User blog:Gnomehunter/October Writing Challenge-Through the Hollow Tree (Wonderworm)

Marius opened his eyes. He looked up at the ceiling of the room where he and his parents slept. He looked out the window. It was a beautiful sunny day. He quietly got up and changed into some clothes. He tried not to bother his parents who were still asleep, but he wanted to go outside and play. Closing the front door behind him, he raced across the grass and into the great forest that his family’s little house was built on the edge of. Built by Marius’ father with the help of some neighbors before he was born, it was where he had lived happily with his parents for as long as he could remember. And it meant he was close to such an enormous forest, full of wondrous things to investigate, and all sorts of places to explore. As he wandered through the large trees and other plant life that covered the forest floor, something caught his eye. Sitting in a patch of sunlight, was what looked like a giant rabbit. Marius stopped and hid behind the closest tree, hoping to get a better look at the creature. It was sitting up on its hind legs, and covered in pink fur. It looked to be taller than him. But it was sitting with its back turned to him. As he tried to creep closer, he stepped on a stick, which made a loud crack! The rabbit jumped up, looked around and then fled, scampering off further into the woods. Marius chased after it, but it felt like he was going to lose it. Before it got out of sight, it approached a tree, and seemed to vanish. Marius ran up to the tree where he thought the rabbit went and looked at it, trying to figure out what had happened. As he was pacing around the base, he realized that a large hollow seemed to appear in the trunk. He peered inside. It was too dark to see very far in, except that there seemed to be a hole in the ground. He thought to look for something that he could throw into the hole, but by pure chance, he leaned too far and fell in. Tumbling down into the tree hollow, he screamed out loud as he tried to cover his head for fear of hitting the wall or a root. He felt himself hit something soft, then bounce and tumble onto the ground. He tried to feel around for what it was, but it just felt like a big soft pillow of some sort. Getting to his feet, he tried to feel around to see where he could go. He started to walk slowly through the darkness with his hands out in front of his face. They bumped into something made of wood. He felt around and found a door knob. He tried turning it and pushed a door open, light spilling into the tree hollow. He was in what looked like another forest, stepping out of what looked like a great big hollow tree. As he looked around, trying to figure out where he should go, he saw someone approaching him. It was a girl, dressed completely in bright pink clothing. She also had wings of bright pink feathers, and her legs seemed to like big bird claws. She was fluttering slightly above the ground, but landed and started to skip along the ground. When she was near she stopped and gave him an ear to ear grin.

“Hello there! What are you doing here in the woods?” She looked down at him, seeming to settle down on the ground.

“I-I uh, fell into that tree”. Marius looked up at her, a little nervous at how close she was.

“Oh! That happens all the time! Do you want to come play with me and my friends?” She spread a wing and he could see she had another birdlike talon which was stretched out like a hand. Marius considered her offer. It would be lots of fun to have more friends to play with. But he was a little worried about how he would get home.

“Uh, I do want to play with you. But I need to get home in time too”.

“Oh...I don’t really know where your home is, but I’m sure we can find it! Come one!” Taking his reply as an agreement, the girl took his hand and started to flutter off the ground, trying to pull him along behind her. Marius ran to keep up, excited for who he might meet. As they ran through the forest, they came across a large rabbit. Marius’ eyes widened as he ran ahead to look at it.

“That’s the rabbit I followed in the woods!” Marius ran to get a look at it, but it turned around, and he skidded to a stop, colliding with the rabbit. It put its paws on him and when he got a closer look, he realized it was another girl! She had big floppy rabbit ears and the large fluffy hind feet that he had gotten a look at, but the rest of her body was that of a human.

“You should watch where you’re going”, she said kindly, pulling him into a hug and patting him on the head.

“Maybellinda Maybellinda look look look, I found us another friend to play with!” The bird girl was trying to keep up behind them.

“Oh? And what’s your name?”

“I’m Marius”, he answered. “And you’re...May-bel-lin-da?”

“That’s right! Maybellinda!”

“Wait! I didn’t even introduce myself!” The bird girl caught up to them and smacked her forehead in frustration. “You’re Marius? I’m Aerialana!”

“Hey, Maybellinda, I think you’re the one who I followed into the woods”.

“Hmm? Then you must have made the sound that scared me. Oh I would have talked to you if I’d known”. She seemed disappointed in herself.

“But where are we anyway?”

“Aerialana, you didn’t even tell him that much?”

“Oops. Teehee. I’m such a ditz”. She giggled to herself. “This is Wonderland! It’s a place that’s full of people like us who love to play! And now that I’ve got a friend, there are so many games I want to show you!”

“Hey wait a minute, he’s my friend too!” The rabbit protested.

“Yeah but he’s my best friend, I found him first”, Aerialana countered.

“But he saw me first!”

“It’s too bad that you missed your chance”, the bird girl taunted.

“Hey wait a minute, you don’t have to fight”, Marius interrupted, afraid of his new friends being upset. “You can both be my friends”.

“He’s right!” Aerialana said, embracing him in her soft plumage. Maybellinda hugged him from the other side and Marius found himself temporarily immobilized in the softest hug he’d ever had in his life.

“Hey, we should go meet up with the others, or we’ll be late!” Maybellinda said, scooping up marius in her arms and bounding off further through the forest.

“Wait for me!” Aerialana shouted, trying to follow her.

“Where are we going?” Marius asked.

“We’re going to have a tea party!” Maybellinda slowed to a short hop and came to a stop, setting Marius on the ground as Aerialana caught up with them. They both led Marius to a clearing with a great big tree stump, and a few other girls sitting around it. They looked up at the new arrivals. There was a girl who looked to be marius’ age, dressed in a bright blue and white frilly dress. There was an older looking woman in a smartly dressed green suit and wide brimmed hat. And another girl with mousy looking ears who was slumped over fast asleep. Marius shyly approached the group. His two friends came up from behind him.

“Look look! We found a new friend! This is Marius!” Maybellinda smirked and puffed out her chest as if she was very proud of bringing him to the party.

“But I was the one to find him”, Aerialana said. Maybellinda made an angry little look at this comment.

“Now now”, the woman in the suit said, “there’s no need for us to fight. Marius, it is so nice to have more guests at our party. I am Henrileddia”. She extended a white gloved hand, and Marius took it, after which she gave him a firm handshake. “And this is Alichandra”, she said pointing to the girl.

“It’s nice to have another kid like me”, she said, giving a little curtsy. Marius couldn’t help but notice that she had horns on her head and wings coming out of her back.

“And if she ever wakes up, you can meet Malorillia”, she said, pointing to the third girl. The girl stirred a little, opened her eyes and looked for a moment at Marius.

“Nice to meet you”, she said in a quiet, sleepy voice, before yawning and falling back asleep.

“So, what do you do at a tea party?” Marius asked.

“But have you never been to one?” Henrileddia asked. Marius shook his head. “There’s a first time for everything! Today we will drink tea and eat delicious snacks and talk about all sorts of things”.

“Uh, Aerialana and Maybellinda said that we could play. It sounds like we’re just going to eat”, marius said. But he was interrupted by his stomach growling.

“Oh, but it sounds like you need to eat anyway. You can’t play on an empty stomach”, Henrileddia said. “Try this”. She handed him a cup of tea and a small biscuit. Marius tried them both.

“This is delicious!”

“Why thank you young man. I made them myself”. She began serving the rest of the guests as they started to sip and nibble at the provided goodies.

“Can we play afterwards?” Marius asked.

“Of course!” Henrileddia replied. “After all, play is important for people of all ages, but little ones like you especially”.

“Even for grown-ups?”

“Certainly. Why, I play with my husband at least six times a day”.

“Really? What sorts of things do you play?”

“Oh, any old kind of play. But why don’t we talk about what to do after we’ve eaten?”

“You should see some of the mushrooms in the forest!” Alichandra said. “Some of them can grow as tall as trees”.

“That’s an excellent idea”, Henrileddia said.

They finished eating and all got up from their seats. Henrileddia and Alichandra led the group, with Aerialana hurrying behind and Malorillia managing to wake up long enough to stumble after them. Marius marveled at the great big trees, many of which had all sorts of colored leaves. But soon they reached what looked like a big forest of mushrooms. Some were tall like trees, their great big stalks as thick as trunks. Some were low to the ground, and Alichandra demonstrated how bouncy they were by climbing up on the cap and jumping. She was launched into the air and fluttered her wings to catch herself and land gently on the ground.

“Come on Marius!” She took his hand and pulled him up on the mushroom, and Marius started to jump, finding it was lots of fun to bounce on the caps. They took turns jumping up and down, and it soon became a game, seeing how high they could bounce. As they moved along, they came across more large mushrooms, so that everyone could have fun jumping on the caps. Soon enough marius got tired, and sat down on the ground. Malorillia plopped down next to him and the rest of his friends joined him.

“Hey um, is it possible that we could go home soon? I don’t know how long it’s been, but I don’t want my parents to worry”.

“That’s ok”, Alichandra said. “We just need to go that way”, she pointed to a random direction in the woods.

“I thought that’s where we came from?” Marius said.

“No no, we need to go that way”, Maybellinda said, pointing in the opposite direction.

“I thought it was that way?” Marius said, pointing in a third direction. “Henrileddia, do you know where to go?”

“Afraid not. I am a bit mad”, she shrugged.

“But how? We just need to go back to…” Marius looked around, worried that they were lost.

“Oh there’s nothing to worry about. We’ll see the caterpillar! She always knows what to do”, she replied.

“Yes! Besides, we have to figure out something else too”, Aerialana said. They all got up and continued on their way. Weaving around and ducking under various mushrooms until a strange scent caught Marius’ nose. It was sweet and alluring, and he found himself walking out ahead of the group. He stopped when he reached a particularly large mushroom that was growing out of the ground. On it sat another woman. Part of her body looked like a fat blue caterpillar, and she seemed to be holding a glass bottle. She took a deep breath from the bottle and blew a cloud of pink smoke out in front of her, right over Marius’ head.

“Greetings young traveler. What brings you to my humble part of the woods?” Marius looked up in awe at her.

“I smelled something really good. Are you the caterpillar my friends were talking about?” The others caught up behind him.

“I am. I go by several names. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Priscillaura!” We’re so glad to see you. We seem to have multiple problems in our hands”, Henrileddia said.

“More than one? There’s no sense in dealing with so many problems. One at a time, if you please”.

“Ok. First, it looks like our friend Marius is lost”.

“How can he be lost when he is right in front of me?” She asked.

“No, I mean he wants to get back to his parents and we don’t know where they are”.

“Well. I’m not known for finding lost parents. But if his parents were outside Wonderland, then perhaps I could be of some assistance. I can tell you exactly where to go if you wish to leave, and maybe that will help you locate your parents”. She turned her head so she could take in another puff from the glass bottle.

“Yes! I knew we could count on you”, Henrileddia exclaimed.

“Miss Caterpillar! We need help too!” Aerialana jumped forward to try to speak to the caterpillar.

“One problem at a time. I have solved one, so I think it is time for a rest. I can assist you in good time”.

“But won’t I be late getting home?” Marius asked.

“Nothing to be worried about, my boy. I can see you are all tired, so we shall take a short rest and I will see you off in time”. She beckoned him to join her on the  mushroom. Marius climbed up and found himself pulled into Priscillaura’s lap, her soft body wrapped around him. He found his eyelids were heavy. The rest of his friends lay down on the ground and Marius found himself falling into a heavy slumber.

---

Marius opened his eyes. He looked up to see the face of the caterpillar looking down. She smiled at him. “I knew you needed to rest. How do you feel now?”

“I feel great”, marius said, stretching. The others were waking up too.

“Now then. If you follow the trail behind me, I believe you will soon find the way that you came from”.

“But that isn’t the way we came”, Marius said, looking around and finding that he still couldn’t make sense of where they were.

“I assure you, that trail will take you right home”, she said. Priscillaura patted him on the head, and then, as if a bit reluctantly, let him slide down the side of the mushroom. The rest of the group gathered around to lead Marius home, except for Mallorillia, who raised her hand and waved, all while remaining fast asleep. “Watch out for Borogoves”, she called out.

“What are those?” Marius asked.

“They’re scary”, Alichandra said, shivering. “But with such a big group, there’s no way they’ll want to attack us”.

Not long after they left, Marius found himself facing the very tree that he had entered. It had a big wooden door, and when he tried the knob, it swung open.

“I told you”, Henrileddia said proudly. “Priscillaura always knows where to go”. Marius was a bit sad to leave his friends, but he knew he had to get home. He said goodbye to all of them, each giving him a big hug. Then he stepped through the door, waving to them as he walked through the dark tunnel.

---

As they waved Marius away, Aerialana gave a little gasp. The others turned to see what was wrong.

“Wait! We never got help with deciding who got Marius!” Maybellinda looked up in surprise.

“You’re right! She didn’t help us with that! She said we could wait until after the first, but then she sent us off without talking about the other one!”

“Could we maybe ask her again?” Aerialana asked sheepishly.

“I think she made her feelings about Marius quite clear”, Henrileddia spoke up. She had tried to keep a straight face, but now laughter burst out, and she couldn’t contain it despite her friends’ misfortune. She regained control of herself, and then pulled the two in for a sympathetic hug. “That one is quite assertive when she wants to be. I think she took Marius for herself right out from under your noses. But cheer up. There will always be more men to come through these woods. Our enigmatic friend may even help you out down the line”. Still, the two girls were a little disappointed to realize that they had missed their chance to claim a very friendly young man.

---

The door left wide open behind him let him see the way ahead of him for a while. But there was nothing to see, and the light from behind him soon vanished. Marius was worried that he’d be swallowed up by the darkness, but he continued forward. Soon he saw another light ahead of him, and he quickened his pace. He stepped into the new source of light and found the more familiar looking forest that he had first entered. He looked behind him. The hollow entrance was still there. The sun was shining through the leaves. But he had no idea how long he had been, so he started to run home. He burst out of the woods and saw his house. Opening the door, he saw his parents, who both stood up when they saw him.

“Marius! Where have you been?” His mother exclaimed, rushing to his side.

“Mother! I’m sorry, I went out to play”.

“You know the forest is dangerous, right?”

“Hon”. His father stepped up and knelt next to his mother.

“I told you he would come back, didn't I?”

“Yes but what if something happened?”

“Marius is smart. You know to be careful to look out for monsters, right?”

“Yes father”.

“Then I think it’s fine for him to explore. He should take all the time he can get. We took this house for ourselves knowing the danger. And Marius knows it too. But as long as he’s careful, he should be fine”. His mother seemed to relent. “So what did you do all day?”

“I followed a rabbit through a big tree, then I met a bunch of friends and we ate snacks and walked through a forest of mushrooms and…” Marius trailed off, feeling suddenly as if it was too strange to believe. But his father smiled.

“That sounds like quite an adventure. But you must be hungry”. He led Marius to the table where a meal had been prepared. Marius sat down with his parents so they could eat. Despite the snacks he had, it had no effect on his appetite.

Marius went to bed before his parents. He would travel to Wonderland many more times, playing and talking with all his friends, always returning in time to his home. It was a wonderful memory of his childhood.

But one day the young boy grew up.

---

Marius opened his eyes. He got out of bed, his parents still asleep nearby But while he was still quiet so as not to disturb them, he walked with a more controlled pace, out around the side of the house. Instead of running towards the forest like he might have done many years ago, he walked towards a small path through some trees, and out into the nearby village. He walked until he reached a building, knocking on the door. It opened and inside was a man  with broad shoulders and big strong arms. He waved the young man inside.

“Marius. Right on time”.

“Good morning Master”. Marius set to work right away, as an apprentice to the town’s smith. He had taken up the role just a few years ago, as soon as the man deemed him ready for the smithing work. It was a full day of mending and making tools, hammers pounding on hot metal to shape it, Marius taking customers’ orders and delivering messages to his master. When the day came to an end, the man set his tools down and lifted the mask that he wore to protect his face.

“That’ll do for today. Good work. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow.

“Thank you Master”.

“One moment”. The man fished around in his pocket. “I believe it’s your birthday today”. He said, handing something to Marius. The young man looked and saw that he had been given a silver crown. Worth 10 silver coins.

“Master! How can I accept such a generous gift?”

“Well, today is a big day. You’re practically a man. And you’ve been a hard worker at my shop. Give my best to your folks”.

“Thank you! I’ll do that”. Marius bowed and tried not to run out of the shop, closing the door behind him. He put the coin into his pocket, trying to decide what to do with it. The first thought was that he should put it away somewhere so that he could save it. But he had another thought. He ran to one of the shops and pushed the door open. Greeting the owner, he looked around at the shelves. Sweets, the kind he almost never got the chance to have. Looking around, he found a bag of chocolates. It was one of the most expensive things, but 20 bronze coins was still only two silvers. He approached the lady at the counter. “Ma’am. May I have these chocolates? I have this”. He handed the coin to her.

“Certainly”, she said with a smile. She dug around in a pouch behind the counter, and found eight silver coins, handing them to Marius. He gave her the coin, and took the chocolates, leaving the store. He raced home, eager to see his parents, and especially, share the chocolates he had gotten. When he stepped inside, he looked around to see that only his mother was waiting.

“Hello Mother!” She smiled, but he could tell that it was strained.

“Hello Marius. Happy birthday”.

“Th-thank you. I was given a present by Master. He gave me some extra money and I bought some chocolates for us all”.

“That was kind of him. And very thoughtful of you. We’ll have to give some to your father for when he leaves”.

“Leaves? Where is he going?” Marius’ excitement faded as he wondered what his father was doing.

“They...they came. Recruitment officers. from the Order. They’re looking for more soldiers to go to the front”. Marius went silent, sitting down to try to think about the news.

“But why Father?”

“They need as many as they can get. He isn’t performing any services, so they told him to report tomorrow. You are an apprentice, so you aren’t eligible”. Marius tried to process what was happening. How could this be? Men coming right through their village and into their home, demanding they give up people for the war. The door opened and there was his father, looking more grim than when they had spoke last night.

“Marius. I’m glad I got to see you before I left”. He set down a sword on the floor. It looked old and used. He sat down in a chair and pulled off his boots.

“Father. Why must you go? You’ve never fought before. Where did you get that sword?”

“This was my father’s. Marius, I understand you’re not happy. But I must go. My country calls for help. You need to stay here and support your mother”. He turned to look at the table, where mother had prepared their meal. “We should eat together. One last time while we still can”. Marius ate silently. Afterwards, he pulled out his bag.

“I want to share these with you”. He pulled out three chocolates, and gave one to each of his parents.

“Chocolate. I haven’t had some in ages”. His father put it in his mouth, and they all savored the sweet taste of the treat. Marius felt as though this was a familiar taste, like he had had something like this years ago. But this wasn’t possible. He’d rarely if ever had sweets before.

As they all lay down for sleep, the young man began to think.

---

Marius opened his eyes. He stood up out of bed. He knew that his father would be up soon. He pulled on some clothes. He pulled on his boots. He took the bag of chocolates, putting a few in his own bag, leaving the rest on the table. He pulled out the remaining silver coins. He didn’t know if he would need some, so he put four in his pocket and the remaining four on the table. Then he took his father’s sword, and walked out the door. He hurried along the path, hoping to meet the officer before they reached his house. In the village he spotted a man in an important looking coat. It had some kind of emblem on the back. He ran up to the man.

“Are you the recruitment officer?”

“And who might you be?” The man asked, looking sternly down at Marius. He was barely any taller, but he gave off an imposing feeling. Marius stood up as straight as he could.

“My name is Marius. I am here to report for duty on behalf of my father. We lived in the wooden house further down the path and near the forest”.

“I recall. But you clearly cannot fight. We need experienced men to fight against the monsters’ advancing forces”.

“My father has no experience either. He is getting older”.

“But you are too young”.

“I just turned 16. I’ve been working for three years as an apprentice to the local blacksmith. I can learn quickly”.

“Has your master given you proper leave?”

“I haven’t asked”.

“We have no need of men with no sense of respect for their obligations. Stop wasting my time. I have it written that your father is to be recruited”. He brushed past Marius.

“Please! You have to let me. I will talk to my master. But I can’t let my father go”.

“Do you understand what you’re asking to do? You will be fighting monsters on the front lines. You may not even return”.

“That's why I can’t let my father go”.

“Appears that you have a bit of courage. Then go speak with your master. If he gives you permission then I will take you”. Marius thanked him and ran over to the shop. He spoke to the blacksmith, who was confused by the early arrival. Bit when Marius explained, he nodded gravely.

“I’ll be sorry to see you go. But you’re doing right by your father. Well then, go with my blessing”. Marius thanked him again and rushed after the officer. When he spoke, the man looked at him carefully before nodding in agreement. They departed from the village at the side of the road, where there were more men waiting in a large wagon. Marius climbed up into a seat, ignoring the muttering about his size.

---

For three months they were trained in exercise and combat drills, housed in huge barracks that also served as their place for sleeping and eating. Marius thought every day about his decision to leave his parents behind, but consoled himself in the knowledge that it wouldn’t be his father. One day, Marius pulled out the remaining chocolates, intending to share them with some of the men he had developed a rapport with. There were few, but they had all shared in the struggles of their training, and the memories of their families left behind. Marius knew they would be overjoyed at the sight of such a rare treat. But they were found and confiscated by a superior. After this, Marius knew to keep the four silver coins a secret, separate from the bronze coins they were receiving as a salary.

Soon they were shipped out, set marching towards the front lines of the Order’s forces, where they were to meet the monsters in combat. In a tent with several other men, they were sleeping the night before a planned assault. He hadn’t even met the beasts yet.

---

Marius opened his eyes. He sat up at once at the sound of the warning horn, and the sound of men’s voices shouting in panic. His mates were waking up too, looking around. Marius ran outside to see the whole encampment in disarray. There were men running around, but something else was there too. Great big figures that he could just make out. Something like an enormous black dog, chasing after a man. He saw another man locked in combat with a woman. Her arms and legs were covered with red scales, and she had a fiery red tail swishing back and forth. He thought he saw another creature that had the body of a snake. The monsters were here already! He ran inside his tent. One of the men was already fully geared up and trying to pull the other men together.

“Marius! You’re still alive, thank the Chief God. Let’s go”.

“Alexander! We have to help the others”, Marius said frantically.

“We have to get out of here while we still can!”

“And leave everyone else to die?”

“And try to save our own skins! They brought us out here with three months of training and no better equipment than the clothes we had on our backs. We’re reserves for the good soldiers who’ve already been killed. There’s nothing we can do. You can stick around to see what happens to the other men, or you can come with us”. He led the rest of the soldiers out of the tent and they hurried past. Marius stood for a moment, then hurried after them. If he couldn’t help anyone else, maybe he could help his fellows. He was about to follow them when he heard a groan. Looking around he saw a man lying on the ground, two human looking women on top of him. They seemed to be biting him, and one looked up. Marius could see their discolored skin and tattered clothing, like they’d come back from the grave. All he could do was run, and try to catch up with the others. He just made it as they were running into a big forest. “Glad to see you made the right choice”, Alexander said. He led them quietly through the underbrush. But as they were moving as fast as they could, they heard a voice.

“I smell someone nearby!”

“This is it boys. We’ll have to stand and fight as much as we can”. Alexander brandished his own worn out sword, and the other four men stood ready. As they could hear something coming through the bushes, Marius backed up against a nearby tree and almost fell over. He peered at the trunk and saw what looked like a great big hollow opening in the tree. Something in his head lit up, and his eyes widened like he had just remembered something from long ago, looking down into the darkness of the tree hollow. He yanked one of the other men back as something came flying out of the woods at him.

“Into the tree! We can escape there!”

“Did you say we’re going into the tree?”

“There’s a tunnel! Run straight ahead and don’t look back! Marius waved the men in as Alexander stood facing off against some opponent. Alexander tried to turn but was knocked to the ground. Marius grabbed him by the shoulders and heaved him to his feet, urging the man along. He pushed Alexander into the darkness, despite the man’s hesitation. Marius followed behind, and they both ran blindly ahead, unable to see a thing. He didn’t even dare look behind to see if they were being followed. But he was brought to a halt when he crashed into Alexander. They ran into the other men ahead of them, all bumbling around in the dark.

“There’s nothing ahead of us! It’s just a solid wooden wall!” Marius tried to step forward to feel for the wall. It was made of wood.

“It’s not over yet!” He insisted, and his hands felt something in the wall. He was able to turn it, and push it to find that it was a door. He swung it open, leading the men out into what looked like another stretch of forest. They slammed the door behind them. They looked around in what was far lighter than where they had just been. But it still seemed like the sun was setting. Marius took the lead, cautiously making his way through the brush.

“Where are we?”

“I don’t know. I just feel like it might be safer than back there where the monsters were”. They managed to sit down for a while to rest. But soon they were on their feet again. And as they advanced, marius felt as though the scenery looked familiar somehow.

“This forest isn’t anything like any I’ve ever seen”, one man said. Marius was startled out of his reflection as he realized the trees now appeared to be large mushrooms, some towering over them like trees, others growing low to the ground. He tried to strike one with his sword and it spouted out a cloud of spores. They back away, afraid of what might happen if they inhaled them.

“Tell me you have a plan”, Alexander said. But Marius continued to lead them forward. He had even started to smell something. It had a remarkably sweet aroma. Why did it seem so familiar to him? Marius halted, and the others waited, hoping that he might know something. Before them, was a great big mushroom, and on top of it stood a figure. The figure looked like a human shrouded in a big cloak. Where the head appeared to be were two glowing eyes. The figure stood there, staring towards the men. Marius found the courage to speak up.

“Who are you?”

“How bold of you to ask questions of me when you have trespassed on my domain!” The voice was powerful and deep, a commanding tone that caused Marius and his company to shrink back.

“We were trying to flee from monsters! It was our only hope for escape!”

“I care not for your explanations! My own minions grow hungry and you shall make a fine offering for them!” They could hear a snarling sound in the distance, which hadn’t been helped by the growing darkness that surrounded the air, causing the men to lose sight of each other and everything around them. All they could see was the outline of the terrifying force they had crossed paths with.

---

However, behind the face of the terrifying villain that the stray soldiers had crossed was Priscillaura the wonderworm. She had manifested all her power into the illusion, bending the perception of her form and aided by the coming night. She projected a powerful aura, giving the men reason to fear for their lives. And her voice was altered to hide her true nature. Behind her stood a particular band of mamono, in awe of her power.

“Are you sure all this is necessary?” Henrileddia asked.

“Trust me. This will make it far more simple for each of you to make your choice of men. And you can give him your explanation at will. There are five of them, so you all need to decide. One at a time. Are you ready?”

“Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes!” Three excited girls were preparing to make their choice. The fifth was lying fast asleep on the ground.

“Mallorillia, if you don’t wake up now you’ll miss your chance for a husband!” One of them said. She shifted in her place on the ground.

“Whoever’s available”, she muttered.

“Alright! Aerialana, you’re first!” The jubjub jumped into the air and fluttered towards one of the men, who was looking around in panic. She leaped at him and flapped her wings with all her might, lifting him a little off the ground and carrying him off. She couldn’t wait to take a rest. “Maybellinda!” The march hare bounded up and lifted the man right into her arms, scampering off into the woods. “Alichandra!” The young girl picked one of the three remaining men and fluttered over to pluck him off the ground. He too was taken. “We need the other two gone”, she said, looking at the two remaining ladies next to her. “Malorillia?” She wouldn’t budge. Henrileddia took one look at her sleeping friend, then picked her up. The girl was light, and barely seemed to notice she was being moved. Henrileddia threw the girl, full force, at one of the two remaining men, and she crashed into him, knocking the man to the ground. The two rolled up together in a mess of limbs that caused them to roll along the ground far away from the group. Malorillia moved in her sleep and clutched tightly to her husband so that they couldn’t be separated. Priscillaura looked at the remaining man. “How careless of me. There is one remaining”.

“I know a jabberwock who needs some company”, Henrileddia said, and ran up, lifting the man up to carry him off to his new bride. Priscillaura smiled at how successful everything had been. Of course there were six men, but that meant one left for her. Just as she had planned.

---

Marius stood there, rooted in fear. He couldn’t see any of his fellows, and now their screams filled the air as one by one they seemed to fall victim to the fearsome monster’s minions. Soon, he counted the fifth voice and realized that he was all alone. Now he felt just a bit of the fear ebbing away. There was nothing to do but advance forward and try to counter the attack, or fall victim like the rest of the men. He stood up and slowly advanced towards the figure.

“You...I will take you for myself. I see that you are eager to meet your fate. I commend you in this show of bravery. But it will make no difference!” The villain mocked him as he approached them, sword in front of him. As he drew nearer he swung the sword, but it swished through the air. “You’ll have to do better than that”, the voice taunted. Marius tried again as he got closer. His sword struck something, it cleaved through the thing easily but there was no expected cry of pain. And now he could feel something in the air, as if his own control was being stolen away. He staggered, trying to stay upright. But his eyelids felt heavy. “You have sealed your own doom”, the voice said, and as Marius tried in vain to defend himself, he felt something heavy hit him in the chest and he passed out.

---

Marius opened his eyes. His head still felt light. He tried to sit up as the memories flooded in, everything from the last time he woke up in the camp to when he fled with his fellow deserters, through the tree and into this other land.

“I tried to lead them to safety, but I just got them all caught in a different attack”, he said to himself.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that”, said a soft voice beside him. Marius looked around in panic. He saw who was speaking. It appeared to be a woman, except that her skin was blue, and her human looking figure gave way to a large fat worm-like body. The body was currently wrapped around his waist, and he realized that he was laying in her lap, looking up at her upside down. She smiled widely. “Marius, I’m so glad that you’re awake”. He tried to escape, but he was held fast in place.

“Let me go! What happened to that beast?”

“Oh that? Did you want to meet again?”

“No I just...I don’t know what’s going on!”

“Then it would be my pleasure to enlighten you! You are in Wonderland with me, a lonely little caterpillar just waiting for a nice young man like yourself to take your place by my side. I used some of my magic to cast an illusion, one that would make it easier for my companions to take yours”.

“So that was an illusion? Where are they now?”

“Oh I’m sure they’re having their own conversation like this, all coming to terms with the fact that their lives aren’t at risk. Though I suppose I couldn't blame you for being a little upset at my stunt. As an apology, why don’t I allow you to try out my-”

“Then if we weren’t in danger, who are all of you? You said you were all looking for a man, what do you want with all of us?” The woman looked a little frustrated with being interrupted, but smiled again.

“Oh, probably something like this”, she picked up a glass bottle, which he could see was full of something. She took a deep puff from the tube that was attached to it, and then leaned over, lifting him up so that she could get closer to him. Then she planted her lips right onto his. Marius’ eyes widened, he’d never felt something like this before, barely having time to give thought to other girls his age with such a small population in his town. He had heard whispers from some of the soldiers about a lady they’d left behind. Or encounters they had with a certain kind of woman, money exchanged for services somewhere in town hidden from prying eyes. But barely had he thought about what he might be missing and now here he was, embraced by a creature he realized was more beautiful than anyone he’d ever laid eyes on. She hugged him closer, wrapping her soft body around him so that she could continue to press her mouth against his. It moved a little, and he could feel her sucking as if trying to deepen her kiss. She pushed her tongue into his mouth to play with his. He felt like he was breathing in whatever she had inhaled, and it was making his head go woozy and his body heat up. He groped at her body and she finally released him with a little smack of her lips. She was breathing heavily, her face remaining close to his as they looked into each other’s eyes. “Was that demonstration sufficient?” She asked, breathing another cloud of something into his face.

“I guess”, he stammered, trying to keep his thoughts straight.

“Monsters, as you call them. Monster girls, more like. Mamono. We are a kind that craves love with every fiber of our being. That urges us to chase after men. You mentioned fleeing some monsters. What did you see when they first attacked?”

“It was an invasion of our encampment. In the middle of the night. We were going to launch an attack, but they surprised us. A few of us just managed to escape, and then we were pursued through the tree, and we ended up here, where you attacked us”.

“Only for this purpose. I can assure you that every one of those attackers was just trying to find their own husband like we were. Armies make excellent sources of men”.

“How can you be sure?” He asked. Marius felt himself slump against her chest. She patted his head.

“The Demon Lord herself ordained the changes. We in this realm also give our thanks to her, as one of her daughters was the creator of everything in this realm. Soon we can meet up with everyone, and you’ll see that your friends are unharmed and far happier. But not now. They are spending time with their own wives. And I would like my own time with you first. If only so you can clear your head”. She giggled softly at the unfocused expression on his face.

“What did you put in my body?” he asked.

“A kind of substance that I favor to satisfy my hunger. But it also encourages certain moods in those who breathe it in. I can tell you that you have little experience with a lady such as myself, so it will be up to me to teach you”.

Marius sighed at the softness of her body. She was slowly peeling off what looked like some sort of clothing on her upper body, and it allowed a pair of breasts to spring up. He was sure they’d feel just as good as the rest of her body, so he reached for them and began to massage them, causing her to moan in pleasure as her chosen husband was finally having his way with her body. She leaned over to reward him with more kisses, and to join herself with him.

As Marius reveled in the sensations she was providing him, he found a bit of clarity in return.

“What’s your name?”

“Priscillaura, my sweetheart”.

“That’s ridiculous”, he muttered. “But then, I feel like I recognize it. And you knew my name from the beginning. How is that?”

“Well, my dear Marius, tell me what you remember about your childhood?”

“Not much. I was so carefree back then. But then I got older and I had to help my family. Then I left them so that my father wouldn’t have to fight himself”.

“And tell me Marius, do you remember a hollow tree, a tumble down beneath the ground, and a meeting of some new friends? Parties and sweets and adventures in the woods. A nap in my grove, resting in my grasp just like you are now. Do you remember how much fun you had? How much fun all of them had? I do. And I remember the last time that you waved goodbye, when I knew you might not come back”. Suddenly Marius knew what she was talking about, all of the times he had come to Wonderland before, all the times he had shared with those girls when he was a little boy. And how easily his memories faded with time, only to be brought back to the surface when they were needed again.

“I do! I remember escaping down this tree because I knew how to get to Wonderland, and to come here, even the scent you made for me to follow. You planned everything and I fell right into your trap”.

“Well, my lap. Right where I like you. Where I’ve wished to hold you, ever since I laid eyes on you and knew you were the one for me”. She paused to kiss him again.

“Priscillaura. Priss. I liked you, and everyone else, but now I think I love you! And I could never let you go!” He wrapped his arms around her soft body so that he could hold her.

“As do I, Marius”.

“But…”

“But?”

“I left my parents behind. I left without telling them, I didn’t want my father to have to fight, even though I was the one earning money for them. I don’t know what they think now, but I can’t just leave them to think I’ve died”.

“You were always such a good boy, returning to them after every one of our adventures. But now it’s been a much longer time to return to their side”, she mused.

“I had no choice. You know that. Someone was going to have to go, so I thought it should be me”.

“That does not mean that you can’t still return to them”. Marius looked up hopefully at her words.

“Really?”

“I am certain. I am just as capable of leading you back home as I was before. I will show you the way, and you can...you could go by yourself to reunite with them. Or I could accompany you. Perhaps it would make it easier to explain. They could come back to Wonderland if they wished, then you could see them as much as you wanted”.

“Would that really work?”

“Certainly. Though it would mean some changes for the both of them. Wonderland requires a bit of getting used to. But I assure you they would be welcome here if that’s what they wanted”.

“”Then we can go? I need to apologize to them for disappearing”.

“Of course. But just a little longer”, she squirmed so that she could retain her grip on him. “We both have some unfinished business”.

Edit: For posterity's sake, I'm just going to declare my attempt at the october writing challenge to be unsuccessful. The first two weeks I thought I could make it even if I was a little behind. Or at least half of the stories I wanted to write. But I just couldn't get going. So here's the four I got from this year, and I hope to write the rest of them some other time. Might even use the same subtitle.