Unwonderland

"He-" Sebastian cut himself off. He looked disgusted with himself.

"Sebastian?" Alexias asked, just speaking hurt like hell. She wrapped her arm around her stomach loosely.

"He's my brother," Sebastian whispered so low that Alexias had a hard time hearing him.

"You're brother? You look nothing alike," Alexias pointed out.

"I know," he nodded.

"So, why are you so upset?" Alexias asked, softly.

"Because," Sebastian sighed, "my brother has this group, on the outskirts of Underland. They hate your family," he said to Alexias.

"M-my family?" she stuttered, "Why?"

"There is this ongoing war. Miss Alice was supposed to intervene, but she never did. The war killed our parents-"

"Oh, Sebastian. I'm so sorry," Alexias' voice was sympathetic. He smiled at her, softly.

"It's alright," Sebastian nodded, "so anyway, I was forced to lead Charudatta's group. But my heart wasn't in it. I just couldn't hate Miss Alice like my brother did. Then I ventured into Red Queen Territory and she employed me as an attendant.

"I tried to disband the group, before any real damage was done, but Charudatta kicked me out. There was nothing I could do. Some of the group is in White Queen Territory, some in Red. I'm not sure who it was, but someone told the Queen about your mother's whereabouts. I tried to stop it, I really did. But she sent her knights after her, for I'm only an attendant and no one listens to me.

"Charudatta met with me once. And only to tell me that he was betrothed to you. I got upset, but you see, I couldn't cross the borderline. By then I still didn't know you. I know who's been hurting you, torturing you, Alexias. It has been my brother, Charudatta," Sebastian said. Alexias' heart sank. She felt it time to tell the White Queen.

"Miss," Alexias turned to the Queen.

"Yes?" the Queen spoke, swiveling her head to Alexias.

"Uhm, about that gash in my arm," Alexias paused.

"It was Charudatta," The Queen nodded.

"Y-you knew?" Alexias stuttered. The Queen nodded.

"I figured it wasn't a rock. No rock could cut you that deep," the Queen informed, "although I wasn't sure who did it, I knew it wasn't a rock."

"I'm sorry, I should have told you," Alexias said softly.

"Don't worry, dear," the Queen stood up, "I have some business to attend to."

"Oh, Miss, please be careful. He's dangerous," Alexias said.

"Yes, please be careful, Miss," Sebastian said, "I know how dangerous my brother is. He may only be fifteen, but he's crazy."

The Queen nodded, "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you Sebastian for the information."

"You're welcome, Miss," he said slowly. Alexias guessed no one has ever called him by his name except her and Abel. The Queen left the clearing.

"Alexias," Sebastian whispered, "Please, be careful during the night. That's when he strikes. That's what happened to your stomach, right?"

"Yes," she nodded, "I had a dream about it."

"He's doing it to you," Sebastian said, "even if the Queen dismisses him from the castle, he will come back."

Alexias was scared, she tried to hide it, but Sebastian noticed, "Miss, don't be scared. Soon, Abel and I will be on your side."

Alexias smiled, "Thank you, Sebastian."

He nodded, "I must go," he stood and left.

"Bye," she whispered.

"Bye," he whispered back. As he disappeared from view, she turned to the Bandersnatch.

"Will you help me up?" she asked, nicely, making her voice light. She felt it shift. Alexias grabbed a tuft of it's fur. It pulled her to a standing position.

"Thank you," she smiled at it. It looked up at her with affection and love. She tried to take a step, but the pain was unbearable. She gasped, wrapping her arm around her stomach.

The Bandersnatch nudged her side, gently, "Could you carry me, please?"

It stood up straight, waiting for Alexias to gently lower herself onto it's back, "please walk carefully," she whispered.

It did as it was told, walking as softly as it could. Alexias sighed, it's gait lulling her to sleep.

***

"Alexias," a woman's voice cooed, "Alexias."

"Hmmnn," she moaned. Her head hurt, the room was bright.

"Honey, it's time for your training," the woman said again. Slowly, Alexias opened her eyes to the White Queen.

"Training," Alexias mumbled, sitting up. Hey, her stomach didn't hurt, "M-my stomach doesn't hurt," she mumbled.

"Yes, we gave you a really strong painkiller," the nurse said, walking up behind the Queen.

"Wow, can I wear a shirt?" Alexias asked excitedly.

"Not just yet. We can't risk your stitches getting irritated.," the nurse explained. Alexias sighed.

"Alright," she nodded, standing up.

"Oh, I'm sending Jeston with you. These are trial painkillers, I'm not sure how long it may last," the Queen explained. Alexias nodded, walking stiffly for the infirmary door.

***

"Hey Alexias," Jeston seemed lively today.

"Hey Jeston," Alexias greeted.

"You feeling better?" he asked, his eyes showing just how curious he was.

"A little," she admitted, shyly, "but that's because of the drug the White Queen gave me."

"Ah," he nodded, "how 'bout your arm?"

"Much better," she smiled, presenting her arm to him. Just a pink scar now emanated from her pale skin.

"Good good," he nodded, a smile pulling up one side of his face. Alexias smiled too.

They were walking for a good while. Alexias knew that it was a long way from the infirmary to the training room. But then again, they could be outside.

"Hey Jeston," she started. She decided to ask.

"Hm?" he looked to her.

"Where are we training today?" she asked.

"From what I hear, you're in the training room," he informed.

"Okay," she turned her gaze to her fingers. She so wanted to go outside today. Maybe she could talk to Fronia. They walked a bit more, ultimately arriving at a heavy wooden door.

"Here we are," Jeston smiled.

"Are you training with us today?" she asked.

"Not that I know of," he shrugged, "but I must stay, just incase the medicine were to wear off."

"Okay," she nodded, reaching for the door.

"Oh wait, let me get that," Jeston reached over her, to get the door. Alexias pulled away, and pouted a little.

"I could've gotten it," she said.

"Oh well," Jeston smiled down at her as the door slid open. Alexias did a 'humph' noise and waltzed into the training room.

"Alexias!"