotten about it. I decided to make my exploration rather quick, leaving even before sundown just to be safe.

As my footsteps echoed on old pavement and I look to see cars of many different hues stricken with sickening brownish red rust and the faded paint of building succumbing to the gray peeled beneath from the elements, I wrap myself in my jacket despite it being zipped and recount the tale that spreads around internet message boards about this place.

Years ago, people began to vanish from this town, human and mamono alike. An investigation was launched, and a link was found: the victims were last seen heading for the library. The police and even the government got involved, people were questioned, yet nothing was ever found. The most disturbing part however, was the reaction of the townsfolk to all of this. A wave of a sort of apathy, though it wasn’t so much cold indifference as it was a shared acceptance that the missing folk had gone to a better place, a place not of this Earth.

The government was quick to assume some sort of murderous cult had swept this town, though rather than use force, they engaged in subtlety. Having agents buy out houses, some once belonging to disappeared families though the locals did not mind, they would try to blend in with the local populace. It worked too well. The locals welcomed them warmly, and supposedly from reports, people’s actions were normal. But overtime, reports began to get fewer and fewer, despite the insistence that all was well, and soon the numerous agents sent to infiltrate the town had vanished.

By this point the media could no longer be held back, and the government had given up on simply investigating the town. What followed was the military storming the town and the media covering supposed atrocities committed by the armed forces and numerous and rights and protocols violated by the government in order to find out what was happening. If there was any good to come from this chaos, it was that no one disappeared.

And for the first time, the people of the town had changed their reaction. Despite houses being torn down and people and mamono being forcibly searched, the only time the locals showed any sign of adversity was when the military ventured to the library.

Like smelling blood in the water, the military pounced on the building, practically tearing it down and searching through any book they could find, all the while townsfolk begged them to cease their searching, some even resorting to violence, leading them to be arrested, kicking and screaming as they left Clarksburg limits.

Despite their tireless and forceful scrutiny, nothing was found, and when that reached the townsfolk, they quickly returned to the same warm and welcoming attitude as if nothing had happened, despite the chaos of the town. The library was since locked, not by the government, but by the townsfolk, and certain with their examination, the government only requested a copy of this key be made, a copy supposedly archived at some base somewhere in the country.

Undeterred, the government ordered their forces to stay indefinitely until the cause of the disappearances could be found, allowing the media to aid them. Though much to everyone’s horror, disappearances began once more, this time however, victims were not last seen at the library, but rather at their homes. As the homes of victims were searched, nothing could be found however.

As town numbers slowly dwindled and the town itself seemed to begin to die, the government lost hope, and upon finding it desert with the exception of their military, who remained untouched, the government left the town, barring it from access. Though this soon was lifted after further, though smaller investigations, found nothing. No sign of magic of mamonos from ancient times or modernity, illness, or assault could be found, and with the exception of family members that were related to those who disappeared, it was simply assumed by many that it would never be explained.

A sudden clinking sound snapped me out of my recollection, looking down I saw a few inches from my foot laid a key. It was a humble looking key, simple and typical in its design, but my heart stopped as I picked it up and read the small inscription on its head, ‘Grand Library. 1502 South Market Street.’

I felt a sudden urge to tuck the key in my pocket, which I quickly obeyed, and headed for the library. In my hands was the key to the grand library that was searched in vain, a library untouched for years. Looters and fellow urban explorers had tried to break in, but the numerous doors leading in were all locked, and this key would doubtless unlock at least one of them. Some had tried the windows, yet they were supposedly protected by powerful magic, one not faded even when the town was abandoned.

I looked up in awe at the library as I began to ascend its steps. It seemed to have a rectangular structure that rose to a large domed roof, the once brown paint now seemed like unsightly scabs admits the ever present gray it shared with fellow buildings. The windows, seemingly spotless though more so because of its magical protection that any sort of cleaning, beheld a scene of chaos teased within from the sunlight. Desk were flipped, chairs were tossed around and books littered the floor.

Before I opened the door, I looked behind me to see if anyone was near. To the distance, heading eastward, was a group of people, what appeared two humans and harpy from the looks of it. Despite our distance I waited until they were out of sight behind a building, looked around one last time, and stuck the key in the front door. My hopes were low that this key would unlock the front door, but I figured to give it a try and then go for each door in a counter clockwise motion.

<p class="MsoNormal">Yet that was not needed, for when I turned the key the lock gave in with a click seemingly so loud I feared everyone in town could hear it. I quickly bolted in, ignoring the rusted protest of the front door and closed the door behind me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Now, I was in true silence. An oppressive, honestly suffocating, silence. The windowed view from outside hid an aspect from the library I did not prepare for, dust. Dust danced in the sun’s rays and coated much of the furniture and books in a greyish shade that was little different from the gray of the once immaculate buildings.

<p class="MsoNormal">I sneezed almost immediately, the sound was thundering and honestly scarred me. But soon, the silence returned, and despite the sunlight granting comfort, I couldn’t help but think there were prowling eyes in the shadows it did not reach. I was quick to shake those thoughts out my head though, here I was in a place untouched for years after all. I contemplated taking a few pictures, or even taking a book as proof of my visit here.

<p class="MsoNormal">The idea of taking pictures led me to the stairs, seeking to take one of a view from the town from this library second floor, as it had numerous windows leading to splendid views of the dead town. As I looked through windows, contemplating where I should position my shot, the sun’s rays caught my gaze again.

<p class="MsoNormal">Peeking from a nearby pile, amidst book whose covers were mostly faded, was a startlingly yellow and red covered book. I approached it with caution, even hesitant to touch it as if its colors were like that of an animal displaying of its toxicity. Yet there was no shock upon contact, no sting or burn. In fact, while it might have just been because it was basking in the sun’s light, the book had a pleasant warmth to it.

<p class="MsoNormal">The cover, its yellow letters on a purple backdrop, simply read ‘Come to Wonderland.’ I open the book, but before I can even begin to read it, I hear sirens blaring in the distance. At first I fear them to be police sirens, but more fear only worsens as they don’t resemble any sirens I have ever heard. It’s a perverse, modulating pitch that causes my gut to sink and rise in its disturbing tempo and brings a ringing to my ears as nausea spreads through my body. With shaky legs I stumble to the window to see if there is any outside reacting to it.

<p class="MsoNormal">That’s when I see the fog rolling in from the road I came in from. Despite it being a clear day and calm weather, this dreaded fog closes in on the town at a frightening speed. It consumes building, the fogs thickness seemingly blinking them out of existence. I close the surprisingly intact blinds and slowly back away from the window as it comes to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">The windows offer no protection, but do not shatter, instead the fog passes through them, and my ears, now sheltered from the sirens, are assaulted by a howling wind. Just as disorientating to the senses, despite its howling and the sounds of things being moved around me, I remain unfazed by its force. All around me, dizzyingly, broken bookshelves and numerous furniture is being fixed and books are lifted back onto shelves. The howling grows as the walls and carpet are repaired, the walls an uncoordinated mash of colors and the floor becomes a vivid purple.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then the howling ceases at once, as if I have become deaf, and as the fog clears, the once swallowed building and now shades of red, pink, and white. The sky is now just as cloudless as it was earlier with the sun somehow shining a more yellowish shade that the pure white it normally is.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then I hear a creaking noise from behind me, I turn and see a nearby bookshelf slowly opening from the inside. Initially peering out was the head of Minotaur, yet as she stepped out, her attire sent a shiver down my spine.

<p class="MsoNormal">She wore a bright pink corset, and the fur of her legs was white rather than the brown typical of her species. One of her horns had a small red bow tied to it, and being held in hand covered by rather large bright red gloves was rather large pink hammer. No Minotaur would be caught dead in such an outfit, wielding such comical looking hammer. They were a species that took pride in their rough and tumble life style.

<p class="MsoNormal">Yet this one had no such reservations, as if this bright and colorful world had overtaken the type of mamono she was. She gave me a warm smile.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s been years since a man has come here.” She said softly, contrary to the loud and boastful tone a Minotaur normally speaks. “The good Queen will be pleased with me, and doubtlessly enthused the book’s magic has not faded.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked down, realizing I still had the book in my hands. Small hands suddenly shot from my left, grabbing the book and snatching it from my grasp. Looking up, I saw a grinning girl.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You know what to do, Marissa. Prove yourself worthy to the Queen’s royal guard.” She said before waving and vanishing.

<p class="MsoNormal">I turned to the Minotaur, Marissa, whose smile grew as she began walking to me. I was quick to bolt down the steps, hearing Marissa still calmly walking behind me. I nearly paused at the bottom floor, but fortunately did not completely break pace.

<p class="MsoNormal">The downstairs, much like the top floor, was completely repaired. Desk and chairs were spread around, one of which in the center had three Mach Hares sitting, conversing to one another. Upon hearing my approach, they all, almost synchronously, shot their heads to me. They all smiled much like Marissa when they saw me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re new.” One of them said.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Where are you going human?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’ve been waiting for a husband for years.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I did not stop as I ran passed them, but upon reaching the doors I heard one of them speak again, “You might want to brace yourself, human.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I pushed through the doors with ease, but found all strength lost as I met the outside. The sun’s bright yellow light made me dizzy, the sickening sweet smell of the air made me nauseous, but worst of all were the colors. The blinding, overly vibrant, visually abusive colors that permeated the town brought me to my knees. God have mercy and give me the simple gray of the ghost town I was once in, lest I gouge my eyes out to free me from this hideous panorama of overly rich brightness that stings my eyes and assaults my mind!

<p class="MsoNormal">I heard hooves beats from behind me, though the in my disorientated state, they are muffled. I hear Marissa’s voice, “Fear not human, you will become accustom to the great world of Wonderland, and you will make a dutiful husband to our Queen.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt something soft, almost like plastic hit the back of my head, no doubt her mallet, it even made a squeaking noise. The impact on the concrete was not painful, it was soft, softer than that of track concrete. Still, I quickly, and thankfully, lost consciousness.

<p class="MsoNormal">The comforting darkness was regretfully forced open as I stared face to face with a Mad Hatter, who laughed and sat down near me as I flinched my head away. Looking down, I found myself tied and in what appeared to be a dining room, with a large window to my right letting the light in. The sickening lights and color made my head shake and my eyes shut once more, and again I felt the Mad Hatter move close.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What’s wrong love? How about some tea? It’ll make you feel better.” She said as she opened one of my eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">I opened the other willingly as I saw the liquid within wasn’t some offensive color, but actually looked normal. My throat was dry, and I found myself inching closer to the cup the Mad Hatter was holding before me, ignoring her ever growing grin as I leaned closer and closer.

<p class="MsoNormal">A large hand smacked the tea cup away, shattering on impact. Its liquid was only thing I could stare at in contrast to a tiled floor that was simply too white for human eyes to handle.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How dare you try to have your way with the Queen’s husband to be!” The voice I identified as Marissa’s shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked up and saw the Mad Hatter stand up and raise her hands in defense, the calm expression normally becoming of them was replaced with pure panic. “H-hey don’t look at me! He wanted to drink it!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s probably because it’s the only thing that look’s ‘normal’ to him.” The voice of a child said.

<p class="MsoNormal">I turned and saw a young girl, with shoulder length blonde hair and a red and black dress sitting across the table from me. My mouth hang agape as I realized she was the same young girl I saw from earlier, when I first arrived here. Though now that I got a good look at her, I knew she wasn’t human, as she had pointed ears and bat-like wings stuck out from behind her back. Looking into her pale blue eyes, I saw a glint that no child should have. Upon seeing her, Marissa quickly took a knee and the Mad Hatter returned to her seat. The young girl looked to me and chuckled.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You poor thing. All these colors must be too much for you. Trumparts, close the curtains.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I hesitantly turned to the window, and thankfully the sickening light was vanishing behind a large, tolerably purple curtain that rendered the other colors around me far less offensive.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Better?” The young girl asked with a smile.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Mad Hatter muttered something under her breath and sank into her chair.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What was that, Mary?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Suddenly tensing up and straightening out, Mary spoke, “I was just remarking to myself that this human should get used to the color of this world, he won’t be leaving here after all.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Wait, what do you mean?” I say, beginning to panic.

<p class="MsoNormal">The child raised her hand, “Everything in its due time, Mary.” She then turned to me, “Don’t worry, give it some time and the colors of this world will be beautiful to you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What’s going on?” I try to sound calm, but I know my panic must’ve been obvious, as the Mad Hatter chuckled.

<p class="MsoNormal">The child glared at her, before turning back to me, “My dear, you are to be my husband. I am Alissa by the way, otherwise known as the Queen of Hearts. What is your name?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I simply stared mouth agape until Marissa gripped my shoulder hard, “The Queen asked you a question! Answer her!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thomas.” I grunted in pain.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alissa raised her hand, and Marissa immediately placed her hand off my shoulder, “Now, now Marissa, my poor hubby must simply have so many questions of his own. Well don’t worry, I will answer them, in fact, I think the question you are assuredly going to ask first, is one that will clear up all the question you have.” She leaned forward, grinning, “Am I right?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why me?” I simply say.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alissa chuckled, “I was right! You owe me thirty peppermints Mary!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Mad Hatter simply sighed and rolled her eyes, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a pile of peppermints.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alissa sipped her tea before speaking again, “’Why me?’ Well, for starters, I need a husband. Second, the spirit energy within you will be just what I need to open a permanent portal to the outside world, your world. Once there, I can transform the entire world into Wonderland!”

<p class="MsoNormal">As she continued, she began to shake in her seat as her calm expression morphed into one of sickening excitement. It was a look of pure greed and hunger. Whatever this world was to be, it was one not meant to exist.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’ll be incredible! And expansive, colorful paradise, where everyone is madly in love! The very magic of this world will transform your world and the mamono within, it will be a wondrous sight to behold!”

<p class="MsoNormal">She suddenly stopped shaking and calmed down, though only slightly, “That reminds me. Some of the mamono already here aren’t native to Wonderland, like dear Marissa there.” I looked to Marissa, only to feel small hands grab my face and turn me to face Alissa, who was now sitting on a chair next to mine and mere inches from my face.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Bet you want to see what other wonderful creatures this land’s natural magic has transformed! Well let’s make it a show!” With a clap of her hands, the Trumparts lining the wall to my left quickly spread out, revealing a curtained off stage.

<p class="MsoNormal">As the curtains slowly rise, I see eight figures on the stage, and once a dim light is lit from behind them, I judge from their silhouettes that they are wearing dressed with their legs peeking out. Then, from behind, a harp begins to play, sounding a slow, graceful tune that seems to contrast greatly with the chaos of this world.

<p class="MsoNormal">Following the beat, each of the eight dancers begin tapping and skipping their feet gracefully. The tapping was not, as expected, dissonant to the grace of the harp, rather surprisingly, whether it was the floor of which these performers were standing on or the shoes they were wearing, the sounds produced was a gentle pattering.

<p class="MsoNormal">As a flute began to play from behind me, just like the harp, I turned to see the musician, but like everything else currently, they were encased in shadows. The only exception was Alissa and surely I, for the dim lights reflected off us rather somewhat, enough for the performers to make of our expressions. I knew they could see our expressions because Alissa had a smile that was only now slowly beginning to grow as the performance continued, a smile that robbed me of any sense of comfort the music brought me and replaced it with dread.

<p class="MsoNormal">I suddenly became aware of that the harpist and flutist were beginning to play faster, which only made my heart beat faster in unison. As the music became faster and faster, what was once a comforting and harmonious melody was slowly descending into chaos akin to a landslide. The performers danced faster to this accelerating tune, feet moving faster than was surely possible for most humans and mamono, and much like the instruments their skipping and tapping ceased being gentle and calming but loud and harsh. The legs under their dressed became blurred as I could’ve sworn I saw more than two legs. Alissa’s grin was now seemingly stretched from beyond ear to ear and I was grateful the dim light spared me from any details. Soon the room was consumed but what was no longer music but a cacophony of chaos and noise, and ear piercing, unorganized, crescendo that caused my very body to convulse in how alien it was.

<p class="MsoNormal">Salvation came with auditory slip and thump on the floor as one of the performers cried out in pain. In that moment the chaos stopped with such immediacy it was it was rather disorientating. Further worsening my already assaulted mind was that the light were immediately shut on, causing me to cry out in both pain, and horror as I turned away too find shelter from the light.

<p class="MsoNormal">But I found no shelter, instead I saw the harpist who appeared to once be a Lamia, but much like her snake body, her human half was hideously elongated, even the head, complete with long arms and spindly fingers fit for a harp so disturbing long. And the flutist was what appeared to be a Centaur, but horse body had an extra set of hooves in front, and sickeningly sprouting from her shoulder were another pair of arms.

<p class="MsoNormal">I turned back to the stage in an attempt to keep my self-control, but it was in vain as the horrid spotlights on the stage showed the horror before me in magnificent detail. I was only conscious for a few seconds, but what was there has since been burnt into my mind. What was on the stage was not human, it was mamono, Arachne to be specific. Yet Wonderland’s magic twisted them subtly, but it was this subtlety that only made the sight disgust me further. For from the top to their now torn pink and white dresses they looked like normal Arachne’s, though they all shared a similar body type, only the faces could one use to differentiate species. But my God, the legs, they were not the spindly, muscular, or chitin covered spider legs that normally accompanied the species, but bent at sickening angles'' were the legs and feet of women. ''A scream escaped my lips before I passed out into the merciful darkness, where no such twisted mamono monstrosities could be seen, and no hideous light could reach me.

<p class="MsoNormal">As my vision cleared, I saw that I was in a bed, and lying next to me was Alissa, and it took every ounce of strength that I still had in me not to gag as I saw she was wearing a rather transparent nightgown.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My, my, you’re still not used to the wondrous sights of this world, are you?” She gave me a smile and leaned closer, and I, almost instinctively, leaned back. Her expression became that of one hurt, but I knew it was a mockery, “You aren’t even used to me. Well let’s change that, if you like, I’ll even turn out the lights.”

<p class="MsoNormal">As if on cue, candles around us began to dim, their fire fading. Alissa’s voice followed, becoming a soft whisper, “It’ll be just us, in the darkness you so desire. Taking delight in each other’s bodies.” I jumped as I felt her hands caress my face, “If it makes you feel any better, I am far older than a child, though being a Lilim, I simply choose this form. I know you will come to like it in due time.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I could feel her leaning closer, and the fact that I couldn’t see anything only made things far worse. I could feel her hot breath brush against me, every hideous inch of her petite body straddling mine. I felt like I was about to be sick.

<p class="MsoNormal">A sudden knocking echoed throughout the dark room, though soft, the overall silence of the room prior made it almost thunderous.

<p class="MsoNormal">I heard Alissa sigh, and saw the candles light returning. Alissa looked very irritated, “It’s always something. Normally I wouldn’t care about someone walking in on us, but because we are about to merge our worlds, I wanted this to be special.” She looked to the door, “Who is it?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Marissa opened the door slowly, “Forgive me my Queen. The performer from this afternoon that slipped wishes to express her apologies.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Tell her there is no need. Accidents happen.” Alissa said, struggling to hide her annoyance.

<p class="MsoNormal">“But my Queen, I must!” The Arachne said as she peeked her head in, “After failing to perform on such an evening,” she then saw me “on a night as important and this. I beg of thee, let me express my humble apologies.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Alissa sighed, “As you wish.”

<p class="MsoNormal">As the Arachne scurried in, I braced for the sight of those hideous legs and feet, but to my shock, they weren’t there. I could hardly believe my eyes, her legs and feet were that of spindly Arachne legs! This sight, this view of something normal, something familiar, brought great relief to me, like a magnificent weight had been lifted from my chest. As our gazes met, I could see that she felt the same, and my mind jumped to a terrible conclusion. If I had only endured a sickening world for less than a day and am mentally exhausted, how long must she have been here, and what was her state? No, the sight of normalcy was not just relief for her, I could see clearly now that it was hope, but for what, I could only guess.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Arachne took a bow to us, before looking up, “It is true, you have indeed brought a human into this world after so many years.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Alissa, upon seeing the Arachne’s normal legs, tilted her head, “What is your name, Arachne? I’m quite surprised I don’t know it, given how I am certain I would recognize a subject so out of place as you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I am Eileen, my Queen. And yes, it is true I am untouched by Wonderland’s magic, just like your husband to be. In fact, I was hoping you could lend him to me for just a moment-” Eileen gasped as Marissa put a tightened grip on her shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alissa scoffed, “My dear Eileen, I don’t know how you’ve resisted Wonderland’s charms, but do you think me a fool? Do you not think I know what you intend to do with Thomas’ purity?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen grimaced at Marissa’s grip, but remained form, “My Queen, it is nothing like that. I assure you my intentions are pure! It’s just,” her eyes met mine, “It has been years since someone from my world came here, years since someone was unchanged by this land’s magic. Please, I only wish to take him aside and learn of what has changed in our world.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Alissa pondered for a moment, then signaled for Marissa to release her grip, “Very well, I guess I can give you this request. Your world won’t matter soon anyway. Marissa, keep a close eye on them and make sure they don’t do anything funny.”

<p class="MsoNormal">She turned to me, “Well, go, take a walk with your new friend. By the time you get back, I will be ready.” She said with a sickening grin before giving me a light shove off the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal">As I followed Eileen and Marissa out, Alissa spoke up from behind us, “By the way, Eileen, when you’re done, go with Marissa for a walk and find a husband, one who will turn you into one of us.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen stiffened at this, but did not break stride as the door to her bedroom close behind us. Ahead of us was a set of winding stairs heading downward.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen quickly took my hand in her and looked me dead in the eyes, “Tell me everything about the world we are from, ''everything. ''I don’t care how bland or uninteresting it is, please, just whatever comes to mind.” Marissa raised an eyebrow at her, and Eileen cleared her throat, “Forgive me-it’s just I haven’t met anyone from our world in a while.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I was taken aback by the desperation in her voice, but quickly composed myself, “It’s alright. So, anything in particular you want to start with?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen and I quickly began to converse as we descended seemingly never-ending steps, Marissa close behind us. Though I would hardly call it conversing, as aside from a question from Eileen to elaborate on something, I did most of the talking. As we reached the bottom and began to traverse the castle, Eileen ignored Marissa’s insistence to stop wandering and turn back to the Queen’s room. I could see in her eyes that I do the same. It was clear that while she truly had a curiosity to current events of the world, most conversation was done clearly to stall for something, but what?

<p class="MsoNormal">I got my answer as we approached large, red doors that were open and inviting the cool outside night air. The darkness outside was inviting, almost normal, though somewhat soiled by torches whose even small light was repulsive both to me and, less obviously Eileen.

<p class="MsoNormal">As Eileen pulled me forward to the outside, Marissa called for us to halt and the Trumparts, who had seemed half asleep prior to Marissa’s shout, lowered their spear to block us.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You are not taking him out there at night! You know the rules!” Marissa shouted, “I have been kind enough to let you wander the castle halls, but you are pushing both my kindness and the Queen’s grace by letting him leave the castle.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen gave Marissa an amused expression, “What’s wrong Marissa? Just promoted to head of the Royal Guard and a little night scares you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Silence! You know the Queen has a curfew at night for a reason!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Relax, I’m just taking him back to my place so we can talk more privately.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Marissa gritted her teeth and glared at Eileen, “You think I’m stupid? That I’m some inferior, simple minded Minotaur from your world?! The Queen and Wonderland have blessed me with its power, and now I will use it to crush you and bring Thomas back to the Queen!”

<p class="MsoNormal">While I tensed as Marissa approached, Eileen tightened her grip on my hand and remained calm as Marissa stomped forward, “You’re right Marissa, this world has changed you from what you were in my world. But it hasn’t changed me, and you know what I have that the changed Arachne’s here don’t?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Before Marissa could react, thin webs danced in the light before enwrapping themselves around her and rose, hanging her high above the ground. As she screamed, the Trumparts in front of us quickly moved towards us, spears forward.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen turned to them, and although I couldn’t see her face, it surely matched her words as it stopped them cold, “Step aside, or I will make you my lunch!” Eileen growled in such a tone that it caused me to shiver.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen was quick to pull me pass the shaking Trumparts and into the night. I heard her whisper to me to keep my head down. Building and people became a blur as we ran through the town at the castle’s entrance. From what I could see, people and mamono kept their heads down, many seeking shelter anywhere to escape the night.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen quickly shoved me into a small, unassuming building, before slamming the door behind her and locking it with many bolts. She then closed her blinds but not entirely as to let some what I assume moonlight or starlight in.

<p class="MsoNormal">We both began to collect our breath, as if we had been holding it all that time. Eileen then let out a laugh, one that seemed, while joyous, on the edge of hysteria.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I can’t believe it. A human, a normal human. You have no idea how happy am I to see you.” She said.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m happy to see you to, it’s nice to see someone that doesn’t seem turned.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m afraid I might be the only one who isn’t.” Eileen said solemnly, “But that won’t matter, because were escaping tonight.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I honestly wasn’t about to question her certainty of that, any chance of getting out of this terrible world was one I would take without hesitation, “Good, what do I need to do.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen smiled, “Thank God you’re eager. Okay, so we need to get that yellow book the Queen has, the one that transferred you here. With it, we’ll need to find a way to open the portal to our world.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I just touched it and I wound up here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Okay, so maybe it works through the contact with a pure human.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What do you mean by ‘pure’?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen chuckled, “Don’t be coy, the Queen can sense your virginity, pure spirit energy. It’s just what’s needed to generate a portal, a temporal one at least.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“How do you know this?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’ve been a dancer for the Queen for years now, or at least I think it’s been years. Time doesn’t really seem to flow here. I’ve gossip from guards and servants alike, and apparently, the Queen is seeking to create a permeant portal with the energy she’s stolen from other pure men.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“There’ve been others?!” I asked in shock.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen nodded solemnly, “I think at least six others have been married to her, but it only last a night. Then, they are never seen again.” Eileen saw me begin to shake, “Hey, don’t worry, we’re getting out this and will never see this hell hole again. Now come on, we can’t stay here for long. Follow me.” She said as she slowly opened the door and peaked out.

<p class="MsoNormal">As I followed her, sticking to alleyways, as we approached the castle, more and more crowds of guards appeared, one of which was led by a very furious looking Marissa. Eileen and I approached a castle wall, and she quickly shot a web leading up, through did not look where she shot it.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Grab on, we’ll need to scale the walls. Do not look up.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eileen looked slightly annoyed at this, “Because most citizens in this mad house don’t! And those that do are supposedly driven so mad that need to be put down. If something up there is driving these nut jobs crazy, I don’t want to see it!” Eileen said in a harsh whisper.

<p class="MsoNormal">Upon seeing my curiosity was undeterred however, her expression and voice soften, in fact, it even had a hint of fear in it. Taking my hand in hers, as she silently scaled the wall, she continued, “Most townsfolks are afraid to go out at night, and no one with a lick of what little sense they have left dare look up at the night sky.” she said as we ascended, her eyes either on me, around us, or even below.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t know what’s so horrible up there, but I also don’t want it merging with our world. All the more incentive to go through with this, eh?” Eileen said with a smirk.

<p class="MsoNormal">Upon reaching the Queen’s roof, we saw a skylight near its center, no doubt above the Queen’s bed. We both looked to each other before slowly crawling towards the window and opening its latch. With her silk, Eileen gracefully and silently lowered down to the bed, but the light streaming in told us the Queen wasn’t there.

<p class="MsoNormal">But upon landing, we both heard her voice in the darkness.

<p class="MsoNormal">“There you are. I can see your purity is still intact, good. Now come, be with me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Her voice sent a chill down my spine, even Eileen look terrified at the Queen’s tone. Worst of all, the voce was seemingly coming from everywhere. Yet the worst of all was that I felt Eileen softly push me to the darkness.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eileen!” I said in shock.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m sorry, Thomas.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I could feel the Queen pause as I was surrounded by darkness, before she spoke once more, her voice all around me. “Very good, Eileen. If you wish, I will let you keep your pitiful form when we our worlds merge as a thank you for coming to your senses.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt something tap my feet, looking down, even in the darkness I could see the hideously bright yellow and red book that brought me here.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Touch it, Thomas.” Alissa said to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt myself breaking down, “No! You’re not going to kill me! I know what you do! I know I’m not your first! The men you’ve taken before me have all disappeared, I’m not going to be one of them!”

<p class="MsoNormal">I tried to turn and run but a force keep me pinned to where I stood and the book was yanked back into the shadows, “Fine! I was hoping to have your last moments be blissful, but if you want them to terrible, then so be it!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Alissa then lunged out of the shadows, a nude blur that pinned me to the floor with one hand pinning the book to my chest while the other began ripping my clothes off. Her forced attempt at kisses, at any sort of intimacy, only made me repulse and shudder with sickness. But something must’ve happened, as soon the book began to open and glow.

<p class="MsoNormal">In its light, Alissa grinned, “Yes! The portal is opening and the merging of the worlds will begin!” I felt myself growing weak as Alissa looked down, smiling at me with triumph, “You could’ve had your final moments been so much better. Yet just like every other man, you are too cowardly to accept your fate. But I won’t forget you, after all, no other man looked as cowardly as you!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Alissa then began laughing, but it was cut short as I felt myself and the book being tugged out from under her. I was suddenly pulled back to Eileen.

<p class="MsoNormal">“See ya!” She said as she held me close and a light enveloped us. Familiar sirens echoed in my ears, but they were mostly silenced by Alissa’s shouting at us. Before the light completely blinded me, I saw her charging at us.

<p class="MsoNormal">After what felt like hours in that blinding light, I felt my eyes a just. I couldn’t believe what I saw, faint sunlight was just barely piercing the blinds, and the color around me was hideous or assaulting. It was normal.

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt hands wrap around me from behind, though my fear quickly dissipate as I heard Eileen, “We did it! Thank you, Thomas.”

<p class="MsoNormal">A suddenly glow brought the book back to our attention, and out came Alissa, a look of pure malice on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You thought you could just run from me?! I can open this portal at will with a little bit of men’s spirit energy, but to keep it open, permanently, I need you, Thomas. You are coming back with me, you are coming back and merging our worlds! You are-”

<p class="MsoNormal">In a moment of desperation, I ran to the blinds and tore them open. Alissa, upon coming into contact with the light, screamed in agony and thrashed. Yet that was not the worst of it. Worse was that much like what the light from her world did to me, the light for my world did to her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Trying desperately in vain to find shelter from the sun’s rays, she eventually ceased her thrashing, and her screams soon became moans that too were soon silenced. All the while Eileen and I watched expressionlessly, though I would be lying if I did not feel anything for her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t feel bad for her.” Eileen said. “She was a cruel tyrant. Wonderland will elect a new Queen, odds are one that will keep the worlds separate.”

<p class="MsoNormal">What happened after that felt like a blur. I had exited the library, Eileen quickly fashioning me some simple clothing from her silk of course, and I was quick to discover I had been missing for since yesterday. Eileen and I were picked up by an officer looking for me, her being identified as someone missing from the original disappearances of Hush Valley.

<p class="MsoNormal">Needlessly, we were questioned intensely by federal officers for all what happened, I wish I could recount what had exactly happened, but our minds, both probed by government Mindflayers to affirm our mad tales, had left our memories fuzzy. All I remember what that despite our stories being confirmed as true, we could not find the book despite our greatest efforts. Eileen however, said it wouldn’t have mattered, as once transformed, citizens of Wonderland couldn’t survive in this world much like we couldn’t in theirs. In that way, we provided some closure to families who had been missing their relatives all those years ago.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ever since, Eileen and I have stuck close to each other. Just spending a night there with her made it feel like I had known her for a lifetime, but this time, I could spend a lifetime with her.