((Crossposted to dear_player.))

[mangygrinnincat]

You're done going through the story, hmm? That didn't take very long. [The cat is amused and interested, now that Mun has kept his attention.]

Now that we both know how it was for Alice and myself in the original Wonderland, are you inspired to think about how similar it is to this other world? We both know how much you're capable of it, to ponder more and go over the details about this.

There are no secrets that time does not reveal, with patience and focus...

[His incisors show in his smile as it widens.]

It is possible to allow me to explore, but it would be much more pleasant to take in the scenery and its residents with company I'd prefer.

Comments

[madcuriosity]

Hello, Cheshire Puss. You look a bit thin, is the Duchess not feeding you?

[mangygrinnincat]

[Well, well--it's younger Alice.]

It's been a while since I've last heard you call me that...

Much has changed, in my time. Wonderland and every character in it do as well. How? I cannot say... I shouldn't spoil it for you.

[madcuriosity]

I can call you it as often as you like, if you like it. [Those sharp teeth have gotten sharper.]

But I created Wonderland, so doesn't that mean I've changed in quite some manner?

[mangygrinnincat]

Do as you wish.

[Oh yes, those incisors of his. Those teeth are a bit bloodstained too... but not to worry. Alice has always been his most favorite person! He's her knowledgeable companion. That's his place, and he wouldn't prefer it any other way.]

Indeed. As to what your future holds... For innocence to be lost so soon--it would be a rather tragic and terrible thing.

[madcuriosity]

[Well... he just said she could do what she wanted. So she reaches out and scratches him behind the ear and under his chin.]

I don't think it shall be lost so soon.

[mangygrinnincat]

[The cat leans toward the scratching behind his ear, and lifts his chin slightly when she scratches him there. He doesn’t seem to mind this as his eyes briefly close—relaxing a bit.]

It will dwindle, if I tell you. [His eyes open to look toward her own.]

[madcuriosity]

But now you've gone and made me terribly curious, which I think you wanted me to be in the first place.

[mangygrinnincat]

Yes, but now you can't say I've warned you. [A mischievous rascal he may tend to be, but he'll still always be there for her.]

There will be a house fire, and you'll be the only one to survive it... In growing older, dealing with that reality will become a bit more than unbearable.

[madcuriosity]

... A-A house fire?

Bleh, I realized I messed up a bit back there. Ooops.

[mangygrinnincat]

Yes, Alice. But that's not quite the tip of the iceberg. It worsens before it gets any better.

Mental decay hasn't been kind, but I am still the same on the inside.

No worries!

[madcuriosity]

You told me once I'm mad, but mental decay? It's truly the case?

<3

[mangygrinnincat]

After the fire is when it will start. You develop an attitude in growing older.

Perhaps it is common for most adolescents to have as such, but none quite like yours.

[madcuriosity]

I-Is there no way to stop the fire?

[mangygrinnincat]

The flames and blistering heat spread quickly.

The culprit who started will notice if you attempt to stop him.

[No Alice, you won't survive if you try to save your family.]

[madcuriosity]

I don't care, I will try and stop him, then. I won't let my family get hurt.

[mangygrinnincat]

Careful, Alice. He will try to kill you.

[madcuriosity]

He's already trying to kill me, I may as well try.

[mangygrinnincat]

Currrrious. How would you do it?

[Deep down, he would rather remain to exist. And to not stray from her side. He would not outright admit it, but he is concerned.]

[madcuriosity]

Ah... I-I don't know. But it is something that... that would need to be done.

[mangygrinnincat]

You’ll have time to figure that out. [His grin almost stretches from ear to ear. He’ll look forward to seeing what will happen, through Alice’s eyes.]

[madcuriosity]

Will I? Perhaps I can find a way to stop it all together, then. Is there a way for that much?

[mangygrinnincat]

The answer might endanger you and your family... I took a risk to reveal the preview. Nothing more. Whether or not I’ve made our time-line worse, I also cannot be certain of.

The path to altering one’s fate is a bumpy one. [The grinning cat reclines as he’ll watch her mull that over.]

[madcuriosity]

I should think you're quite used to risks, living with the Duchess and her chef.

Well they say the future isn't clear in any sort of way, so I'm facing an uneven path and one I can barely see, how splendid. [She sighs.]

[notquitefeline]

[Oh isn't this curious]

If it's familiarity you seek I daresay you've strayed too far from your path.

[mangygrinnincat]

[Curious indeed...]

I only advised a challenge for my player. She’s noticed my interest on a little detail I overheard, from backstage. It’s not just on similarity, but the differences as well... Quite mysterious, this other place.

I could find out more, appearing near the woman and the two under her protection. But the writer of my script and myself are planning a better entrance.