Time: Four Hours Earlier
The world is made up of chains...
Her eyes fluttered in the darkness, a single candle flame sustaining its meager light throughout the darkened room, the blinds shielded against the rising sun that was already peeking its way through the folded curtains, over the sleeping girl on the large bed. The darkness assured her, comforted her in the silence, for she knew that if she opened those eyes, she would see the same dark chains that trailed in every corner. Cat... But the darkness had its horrors, the memories of the past flooding her mind as her eyes fluttered once again, the only sound that could be heard within the room was the panicked gasps that now wrought the girl's breaths. Come on, Ryo, don't be so dull! The voice of a child rang in her mind, so unfamiliar to her now, but nonetheless it was her voice.
TRAITOR!
Her eyes snapped open, the candle flame dying instantly at the suddenness of her movement, a slight chill remained in the room, still silent. However, she did request for silence, her room shielded against the chaos that she knew was roaming the doors outside. "You're joking..." The sounds were coming to her now, ringing through the closed door as she pulled herself off of the bed she had just taken comfort in a few seconds ago, now tainted with the memories of the nightmare that continued to ensue in her mind. With a frustrated glance, she pulled away the dress that was placed neatly by her bed, quickly changing into the red Victorian-styled dress, the fabric heavy but familiar and comforting.
"Fools!" She exclaimed as she stepped out of the room, two strands of her hair pulled into the usual braid as she made her way down the winding staircase of the tower, the morning sun already streaming through the windows that now lighted the abandoned tower up in a dim, muted light. "Do I have to remind you of the time?" She could hear the faint voices that echoed off of the bare walls, a faint look of annoyance lingered in her eyes as the winding staircase ended at the main room of the tower.
Liam had warned them. He told them that making so much noise while the Mistress was still sleeping was a bad idea. Even worse, to be starting the Tea Party so early, and without the Mistress? It was a dangerous game to play. However, the newer recruits ignored him, and he refused to repeat himself. It was their mistake really. If they should turn to gibbering buffoons, locked in their own heads by fear, then it was no concern of his. In fact, Liam almost hoped it might happen. Not only would it create a stronger sense of discipline within the Wonderland's ranks, but it wouldn't be anywhere near as annoying to have to deal with every morning. After issuing his warning, Liam stood patiently against the wall, on the side of the door with the handle on it. Far too many times had he made the mistake of standing on the opposite side, only to catch the door with his face. Cat always did love to slam the door to her room. At precisely that moment, the obvious divine intervention aside, Cat chose that precise moment to storm out of her room. The wall on the far side cracked from the impact. How terrifying. The new doorknob was directly at groin level. "Of course not Mi'lady. It's not even noon yet. I tried to warn them that you wouldn't be pleased, especially started the Tea Party without you. I suppose they simply couldn't wait any longer." At that moment, Liam couldn't help but smile softly at his Mistress, the Chesire Cat. Never, in his wildest fantasies, would he have imagined the Queen of Hearts to be this physically unimposing. His Mistress was a powerful, terrifying woman, that much was certain. However, there was something to be said about the way she threw tantrums like a little girl. To be entirely fair, she was much younger than him. Liam forced himself to suppress a chuckle. She was even rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. As she addressed, her words cloaked with venom, Liam had to suppress another chuckle, he couldn't stop himself from smiling. It was just her way. Without saying a word, Liam adjusted the guitar case on his back, then drew a pinched line across his mouth, zipping it shut.
Tea Party! Cat had to place her hand on her forehead, the coolness of her hand waking her up from the daze that had ensued after the nightmare. How could she have forgotten? "Don't give me that look." She gave Liam a glare before turning her strides. Despite the glare, it did not hold any distaste, but simply a look of annoyance that usually came with her morning tantrums. Now aimed for the small locked door on the side, Cat's each step was accompanied by the heavy dress swaying at her feet, the train of which dragged along the ground. The room that opened from the small lock in her hand appeared sinister, but its contents were anything but such. With a few moment's hesitation, she placed her hand on the large can before her, handing it to Liam as a small smile lingered on her lips. English Breakfast Tea, perfect for the morning occasion. But then again, she had always been able to choose the perfect tea for all different occasions.
"Kuni!" Her voice bellowed throughout the tower, authoritative and demanding, as if not allowing her second-in-command the chance to answer. "Milk and sugar!" No one could have breakfast tea without the cream and sugar, and she did not even await a response from her second-in-command. Besides, Cat was still having a hard time accepting the fact that she had a second-in-command. Handing the box to Liam, she gave him a small smirk as she turned around, placing full trust in the man to boil the tea to the right temperature and intensity. "Let the Tea Party begin!" Her voice was accompanied by her own laughter as the room exploded into chaos.
Time: One Hour Earlier
This is madness.
A faint smirk rose on the corner of her lips as the thought flashed across her mind, the large room filled with the different members of Wonderland, all dressed up in her favorite Victorian-styled outfits. Cat sat with her knees crossed, her chair centered at the far end of the long table, now decorated with a pure white tablecloth. This event was not at all unfamiliar to Wonderland, and truly, it was a mad event.
Liam stood at his Mistress's side. He was at her right hand, back a pace or two, and deathly silent. Though he sipped his tea thoughtfully, as the Cat had managed to pick a most delightful blend of the English breakfast variety, Liam remained, for the most part, silent. His function, while not acting on Cat's direct orders, was to observe and protect. More loyal than a German Shepherd and three times as vicious. As the revelry descended into it's usual madness, Liam made occasional glances at the clock and the sun in the sky. It was high noon, almost three o'clock. It was nearly time. As the clock struck two thirty, Liam took a single step forward, and leaned over, placing his head over Cat's shoulder. He was still a good distance away, so as not to earn a slap from his mistress, but close enough that their conversation would remain private. "Mi'lady, it is now half past three o'clock, precisely. You should be going now, or else you will be late for the arranged meeting at the Truce Zone." Liam said simply, just low enough that she would be the only one to hear him. Once he had finished, Liam took a step back, at his usual spot behind his mistress. When she directed her attention back to him, Liam merely nodded, silent, stoic, and compliant. It only mad sense. The Savage Nymph would have followed the Chesire Cat's bobbing tail until it no longer possessed the strength to fly. Even then, it would have walked, crawled, and dragged itself across the ground to ensure her safety. Liam wouldn't be losing anyone else. Today, or ever for that matter.
Truce Zone? A hint of confusion flashed across her eyes before realization dawned. It wasn't surprising that her eyes immediately blazed with anger at the sudden reminder of the event that was doomed to take place for the day. Liam was smart to take a step back, for her arm immediately flew up, missing his head by inches as she pulled herself up from the chair, the sudden motion silenced the room, and the only sound that could be heard was the sound of her angered breathing. It took Cat a few seconds--or was it minutes-- before she calmed her breathing, but her eyes nonetheless still retained that cold glare she had dropped ever since the Tea Party started. They're mad for daring to ask me to go. They should probably know by now exactly what will occur at the Truce Zone. Hell, they would be lucky to get the talking started with Cat there, for she was going to flood his mind with his greatest nightmares and make that traitor bow down on his knees in front of her.
"Kuni!" The silence lingered in the room as Cat remained motionless for a few seconds, her hands scrunching up the table clothes with frustration and annoyance that she did not bother to hide. "Liam." Her eyes flickered toward the loyal member, the anger in her eyes still blazed despite the cheery atmosphere the room was soaked in but a second ago. "You're with me. Let's go." Typical Cat, her voice not even allowing a hint of question to her demand. It came as no surprise that she demanded for Liam's presence, besides, his loyalty and his past all combined to qualify as her personal guard. Whatever that might take place in the Truce Zone, she had full trust that he would no doubt remain loyal to her. Whatever the leaders were planning, they would do best to prepare for her rage.
Time: Present Times
Why won't you all just leave me in peace...
She hated crowds, and this was one of the reasons she had sat at the far end of the table during the Tea Party, a spot reserved simply for her. Within crowds, the chains dominated over the people, each filling with the screams and nightmares of the individual involved. And it was to her dismay that she understands each leader will be bringing forward their second-in-command and a fellow member. For safety measures. A faint arrogant smirk lingered on her lips as her strides stopped. As if anyone can stop me. Her fingers tingled as she watched the dark chains that laid across the ground. One grasp, and whoever it was linked to would experience their worst nightmare. One grasp, and she could bring even the strongest of all warriors to their knees. But now's not the time. Her eyes flickered upwards at the members that followed her. She had barely even remembered Kuni's existence, his quietness not doing much against Cat's easily distracted mind. However, she could hear the sound of Liam's footsteps, weighted down by his over-sized weapon, at least... It was definitely over-sized to Cat, and slightly on the heavier side. Careful now, Liam. Her thought held a hint of distaste as she did not turn her gaze to look at him, but nonetheless the silent warning should have been implicit. While she fully trusted in his abilities, the members that are gathered here today can crush them easily if they put their mind to it. And honestly, Cat was not about to let that happen. Her proud gaze looking with a condescending attitude and her body fixed with a relaxed posture that somehow paradoxically showed hints of tension.
Liam walked silently behind his Mistress. Every so often he reached up to adjust his guitar case, so it would sit more comfortably upon his back. However, Liam was no fool. Inside the unassuming case was Lunatic, his weapon of choice, as well as the item granted to him as a Hiatus. Lunatic was a massive, over-sized claymore, but that meant nothing to Liam's brute strength. When he swung Lunatic, bones crunched and walls crumpled. He adjusted the zipper at the top of the bag as he walked. The resulting opening was just wide enough to stuff his fist into at a moment's notice, should things go poorly. Hopefully they wouldn't. However, if anyone would make that happen, it was, most likely, going to be Cat. Her hatred of Ryota was well-known by every single hiatus in all of Minimum. She opposed him at every turn, defied him, fought him, and hated him with every fiber of her being. Such a violent action would, most likely, come from Cat first, followed by Liam second, in defense of his mistress. Her eyes caught his as they gazed at the small group's destination. She was nervous, but simultaneously confident beyond all belief. She defied anyone to lie to her, to tell her no, to look at her wrong. It was times like this that Liam remembered why he and... he and his partner, had chosen Cat. She was, in a word, fearless. She was proud, she was regal, and she was terrifying. Liam nodded as she caught his eyes. No other words were necessary. They both knew exactly what was going on. Liam sighed to himself, and at the same time as his Mistress, looked to the entrance of the Truce Zone. Thinking quietly to himself, Liam smiled. "Let the madness begin..."
With Liam's voice, a faint smile rose on her lips accompanied by a chuckle that eased the tension slightly, something perhaps only Liam was able to achieve in such a situation. "You are all invited to my ultimate Tea Party." The mischievous look flashed in her eyes. "Commence the Mad Tea Party." And with that, that signature Cheshire Cat grin flashed across her expression, a look that suggested the commencement of another one of Cat's games.
Shall we begin?
The world is made up of chains...
Her eyes fluttered in the darkness, a single candle flame sustaining its meager light throughout the darkened room, the blinds shielded against the rising sun that was already peeking its way through the folded curtains, over the sleeping girl on the large bed. The darkness assured her, comforted her in the silence, for she knew that if she opened those eyes, she would see the same dark chains that trailed in every corner. Cat... But the darkness had its horrors, the memories of the past flooding her mind as her eyes fluttered once again, the only sound that could be heard within the room was the panicked gasps that now wrought the girl's breaths. Come on, Ryo, don't be so dull! The voice of a child rang in her mind, so unfamiliar to her now, but nonetheless it was her voice.
TRAITOR!
Her eyes snapped open, the candle flame dying instantly at the suddenness of her movement, a slight chill remained in the room, still silent. However, she did request for silence, her room shielded against the chaos that she knew was roaming the doors outside. "You're joking..." The sounds were coming to her now, ringing through the closed door as she pulled herself off of the bed she had just taken comfort in a few seconds ago, now tainted with the memories of the nightmare that continued to ensue in her mind. With a frustrated glance, she pulled away the dress that was placed neatly by her bed, quickly changing into the red Victorian-styled dress, the fabric heavy but familiar and comforting.
"Fools!" She exclaimed as she stepped out of the room, two strands of her hair pulled into the usual braid as she made her way down the winding staircase of the tower, the morning sun already streaming through the windows that now lighted the abandoned tower up in a dim, muted light. "Do I have to remind you of the time?" She could hear the faint voices that echoed off of the bare walls, a faint look of annoyance lingered in her eyes as the winding staircase ended at the main room of the tower.
Liam had warned them. He told them that making so much noise while the Mistress was still sleeping was a bad idea. Even worse, to be starting the Tea Party so early, and without the Mistress? It was a dangerous game to play. However, the newer recruits ignored him, and he refused to repeat himself. It was their mistake really. If they should turn to gibbering buffoons, locked in their own heads by fear, then it was no concern of his. In fact, Liam almost hoped it might happen. Not only would it create a stronger sense of discipline within the Wonderland's ranks, but it wouldn't be anywhere near as annoying to have to deal with every morning. After issuing his warning, Liam stood patiently against the wall, on the side of the door with the handle on it. Far too many times had he made the mistake of standing on the opposite side, only to catch the door with his face. Cat always did love to slam the door to her room. At precisely that moment, the obvious divine intervention aside, Cat chose that precise moment to storm out of her room. The wall on the far side cracked from the impact. How terrifying. The new doorknob was directly at groin level. "Of course not Mi'lady. It's not even noon yet. I tried to warn them that you wouldn't be pleased, especially started the Tea Party without you. I suppose they simply couldn't wait any longer." At that moment, Liam couldn't help but smile softly at his Mistress, the Chesire Cat. Never, in his wildest fantasies, would he have imagined the Queen of Hearts to be this physically unimposing. His Mistress was a powerful, terrifying woman, that much was certain. However, there was something to be said about the way she threw tantrums like a little girl. To be entirely fair, she was much younger than him. Liam forced himself to suppress a chuckle. She was even rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. As she addressed, her words cloaked with venom, Liam had to suppress another chuckle, he couldn't stop himself from smiling. It was just her way. Without saying a word, Liam adjusted the guitar case on his back, then drew a pinched line across his mouth, zipping it shut.
Tea Party! Cat had to place her hand on her forehead, the coolness of her hand waking her up from the daze that had ensued after the nightmare. How could she have forgotten? "Don't give me that look." She gave Liam a glare before turning her strides. Despite the glare, it did not hold any distaste, but simply a look of annoyance that usually came with her morning tantrums. Now aimed for the small locked door on the side, Cat's each step was accompanied by the heavy dress swaying at her feet, the train of which dragged along the ground. The room that opened from the small lock in her hand appeared sinister, but its contents were anything but such. With a few moment's hesitation, she placed her hand on the large can before her, handing it to Liam as a small smile lingered on her lips. English Breakfast Tea, perfect for the morning occasion. But then again, she had always been able to choose the perfect tea for all different occasions.
"Kuni!" Her voice bellowed throughout the tower, authoritative and demanding, as if not allowing her second-in-command the chance to answer. "Milk and sugar!" No one could have breakfast tea without the cream and sugar, and she did not even await a response from her second-in-command. Besides, Cat was still having a hard time accepting the fact that she had a second-in-command. Handing the box to Liam, she gave him a small smirk as she turned around, placing full trust in the man to boil the tea to the right temperature and intensity. "Let the Tea Party begin!" Her voice was accompanied by her own laughter as the room exploded into chaos.
Time: One Hour Earlier
This is madness.
A faint smirk rose on the corner of her lips as the thought flashed across her mind, the large room filled with the different members of Wonderland, all dressed up in her favorite Victorian-styled outfits. Cat sat with her knees crossed, her chair centered at the far end of the long table, now decorated with a pure white tablecloth. This event was not at all unfamiliar to Wonderland, and truly, it was a mad event.
Liam stood at his Mistress's side. He was at her right hand, back a pace or two, and deathly silent. Though he sipped his tea thoughtfully, as the Cat had managed to pick a most delightful blend of the English breakfast variety, Liam remained, for the most part, silent. His function, while not acting on Cat's direct orders, was to observe and protect. More loyal than a German Shepherd and three times as vicious. As the revelry descended into it's usual madness, Liam made occasional glances at the clock and the sun in the sky. It was high noon, almost three o'clock. It was nearly time. As the clock struck two thirty, Liam took a single step forward, and leaned over, placing his head over Cat's shoulder. He was still a good distance away, so as not to earn a slap from his mistress, but close enough that their conversation would remain private. "Mi'lady, it is now half past three o'clock, precisely. You should be going now, or else you will be late for the arranged meeting at the Truce Zone." Liam said simply, just low enough that she would be the only one to hear him. Once he had finished, Liam took a step back, at his usual spot behind his mistress. When she directed her attention back to him, Liam merely nodded, silent, stoic, and compliant. It only mad sense. The Savage Nymph would have followed the Chesire Cat's bobbing tail until it no longer possessed the strength to fly. Even then, it would have walked, crawled, and dragged itself across the ground to ensure her safety. Liam wouldn't be losing anyone else. Today, or ever for that matter.
Truce Zone? A hint of confusion flashed across her eyes before realization dawned. It wasn't surprising that her eyes immediately blazed with anger at the sudden reminder of the event that was doomed to take place for the day. Liam was smart to take a step back, for her arm immediately flew up, missing his head by inches as she pulled herself up from the chair, the sudden motion silenced the room, and the only sound that could be heard was the sound of her angered breathing. It took Cat a few seconds--or was it minutes-- before she calmed her breathing, but her eyes nonetheless still retained that cold glare she had dropped ever since the Tea Party started. They're mad for daring to ask me to go. They should probably know by now exactly what will occur at the Truce Zone. Hell, they would be lucky to get the talking started with Cat there, for she was going to flood his mind with his greatest nightmares and make that traitor bow down on his knees in front of her.
"Kuni!" The silence lingered in the room as Cat remained motionless for a few seconds, her hands scrunching up the table clothes with frustration and annoyance that she did not bother to hide. "Liam." Her eyes flickered toward the loyal member, the anger in her eyes still blazed despite the cheery atmosphere the room was soaked in but a second ago. "You're with me. Let's go." Typical Cat, her voice not even allowing a hint of question to her demand. It came as no surprise that she demanded for Liam's presence, besides, his loyalty and his past all combined to qualify as her personal guard. Whatever that might take place in the Truce Zone, she had full trust that he would no doubt remain loyal to her. Whatever the leaders were planning, they would do best to prepare for her rage.
Time: Present Times
Why won't you all just leave me in peace...
She hated crowds, and this was one of the reasons she had sat at the far end of the table during the Tea Party, a spot reserved simply for her. Within crowds, the chains dominated over the people, each filling with the screams and nightmares of the individual involved. And it was to her dismay that she understands each leader will be bringing forward their second-in-command and a fellow member. For safety measures. A faint arrogant smirk lingered on her lips as her strides stopped. As if anyone can stop me. Her fingers tingled as she watched the dark chains that laid across the ground. One grasp, and whoever it was linked to would experience their worst nightmare. One grasp, and she could bring even the strongest of all warriors to their knees. But now's not the time. Her eyes flickered upwards at the members that followed her. She had barely even remembered Kuni's existence, his quietness not doing much against Cat's easily distracted mind. However, she could hear the sound of Liam's footsteps, weighted down by his over-sized weapon, at least... It was definitely over-sized to Cat, and slightly on the heavier side. Careful now, Liam. Her thought held a hint of distaste as she did not turn her gaze to look at him, but nonetheless the silent warning should have been implicit. While she fully trusted in his abilities, the members that are gathered here today can crush them easily if they put their mind to it. And honestly, Cat was not about to let that happen. Her proud gaze looking with a condescending attitude and her body fixed with a relaxed posture that somehow paradoxically showed hints of tension.
Liam walked silently behind his Mistress. Every so often he reached up to adjust his guitar case, so it would sit more comfortably upon his back. However, Liam was no fool. Inside the unassuming case was Lunatic, his weapon of choice, as well as the item granted to him as a Hiatus. Lunatic was a massive, over-sized claymore, but that meant nothing to Liam's brute strength. When he swung Lunatic, bones crunched and walls crumpled. He adjusted the zipper at the top of the bag as he walked. The resulting opening was just wide enough to stuff his fist into at a moment's notice, should things go poorly. Hopefully they wouldn't. However, if anyone would make that happen, it was, most likely, going to be Cat. Her hatred of Ryota was well-known by every single hiatus in all of Minimum. She opposed him at every turn, defied him, fought him, and hated him with every fiber of her being. Such a violent action would, most likely, come from Cat first, followed by Liam second, in defense of his mistress. Her eyes caught his as they gazed at the small group's destination. She was nervous, but simultaneously confident beyond all belief. She defied anyone to lie to her, to tell her no, to look at her wrong. It was times like this that Liam remembered why he and... he and his partner, had chosen Cat. She was, in a word, fearless. She was proud, she was regal, and she was terrifying. Liam nodded as she caught his eyes. No other words were necessary. They both knew exactly what was going on. Liam sighed to himself, and at the same time as his Mistress, looked to the entrance of the Truce Zone. Thinking quietly to himself, Liam smiled. "Let the madness begin..."
With Liam's voice, a faint smile rose on her lips accompanied by a chuckle that eased the tension slightly, something perhaps only Liam was able to achieve in such a situation. "You are all invited to my ultimate Tea Party." The mischievous look flashed in her eyes. "Commence the Mad Tea Party." And with that, that signature Cheshire Cat grin flashed across her expression, a look that suggested the commencement of another one of Cat's games.
Shall we begin?