This is the Prolog and all of Chapter one for the Dark Wonderland. This is rated M for a reason due to graphic violence, and in some chapters strong language.

"Where shall I begin, please your Majesty?"

"Begin at the beginning, and go on till you come to the end: then stop."

Charles Lutwidge Dodson

Wonderland, a dark, mad, and twisted place where nightmares lurk in the shadows around every corner, waiting to reach out with their long skeleton like clawed hands to snatch you from your world to become forever lost in theirs. Be sure while you're there not to drink the wine from the Queen; eat sweets from the White Rabbit; smoke with Caterpillar; eat anything from the Mad Tea Party; or go near the Jabberwocky's nest. Follow these rules and you just might make it out alive, but break even one and you might just find yourself forever lost in Wonderland. Alice not only broke one of the rules she broke them all. She drank the wine that made her shrink, ate the sweets to make her grow, joined the tea party which made her go mad, blew rings of smoke that melted her brain, and challenged the Jabberwocky to earn her fame. Sadly Alice went mad in the head and was forever lost in Wonderland.

Dark Wonderland

Prolog

The sun was slowly setting up on the woods giving it an eerie feeling. Dark shadows were casted by the bare trees; their branches twisted and turned in crooked ways, making them look as if they had clawed hands reaching out to grab any who pass. The wind moving, twisting and turning around the trees, and dragging across the floor of the woods picking up the leaves and tossing them here and there. The howling sound of the wind mixed with the fallen leaves shaking and the branches of the trees groaning as they moved made the whole thing seem like a dark and twisted place to wonder in to. The only other thing that made one not want to wonder into this dark and eerie place was the silence. No animals scurrying across the ground through the leaves, no hoot of an owl or cry of a raven could be heard coming from the woods. No sound but the wind moving the leaves and making the trees groan. Even with all this eeriness a young man still wondered around through the woods, lost as the day is long. His blue eyes searched all around for a way out of this large and dangerous maze, hoping and praying for a way out. It was said that most who went into the woods at night never came back out again. They become lost and confused to the point that they wonder and wonder, even their souls are said to wonder the woods searching for the way out. He quickened his pace, his boots crushing the dead and fallen leaves on the ground. The crooked branches seemed to reach out and grab at him as he past them by, causing him to jump and move away from the trees as best he could. He slowed his pace though when the sound of voices echoed through the air, making his blood run cold. A few feet away there stood three soldiers their weapons at the ready. Quickly he ducked behind a tree to hide, though he knew it would only be a matter of moments before the soldiers found him; if they did so than he would be questioned and if he answered wrong than it would cost him his head. Many answers to the kinds of questions that would be asked ran through his head before he stopped. He had nothing to hide, but most the soldiers looked for any reason to kill anyone, and the Queen could care less most the time. He peeked around the tree to look at them and to see if there was any other way past them. The light was fading faster so it was becoming harder to see too far away. He pushed his blonde hair behind his ear as he continued to fret of what the best thing to do was. As he hid behind the tree something was slowly moving in the shadows, closer to the men. Only their outline could be seen, but even that was enough to make one's blood to run cold. The shadow slowly walked up to the soldiers, clearly without fear. Strangely they had yet to notice them, but at a closer look one could tell that they were making no sounds. Not even the leaves or twigs gave way from under their boots. Slowly the young male hiding behind the tree poked his head out some to see why the men had stopped talking. Standing before them was the shadowed figure, which now could be seen in the dim light that was slowly fading away. They stood just a little taller than himself and were dressed in a pair of brown pants with a moss green waist coat, a cream colored undershirt, and a large jacket; that looked to be a few sizes too big for them. Their top hat sat on top their head at an angel, its brown color matching their pants. Their chocolate brown hair was short like his own, but had some volume and a few curls to it. His blue eyes strained to try and make out the rest of the male in the ever growing darkness. Their hands were covered in fingerless gloves; and in their right hand they were holding what looked to be an ax. Their body was swaying some which caused alarm to spread through the men. Quickly they held up their spears aiming them at the stranger. Laughter filled the air, which sent chills down everyone's spines. Whoever this was they seemed to be mad and not right in the head. The young male clung to the tree, digging his nails in some as if the act of doing so would keep him safe from whatever was to happen next. A bright light flashed against the sharp edge of the blade on the ax as it was held high above their head. The men yelled at them to lower their weapon, though the shouts just fell on deft ears.

"In the name of the Queen if you do not lower your weapon we will take your head." One shouted

"The Queen?" They said, tilting their head to the side some

"Last warning!"

A smile spread across their lips going from ear to ear, giving them an eerie look. The men took a step back as laughter once more filled the air, cutting the silence like a knife, and turning everyone's blood to ice.

"The Queen that you speak of can go to hell." They said before letting the ax fall, landing with a loud 'whack' on one of the men's wrist, severing their hand.

Screams of pain erupted from the solider as he stumbled away grasping at the hand that was no more. Shock and horror was written on everyone's faces and before they could act the ax came down once more into one's back than was yanked out and slammed into the last one's chest. All three lay on the ground bleeding heavily as small snickers caused the stranger's body to shake some.

"Who a-are you?" Asked the one with the missing hand.

Slowly they pulled the ax out of the dyeing man's chest and with one simple swing the ax's blade landed on their neck with a loud and gruesome 'whack'. The young man hiding covered his mouth and hid behind the tree once more. He couldn't watch for another moment. His hands flew up to cover his ears as the dyeing screams of the other two filled the air as well as the strong smell of freshly spilt blood. He didn't even know when he shut his eyes, but after a few moments past he slowly opened them and uncovered his ears. The only sounds other than his own breathing were rustling of leaves as the stranger was busy doing something. Slowly he lifted his blue eyes and almost let out a yelp of surprise as another solider dressed in black stood in front of him. They quickly covered his mouth and placed their finger on their lips saying 'hush'. With a simple nod of his head they stayed quiet as the solider looked around the tree, their eyes watching the stranger's every movement. They were pulling a large sack up and trying to toss it over their shoulder, but it was clear the bag was too heavy and they were exhausted after the fight. They wrapped part of the bag around their wrist and placed the ax over their shoulder before starting to walk away.

"Stay put. When I come back I want a few words with you." They said before pushing away and wondering off after the stranger.

His heart was racing and his blue eyes were looking around wondering if all that happen was real or not. Before he knew what he was doing the paths became more twisted, the light faded more, and the wind picked up. As quietly as he could he followed the man in black as the hunted the down the ax wilding stranger.

Chapter 1 Mad House

With body tired of a day's worth of fighting and hunting the only thing left to do was go home. A soft snicker came from blood stained lips at the thought of the word 'home'. That place was home yes, but at the same time it was not home. The large building that once stood tall and proud was now crumbling and turning to ash. The yard was so un-kept that weeds grew as tall as the house itself. Their twisting and truing vines snaked through the yard like some untamed beast that knew no limit. The trees bare limbs outstretched with razor sharp claws taking hold of all who past too close to them. The large iron gate that let one in was rusted and caked in age. Opening them always lets out a loud scream of protest which echoed in the quiet woods. The stone pathway to the door was gone, hidden under the weeds and grass that took over the yard. The house itself was vanishing little by little each day. The railing to the front steps had already gone; the steps were not too far behind. You had to be careful when walking on them for one wrong step and the wood could snap and break underneath. The howling wind caused the house to sway and groan loudly. Shutters were falling off the windows and shingles covered the yard more than the roof. The front door was gone, a tattered cloth in its place now. Paint was chipped from all over the house, the color now dull and gray; though it was hard to see past the large amount of vines that had started taking over the house. Stepping softly on the floor boards was the only way to get around the house anymore, for the boards were falling apart and just like the front steps one wrong move and it would be a nasty fall. Little scraps of wallpaper clung to the wall while the rest was bare, exposing the plaster. The grand staircase had at the least ten inches of dust on it, just like the rest of the house. Holes in the roof and some of the floor exposed the house to the elements more than should be. The whole house was cold and drafty as well, making one want to stay curled up to the only working fire place in the whole house, the kitchen. With a sore body it took a little longer to get to the kitchen where it was nice and warm. Brown eyes lifted up from the floor to look at the kitchen. The tiled walls were caked with everything from dirt to old food. Slowly dragging their tired body over to the lit fire took the last bit of energy they had. Leaning their body against the wall they let the bag in one hand slip free and drop to the floor while their other hand kept tight hold of an object. Brown eyes shot open with a look of shock written on them when a cup crashed against the wall, a few chips of glass cutting into their face. Their blood dripped down pale cheeks, mixing with the dried blood that was splattered all over their body. Brown eyes widened even more when they realized who it was that tossed the cup. The milk chocolate brown pools reflected the face of the attacker like a freshly polished mirror. Their body was past the point of exhaust; they couldn't even lift their hand that was still clutching the bloodied ax. Even with all that they wouldn't cry out when the blade of the sharpened spade caught them in the shoulder, pinning them to the wall. With their free hand they reached up, smearing their fingerless gloves in more blood as they tried to pull themselves free from the wall, yet they hadn't the strength. They just watched as their attacker came closer giving them the feeling of an animal trapped and about to be killed. The attacker pulled out a piece of paper and unrolled it their lips forming the words written up on the page.

"By order of the Queen you are wanted for the murders of countless guards and soldiers as well as the aid of helping others wanted for crimes against the kingdom. For the use of deadly force up on those who carry out the Queen's orders. For theft from the Queen's garden. Withholding information on the whereabouts of members wanted by the Queen. And lastly for the aid and support of a man who goes by the name of 'Hatter', most wanted man in all of the Queen's Wonderland. You will be brought to the courts and tired of these crimes. Where if you are found guilty your head will be the price in which you shall pay. So in the name of the Queen, March Hare you are under arrest."

March lifted his head up some, a smile up on his bloodied lips. It looked twisted and evil, showing the male's true crazed nature. With one final pull he freed himself from the wall and dropped the spade on the floor with a loud 'clank'. Blood flowed out of the open wound and down his arm, coating it and staining his jacket crimson. The attacker took a step back, frightened a little by the sudden change in the male. Lifting his blood coated fingers to his lips the tip of his tongue came out, licking some of the crimson colored liquid off as a small snicker passed through his lips, echoing off the walls.

"You're mad!" yelled the attacker as he reached for his back up weapon

"I'm the mad one." Came a whisper from behind

A blade was suddenly shoved through the attacker, the tip sticking out the other side. Blood bubbled up and poured out of their mouth as they gasped for air. As they continued to try and breathe they were knocked down onto their knees as their attacker walked in front of them. The man had more of a twisted smile than the other. His bright green eyes seemed to light up at the sight of the suffering and dyeing card. His black locks falling forward hiding his face and green eyes as his hand slowly pulled an object that was hidden under his jacket.

"How dare you come into my house without asking. And how dare you damage my property." The man said in a cold voice

"D-die Ha-Hatter." They managed to say

"You first."

A loud 'bang' echoed throughout the house and quiet night air as a bullet found its way through the front of card's head and out the back. Hatter placed his pistol back into his jacket were he always kept it hidden. With nimble fingers he pulled his knife out of the dead body and used it to carefully cut their heart out. With a wicked smile still on his face he walked over to where March still stood, using the wall to keep himself up.

"Tisk, tisk March. You know better than to have guest in the house without asking me first."

"He let himself in." March said with a smile

Hatter let the heart drop to the floor as he reached his bloodied hand up, brushing his fingers across the other's lips gently. He smeared the blood on their lips as if applying lipstick. Taking a step away his green eyes took in the sight before him. March's clothing and face was stained with blood splatter from others. His right arm was soaked in his own blood which was now dripping from his fingertips onto the floor beneath. And his normal pale pink rose lips were soaked in crimson blood from the latest kill's heart. Hatter reached his bloodied hand out and lifted March's blood soaked hand and placed a kiss up on it.

"It's tea time." Hatter said with a smile

March smiled and followed him into the dining room, taking his seat to the Hatter's right. The large table was covered in random table cloths, teacups, teapots, and various sweets. There were stains all over the wall just like the ones in the kitchen. Hatter took his seat and picked up a green cup and took a sip, while keeping his eyes on the one to his right. March looked at the tea before him, his lips curled in a bloody smile. This was home, though to others it was a death trap, a last stop, or better yet a mad house, but to him this was home. Taking cup in hand and placing both elbows on the table March took a sip of the hot tea, enjoying its spiced flavor mixed with the blood on his lips.

March slowly lifted his eyes to look over at Hatter. His raven black hair with its one emerald green streak hung loosely over his shoulders, free from its old green silk tie. His green bright green eyes stood out brightly against his pale flesh. His top hat was tilted to the side some, a few pens sticking out of the brim with a peacock feather blending in with the dark green and black lace hat. His black tail coat had seen better days, the once raven black fabric was faded in color, the green cuffs and silver buttons that covered it had become worn and tattered. His emerald green waist coat and black pants seemed to be the only thing that wasn't falling apart. His once bright white undershirt was stained and tattered as well and the beautiful handmade lace was rotting and falling off the shirt. Random rings covered his fingers, and a mixture of earrings climbed up his right ear while his left ear only had two. The only other thing which made the man stand out was the tattoo on his left cheek under his eye, which read 10/6 in fancy lettering. The man was quite a sight, even more so to those who've never laid eyes on him. He placed his cup down and smiled wickedly at March.

"I think we should go with a darker tea this taste too weak for me." He said

"Would you like to try a sip of mine?" March asked holding the cup up for the male

Hatter looked at the cup, whose rim was stained with blood from March's lips. He gently took the cup and placed it up to his lips, catching a mixture of both the tea and blood.

"It would taste all the better if it was theirs." Hatter said before handing the cup back.

March took the cup and looked at it for a moment as the male's words sunk in, their echo dying in the silent room. The silence was broken as glass went crashing against the wall and tea added yet another stain to the room. The fresh liquid ran down the wall, its dark color melted into the badly stained rugs as the broken pieces laid about to be forgotten and lost among the other broken cups, bowls, plates, and teapots that littered the floor. Hatter just drank his tea, ignoring March's temper knowing that in due time it would go away.

"They are gone. They are never coming back. And we, we are left here to clean up their mess. To risk our heads as centerpieces for the Queen's table!" March yelled before tossing a plate at the wall this time.

Not once did Hatter lift his head, nor acknowledged the younger male's temper. This angered March all the more. He raised his hand and sent it flying at the male's face, but he was not fast enough. The walking cane that always sat by Hatter's chair snapped up quickly. Its long polished black and green speckled stem was pressed against March's cheek warning him that the line was about to be crossed. Brown eyes slowly climbed up the cane to look at the silver peacock handle that was not just the handle to the walking cane, but to a blade that was hidden beneath the polished stem which had been used more times than none.

"Sit back down March."

Under protest he did as told and sat back down, sticking his tong out at the same time. The cane vanished and Hatter went back to his tea.

"Are there any teacakes?" March asked while looking for a new cup

Hatter smiled and handed one to him. Before March could take it the sound of creaking boards under boots had him up out of his seat, his ears up a little, as he was now on edge.

"Too heavy for Mouse."

"I tucked him in more than an hour ago." Hatter said standing up

He placed two fingers on his lips than pointed to the door to the kitchen. March nodded and as if he were a shadow quietly walked into the kitchen, where his ax still lay up on the floor and a trail of blood lead out to the front hall. Hatter walked out the other door and used the darkness and knowledge of the house quietly and quickly moved to the front door. March hid himself in the shadows just outside the kitchen as Hatter crept among the shadows on the wall by the door. His green eyes narrowed some when he caught sight of the young trespasser. Their blond hair was cut short and tucked behind their ears. Their black pants were of much finer color and state than his own. Their blue waist coat was clean and pressed nicely, just like their bright white undershirt was. Clean black polished boots slowly walked into the house further, causing the boards to creak and groan loudly. Their blood ran cold as they felt eyes watching them. Fear caused them to jump at the smallest of things. The wind picked up causing the house to move some which startled the young man. He stumbled back some and tripped over the body that still lay up on the floor. He closed his eyes tight ready for the pain of hitting the floor, but a pair of arms found themselves around his waist, pulling him into a lap.

"Breaking into one's house is never a smart thing. Now young man tell me who you are and why I shouldn't gut you like a fish right here and now." Hatter whispered softly

"Alex. My name is Alex. Please I meant no disrespect by coming into your home." He said in a panicked voice

"Alex, quite an interesting name there. Tell me young Alex how is it you came about my home?"

"I followed the card who was following the stranger with the ax."

"Stranger with the ax . . . March!"

March walked out of the shadows; his blood covered state causing the young male to become more alarmed, and over to Hatter who was none too happy with him at the moment. That was two people in one night that he had led to their home, and this one knew that a card none the less had followed him.

"Tell me March did you know this boy was following you?"

"No Hatter I didn't I swear up on my life I didn't."

"Hatter, March? What kind of names are those?" Alex asked

"What kind of name is Alex?" March shot back

"The name my mother gave me."

"Does your mother give all her kids strange names or are you the only one?" Hatter added

"No I am not, she named my sister too." Alex said as he became annoyed of the two questioning such a thing as a name

"And what kind of name did she give her?" Asked March

"Alice. She named my sister Alice and I Alex for we are twins and she thought our names should be close like us."

Both males went quiet as soon as the name 'Alice' slipped past the boy's lips. Slowly Hatter helped the boy up before getting up himself. He walked a few circles around him taking in all he could. The boy was the same height as her, his hair the same blonde, his eyes that bright sky blue, and the look he was giving them was the same as hers as well.

"Tell me young Alex where is your sister?" Hatter asked

"I don't know. I've been looking for her and have yet to find her." Alex answered lowering his head

"Where did you last leave her?" March said

"I can't remember where that is. I can't even remember how I got here, or where even here is."

"Here is Wonderland and be grateful you found us and not the Queen for if she knew you were Alice's blood she would take off your head." March said crossing his arms

"Wonderland?"

"Now is not the time to worry about the finer details. You look to be tired and a little weak from your travel. Stay and rest in a room for the night and we'll. . ."

"We'll" Interrupted March

"Yes we'll help you look for your sister in the morning. Don't worry about us you are among friends. We know your sister and are good friends of hers and shall take good care of you." Hatter said patting him on top the head

"You know my sister? Is she well? She's not hurt in any such way?"

"Not to worry she is well enough and I would never allow her to become hurt under my watchful eye."

"More like you'd never let her out of your sight." March mumbled

" Now come I'll take you to a room so that you may rest. March why don't you heat up some tea for our guest." Hatter said before walking away with Alex

March stood there for a moment, his arms still crossed in front of his chest and his foot tapping to keep his temper in check. The boy was the girl's brother all right, for only one with the same blood as Alice could cause the Hatter to change moods so fast and to treat him like a servant. Fetch the tea he thought with a glare. He was no servant in this house and if the boy wanted tea he could find it himself. And if Hatter was set on him having a cup well he knew where everything was.

"Tch, I'm no servant of a house that is one part mine." March sneered

"How unbecoming of you March."

The young man spun around on his heels to see a pair of glowing eyes looking back at him from the darkness. He balled his hands into fist to try and contain his temper, though the site of the ferial animal hiding in the shadows before him never helped his mood.

"Get lost you ferial cat." March all but hissed

"Ferial? I'll have you know I am not ferial, just difficult to handle at times." They said with a grin that lit up as much as their eyes.

As quickly as they appeared their eyes and mouth vanished only to reappear behind March. Slender arms wrapped themselves around the young male's body as a fur tail slid around his waist. A soft purr was whispered into one of his ears as his neck was nuzzled. March quickly pushed away from the cat and took a few steps back. He placed his hand up to his neck where blood was starting to drizzle down. A smile continued to play on the other's lips which were stained with the smallest hint of blood. The male was taller than himself, and almost as tall as Hatter was. His burgundy purple hair was cut short and had soft spikes to it, though his bangs were rather long and hung down past his shoulders. His soft fur ears, which matched his tail, were perched on top his head, their mixture of purple stripes, which were always changing was always causing people to stop and take another look at him. He hardly wore his waist coat, which was a deep burgundy. His grey pants fit snug around him and for as poor as he was they were always clean and spotless, just like his black undershirt and boots. His hands were covered in silver gloves that had claws at the ends of them, which were sharper than diamonds, and just as strong. He was never one for hats, and often took one of Hatter's if the matter called for such. The black ascot around his neck held a pendent which was deep pink, much like his eyes, and seemed to be filled with powder that shined. His cat like manners was the only thing he followed, regardless of the number of times he had been threatened, or even hurt. He looked as clean as any member of noble blood, but one thing stood out that even he hated. His right ear was only half, for he had crossed the line with the Kingdom of the Hearts and the Reaper of Wonderland took the other half when the blow was meant to take his head. His clean looks could fool anyone, who didn't know him that is. For under his mask he was a killer, soaked in as much blood as the Queen herself, if not more. He toys with his pray, makes them cower before him, enjoys the kill as much as the hunt, and is a deadly assassin who knows their way around a blade just as much as he does poisons. The cat just stood there, his leg crossed over the other and his arms crossed in front of his chest, the whole time keeping that smile on his face. March's temper was past boiling point now. He wanted to wipe that smile off the male's face and hang him by his own tail. The cat's smile grew more at the sight of the young hare's temper boiling over like a forgotten teapot.

"Temper, temper March." He teased

March's body was starting to shake with anger. He tightened his balled fist, digging his nails into the palms of his hands. The sound of a cane slamming down on the dust covered and decaying banister caused Cheshire's fur to stand up and his teasing manner to vanish. Hatter stood at the top of the staircase, his cane handle gripped tightly in his hand while his other rested on his hip, inches away from his pistol.

"So many guest in my home tonight. I don't know if I should feel honored, or insulted." Hatter said, his voice like ice

"I was just stopping by for a drink and some good company." Cheshire said with a grin

"Is toying with March part of stopping by as well?"

"Toying? Me?" The cat said turning around with a bow

Hatter glared at him, knowing full well that the male loved to toy with both March and Door, though the young mouse always runs from him while March loses his temper and either breaks things or tries to attack the cat.

"I am in no mood for any more guests. Take your dink and leave."

"Come now Hatter it was only a little tease. Don't be so harsh."

"Get out!"

Hatter's voice cut through the air and echoing off the walls in the empty house, making everything else go quiet. Cheshire's ears went down and back, his tail stopped moving and he narrowed his eyes. It was clear Hatter was in no mood to play his games tonight so it would be for the best that he left before he was skinned and boiled alive by the upset male. Cheshire tilted his head to the side, gave the male his widest smile as he faded away into the shadows, his smile the last to vanish. Hatter stood there for a moment, his green eyes glaring at where the cat once stood. Slowly he walked down the stairs, his cane tapping against the ground softly.

"March."

"Get the tea your damn self." He snapped

"March."

"What?" He snapped once more, his eyes glaring at the male

"Your hands are bleeding." He said in a calm voice

March's temper vanished in the blink of an eye as he looked down at his hands. Tiny pools of blood had formed from where his nails had dug into his palms too hard. He shifted his head some to look at his shoulder where blood was slowly dripping out of the wound, and his neck stung from where Cheshire had bitten him. A full look at him was even worse. He was covered from head to toe in blood, both his own and others.

"You're a mess."

"You're mad."

Hatter smiled as March laughed softly. Both wondered off back through the kitchen to grab some fresh tea and treats before going back to the dining room. While March fixed the cups and served the treats Hatter got out things needed to stitch the other's wounds up, while at the same time telling March to take his jacket off for it was in need of cleaning, badly.

Alex's blue eyes took in the room he was left in. Only a few patches of wallpaper were left on the walls, the rest was covered in moss that had started to grow inside the house. The bed was made up of bent and twisted brass with a flat mattress placed on top. The floor was covered in mounds of rugs, which covered up the old creaking floor boards. The small table which held the water basin only had three legs; the fourth was made up of books stacked on top of one another to keep the thing from falling. The pitcher was cracked all over and looked that a simple touch would cause it to turn to dust. The washroom was worse than the room itself. The floor was stacked with rugs just the same, but everything else was attached to the ceiling. Alex just shook his head as he climbed into the bed, which creaked and groaned just as loud as the floor boards beneath. Alex was past the point of caring and his body past the point of tired. The blankets were thick and crusty, and had a funny smell. The room was cold but there was just no way he was going to sleep with that blanket. The bed was making so much noise that he ended up laying on the floor, using his arms as a pillow.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Prolog and Chapter One ~ ^_^ I would love to hear back from everyone on what the think so far~