Rachel Donzen's Story

Time: Four Hours Earlier

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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.

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Time: One Hour Earlier

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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.

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Time: Present Times

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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?

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What if I tell you, that I live in a nightmare?

Unconsciously, her eyes fluttered slightly before closing, allowing the darkness to soak in against the chaos that wrought the scene. If anyone else were to look through her eyes, the scene before them would be much different, from darkness to the distant sound of screams, the space was overrun by the nightmares of those that surround the Truce Zone. Not to even mention the phantom clown that has been circling around Liam, which she was starting to take a slight agitation to. Of all things, you decide to fear a clown… The little tinge of humor that mingled with her thoughts allowed Cat an interim for her to take a deep breath, a soft puff of air escaping her lips as her eyes opened to once again lay her gaze upon the scene before her.

The faint flash of a blue glow caught her attention as the person she knew to be the second-in-command in Sonic Boom activated his error. Cautious. Not so dumb after all. Her bitter thoughts were interrupted at Liam’s voice, making sure to keep her gaze straight ahead. If she was to lock gazes with him now, she was not sure how strong the influence of the nightmares that reflected in her eyes were, but it was definitely not going to produce merry effects on those that dare to contemplate on her eye color. ”Please, do remain seated Kaleb. You and Cat are the aces, after all. It would be best to keep such cards hidden until the appropriate time, no?” And with that, the crash was heard behind her back, which earned Liam a roll of her eyes, as his error was activated, the sudden shine of light that she did not even need to turn her head to see was enough to catch the glimpses of all the Landers, if not the other gang members. A little too flashy, no? A faint smirk played on her lips. Let it be flashy. That was enough to give the others a warning.

“Do not take me for a fool, Liam.” And with that, Cat played at the cuff of her dress. Although her peripheral glances trained on the faint motion behind her back along with another glance in the front that caught only the slightest hint of her attention, the purple-haired girl who trained her gaze on Liam. For the former, if Franki believed even for the slightest second that Cat did not realize her absence, then she was dead wrong. I’ll deal with you later. A turn of her head and her mischievous glare at the girl that leaned on the railing defined Cat’s thought, but mostly it was to deliver a cautionary nudge was sent toward the man standing behind her as she waved off the small disturbance of the girl she recognized as the famous Madoka he always spoke of. She at least owed him that much to feign ignorance at the affair, but anymore and she was not about to sit quietly at the exchange between him and the member of Sonic Boom.

”A tea party indeed? We must be mad or we wouldn’t have come here, now would we?” Her previous words were returned by the leader of Air Gear, which was reflected with a mischievous smile from Cat at her equally playful friend. If his gesture did not gain him favor, then his later words definitely did. ”You can bet that they’re lovin’ the in-fighting we’ve got going on. I know I am. But anyways, I see one of us is keeping silent. Why is that I wonder?” Yes. That definitely earns him some points with Cat. ”Sorry, about that. I was just… Collecting my thoughts.” But, that answer was not acceptable enouh for Cat, who itched for a fight. ”Something to hide. Perhaps. Her words were followed by a mischievous nod to the one the taunting words were directed at, the more silent one of the group. ”Perhaps planning another betrayal? Maybe that was going overboard, but she wasn’t allowed to taunt him physically, thus at the moment, words will have to do it. Forcing her glance away from the leader of Sonic Boom, she directed her attention at those that seemed to have something productive to say.

“I’d like to begin by saying that I am glad to see everyone,” the small smile from her childhood friend Alex was returned with a playful look of “Just get on with it” from Cat, shaking her head at the formality of Alex. ”Being that said, you should all know that there has been another attack… The Core attacked a large group of hiatus, from what I could tell there were no survivors.” Cat’s expression remained its usual mocking smile, but the gaze in her eyes flickered slightly at the information being voiced. No survivors… Her eyes narrowed at the words, which was followed without even room for breathing by the member of Candy Crush, Michael. She barely heeded his words as she took the papers that were passed into her hands, not even bothering to take a look as she turned and placed it in Kuni’s hands. ”Keep it.” If they expected her to read in this situation, they were all fools. ”However, in the process of collecting information, I notice a strange thing.” That caught Cat’s attention, and her gaze lingered on the photo in front of Alex for much too long. Whatever words that spewed out of Michael’s mouth, Cat paid no attention to, the gaze in her eyes seeping darker by the second. Jackson Glenn huh? Her lips were now drawn into a tight line as Michael’s mouth continued moving with speech. ”…I have evidence that suggests he was a double agent…” With that, her eyes snapped up to meet his, a look of anger flashed across her expression for a slight second. ”You’re insane.” Her words were venomous, followed by a step forward as she crossed her arms over her chest with an unconscious motion. ”You realize that you are accusing a member of Wonderland of betrayal.” Whatever chatter from the Landers was now silenced with her words. If there was one thing that Cat did not tolerate, it was betrayal. And whatever Candy Crush was suggesting, they had just placed accusation upon one of her fellow members.

”Oh, yes. Michael, as always you have such detailed documents. That mind of yours is amazing.” Michael’s chuckle combined with Ryota’s words was enough to test Cat’s patience, whose hands always closed shut, a faint shudder unnoticeable to others shook down her back at the accusation. The glare in her eyes did not reflect humor in the slightest as the deep purple of her eyes was tinged with the chaos and darkness that roamed in its gaze, as if the entire party’s fears and despairs formed themselves into her glare. ”You dare accuse those of Wonderland of acts of betrayal?” Her voice no longer held that playful tone, but instead was a mixture of disbelief and fury. You are not getting away with this. Her thoughts took a dangerous turn, but her sense at least pulled her back. The chains that dragged along the ground were in easy reach… Breathe. Nothing riled Cat up more than hints of betrayal. And truly, it only took a little more for her to snap.

Tread carefully. This is my Wonderland.

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I’ll kill him…

Angry would be a severe understatement for the word that would describe the look on Cat’s face as Michael spoke his words, the purple in her eyes was clouded over with a sense of hatred. If one were to take a glance into her eyes at the moment, the dark shadows that mingled with the deep purple would bring anyone to their knees. However, at the moment, all she could see were the strange dolls that danced around Michael’s feet, and one touch, simple one pull at the chain that stretched from him toward the ground, he would be able to truly see these phantom dolls morphed from his fear itself. No, angry was not nearly a word enough to describe her state, the curling of her fingers, nor the look in her eyes as she glanced at the rose he held in her direction. ”A beautiful rose for a beautiful and elegant lady.” Ha. Ha. It was as if the hint of death lingered in the air, and it was evident on the smile on Cat’s face as she stepped forth and reached over, her fingers lingering on his hand for a slight second. It was all she needed to begin the downward spiral toward insanity for him, simply a touch, and she would make him bow to her. ”Watch yourself Michael.” The firm hand on her shoulder made her grind her teeth. She knew exactly whose hand that belonged to, and the outburst of power that was ready to seep through her fingertips was forced back, simply so that it wouldn’t seep toward the man who now stood behind her. The rose was flung down, and then grinded under her feet into the rocky ground. She could hear Liam’s words flowing out in a fluid motion. He has always been a great speaker. However, even so, the look in her eyes as she turned to give him a glance promised murder. ”Call me mad, call me a fool, call me what you will, but I have said my piece. I suggest that our primary course of action is to stop flinging around insults and accusations long enough to figure out just what can be done to facilitate such a union.” A faint smirk flashed across her face as Cat shook her head, and a faint mumble of ”Fool” was heard. He was the only one that dared to stop her from placing the man in front of her into a mental asylum, but then again, he was the only one capable. ”Peace, please? Michael does not mean harm…” The faint voice was heard along with the touch on her hand, her eyes turning dangerously to her second-in-command, who she has yet to accept as her second-in-command. ”He’s not capable of harm.” Not to her. Fear held power, one not to be reckoned with, and as the leader of Wonderland, she was not ready to back down from such a confrontation.

”First of all, thank you, Liam, for the wonderful speech. I must commend you, Katerina, for recruiting such a strong spokesperson and member within your gang.” She was furious, but at least she was reasonable. Her gaze held no menace at the second-in-command of Sonic Boom, the tension in her shoulders loosening slightly. ”I have stepped out of my boundaries as a second-in-command. I apologize, Katerina, Ryota, Alexandria, Nemiel, however, as one of the creators of such a gathering between the four Error Gangs within Minimum, I felt as if I should see what I created to rise into fruition, rather than rot before it even does anything.” Her eyes flickered curiously toward the tiger-like figure at his side, but it disappeared as suddenly as it appeared. However, her laughter followed his words, a laughter that was tinged with amusement and bitterness. The sound of her laughter broke the silence that followed, and the faint swoosh of her dress against the ground signaled her turn, shaking her head in a hint of amusement as she turned away from the groups in the center, her steps carrying her back to where she originally stood. ”Sonic Boom. Always the peacekeepers.” Her voice held a tinge of sarcasm, but nonetheless, she was impressed by Edwin’s speech. ”I shall let this be.” It wasn’t like her to back down from a fight, especially not to one that has personally insulted her, but the two speeches from the members of the two different gangs touched on her amusement. ”However, cross me again, Michael. Insult my gang one more time with implications of betrayal.” Her eyes flickered to the man she held with hatred. What once was a friendly relationship now turned to dust. ”And you’ll pay the price. Dearly. Perhaps with your sanity to start.” Her words were heavy, and her eyes did not show hints of humor.

The moment’s peace was shattered, by the voice of one man. It didn’t take even a half a second for Cat to figure out who the voice belonged to. ”Edwin you need to rest. I can handle the rest from here.” Here we go. Her eyes turned toward the speaker, who seemed to have something in mind, one that touched her interest. ”We are going to fight back… but not in the way Core expects us to. We are going to fight fire with fire. In short we need to send in our own spy.” His voice was followed by a dark shadow in her gaze, her arms crossing over her dress as her eyes flickered for a split second toward Liam. "I… I kinda… Like Ryota-kun’s idea… B-But… We-We would well… Maybe… Uh.. have someone… Of higher rank… Be-Because… It could well.. Ensure loyalty… And.. If found out… They… Well would have a higher chance… Of surviving… C-Core is strong… But so are we… L-Liam was right… T-They are scared… Or… Well… Otherwise we would not be at war… And no spies would be needed.” If one could see Cat’s face during Kaleb’s speech, they would find hints of humor mixed with annoyance at his hesitation. Oh, just get on with it… A faint roll of her eyes was sent to him at what he was suggesting. To befriend this Isana, his plan suggested. There are but few within Wonderland that can display this form of deception, for all of Wonderland was exceptionally blunt and rash. ”I… I know that… Well… No one wishes to give… Up a leader… But… I think that… The calmer the better… Because… Well… A calm head thinks better in rushes… And… I’ll just be quiet now.” A faint chuckle escaped her lips. No one was going to give up a leader, she was sure of that. They were the cornerstones of the Error gangs. One loss, and it might have been the key to taking down Minimum. However, she was not about to let her members into the field. She has already lost enough from the attack the day before.

”As much as I’d hate to agree with anything you say lad, your suggestion of someone on the inside may prove to be our winning hand in this. Because eventually we’re going to have to take the fight to them in one way or another and better we do so on our terms rather than theirs.” Traitor. Her mouth voiced this word toward Nem, who she gave a scowl to. Cat was not one to think rationally when it comes to anything that involves Ryota, and for that, she was not about to agree to his plan. Not even for a second, especially if it meant placing her members into dangerous situations once again. ”Whatever you’re suggesting, Ryo.” His nickname was so familiar, yet her eyes did not show hints of familiarity, ”Leave Wonderland out of it.” Her voice was final, decisive. Perhaps the others would not understand her decision, but she understood it perfectly. Ryota was working with Mitsuki. That she is absolutely certain of. On what? She does not know, but she was not going to send any of her members into this chaotic mix of betrayal and lies.

Then came that abominable voice, the one that made her clench her fist with simply its sound. ”I am not famous. Nor am I any important. Yes, I do admit, my intelligence can be a bit higher than some people.” With that, she nearly reached down and threw her shoes at the obnoxious speaker. Her mind immediately blocked out his words, unable to contain herself with one more word from him. Although a certain line caught her ears. ”Liam… Would you like to do this with me? You are physically strong and is a very good soldier. You are famous, correct. But your nickname is the Savage Nymph for a reason, correct?” Could he notice the faint movement in her hands? The small but firms steps she took, each closer to the speaker. ”Enough!” Her voice boomed. That was enough. The bottom line. ”Michael Parkinson. If you wish to die, I will not stop you.” In fact, she welcomes it. ”But hear this and hear it well. Liam will not be accompanying you on your suicide mission.” His phantom chain was inches from her feet, and she kicked at it, simply moving it out of her way so that she would not be tempted to grab it. ”You want to know what I think? I think you’re a fool.” Her eyes flickered around the room. They were all fools, believing even for a second what the leader of Sonic Boom says. But I know the truth. ”And you will not be dragging any of my members into this. Especially not Liam.” The glance sent toward Liam did not leave any room for questioning. He was not going, unless it was over her dead body. I am not losing him. Her gaze darkened at the thought, and she clenched her teeth, her anger spilling from her words, all tinged with venom. ”Place your trust in Ryo, and you’ll find it awfully misplaced.” The sound of laughter escaped her lips, but it was not of amusement, instead it was of bitterness and… Pain? ”Go ahead, do what you all must.” Her words were directed to Nem and Alex, both of whom she had not seen in a while. However, they still remained so familiar, and dear to her. And I wish you all no harm. But she was not talented at expressing such notions, her protectiveness disguised behind what others claim as blind rage. ”But I will not be betrayed again.” Her last words were clearly directed at the leader of Sonic Boom, and with that, she turned from the ground, her steps carrying her away from the Truce Zone. She could hear shouts, insults, and mad laughter coming from her own gang, but she took no notice of it.

My Wonderland. My rules.

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"Edwin you need to rest. I can handle the rest from here." Edwin did sit down at the beckoning of Ryota, but it didn’t matter much as it was obvious that whatever Ryota would say, it would only create more havoc. Especially with the Wonderland leader… Edwin glanced at Katerina before focusing once more on the back of Ryota’s head. At least, the idea of the spy was pretty receptive, especially amongst Nemiel and Ryota- much less so with the second-in-command for Wonderland- but it seemed as if it were to be set in stone. Edwin looked at the members present, his eyes lingering on Alexandria and Katerina as they kept silent, not sure what their plans were at all. Will this ‘spy’ idea get past the four gangs? The gang meetings had been held a mere ten times, and each time had ended either in utter havoc and outrage, or with tensions increased between the four separate groups of Hiatuses. This trend has to stop, somehow. A sigh escaped his lips as Edwin flipped open his phone and then closed it again, the light snaps of the old cell phone mixing into the air with the light chattering that only grew stronger and stronger from the stands where the other members of the four gangs stood.

Then, Michael Parkinson spoke. Immediately, the hall quieted as all the members within knew what was going to happen- and that whatever Michael said would only set off the time bomb known as Katerina Ainsley. "Instead of spying, why don't we do an assassinate mission?” Edwin closed his eyes, pursing his lips as he started to shake his head. The screen on his phone flashed as Edwin heard a rumbling laugh encircle his mind, his Error taking glee in the idea. Yes! Yes, join this ‘assassin plan’, Edwin Adler Ashford! Kill yourself, leave me be and die at the hands of Mitsuki and Core! Join so I may be rid of you; join so that I may see you die sooner than later! A shudder escaped Edwin as he watched the dim profile of his electric blue tiger leap around in the air, invisible to all but Edwin. It’s leer wide and it’s teeth sharp, as it suddenly came to a stop in front of Edwin’s face. Die. Suddenly, the tiger vanished, leaving Edwin nothing but ashen-faced and slightly shaken. This mission cannot be put forth. If He is acting like this…then we are no match for Core at all- Quickly, Edwin jerked his head up, but was distracted as Rachel Donzen rolled across the table and towards Michael, the large smile that so characterized her every action etched across her face. “I’m a good baby sitter! Great with retarded children! Retards love me!” Edwin raised an eyebrow at Rachel, though he knew the Air Gear second-in-command well enough to know she didn’t mean any ill intent. Anyways, I must protest against the idea of sending assassins to Cor-

The time bomb had been set off. “Enough! Michael Parkinson. If you wish to die, I will not stop you.” Edwin winced at the harsh tone of Katerina’s voice, his already ashen look paling by a few degrees as he made sure to not catch the look in her eyes for fear that her Error would affect him. “But hear this and hear it well. Liam will not be accompanying you on your suicide mission. You want to know what I think? I think you’re a fool.” Edwin winced at the last few words; the Candy Crushers took pride in their intelligence and rarely let such a quip go past. It didn’t matter much anyways- the meeting had to continue. After a few more scathing words, Katerina left, her black hair swishing in the air as she left the truce zone. Mad laughter filled the air as her subordinates clamored after her dramatic exit, the other gang members booing and hissing from their respective seats. “Decorum! Edwin’s eyes flashed a deadly blue as he looked over the four gang areas, a grim frown set on his face, forcing the members into silence before the leaders could speak again. Why does she have to do this nearly everytime? Casting a slightly annoyed look at the doorway, Edwin shook his head as the last strands of Katerina’s hair disappeared from the darkened corridor that the Wonderlands used as their entrance to the Truce Hall. At least her gang will not take it as a cue to leave the Truce Hall anymore... A quick glance at the Wonderlanders showed that none had budged, though their triumphant and mad grins were still in place as they leered at the remainder of the Hiatuses who stood in the center of the room.

“I will, however, offer myself to take on the position Michael was so reluctant to take earlier.” The jeering smiles did not abet when the leader of the Candy Crushers spoke, offering herself as the suicidal assassin in the mission that Michael proposed. No. Edwin cast a glance at Ryota before looking back at the other Hiatuses that sat around the table. This mission won’t succeed- it will only end in failure! Nemiel spoke up right after Alexandria, "Sadly it’s not that simple. We are needed to head up our gangs, and cannot abandon that as much as we’d prefer too if it’ll do some better good elsewhere. But that is not a solution we can perform, or I’d have volunteered myself.” Edwin sighed, allowing silence to sink in first before opening his mouth to speak, though this time he kept himself seated in the hard-back chair that he had sat in for the past ten times the gang meetings had been held, with the word ‘Guardian’ firmly printed into the back of the seat. “Will this… “mission” actually succeed?” Edwin asked, casting a tired glance over those who were assembled at the table, ignoring the dark muttering that came from the stands above. “It is not unlike we have not tried this before. We have sent members in the attempt to take Isana, Mitsuki, Yuuki’s head, amongst others.” He raised a hand to push back his bangs before letting it slip down and once again fall back onto the armrest of his chair. “And what do we have, now? What have these ‘missions’ done for us besides increase the number of bodies that continues to pile up within our respective gangs? I am sorry, Michael and Alexandria,” Edwin turned his head to look at the two, his face emotionless as he looked at the Candy Crush leader and her fiancé, “I do not wish to see any Hiatus that currently is within this stadium to further sacrifice themselves for a lost cause- a cause we all know will not work. It would be better if we do what Ryota said earlier.” Edwin sighed, crossing his legs under the table as he rested his head against a hand, tired from both the meeting and from his Error. “Send infiltrators into Core, ones that are trustworthy and capable of shielding themselves from harm and suspicion. We, the rest, shall continuously make sure to create problems to distract Core from the probability of having moles in their ranks.” He lifted his head off of his hand, his eyes roving the others slowly once more. “That is the only thing I can think of to ensure that no other Hiatus dies at an age too early for death. We shall retrieve these spies within the time span of two weeks; I am sure that is enough time to figure out the general movement and plans for Core.” Standing up, Edwin sighed and started to pace around, moving away from the area of the Sonic Boom gang and slowly pacing into that of the Wonderlanders. “We are strong; but we are few and shattered, arguing with one another over the most trivial of things. I cannot see a tattered force as ours fighting against the highly unified team under Mitsuki.”