chapter 9 Alice in magical world

"You got everything you need?" Mr. Stone quizzed. I shook my head while dragging two suitcases and a large duffel bag. "I believe so," I said, catching my breath with an exhausted huff.

Treads wrapped around my bags and pulled them into the ship. Mrs. Dean ushered us in. "Alright, let's go—it's going to be a long trip," she said anxiously.

"How long will it take us to get there?" I asked as I walked into the ship.

Mr. Stone got into the driver's seat and looked back at me. "A week. Here, drink this quickly," he said, handing me a potion.

I looked at the green substance, slightly grossed out. "What is this stuff?" I questioned.

"It's a sleep agent; it will knock you out in minutes," he explained.

Mrs. Dean took the seat beside me and settled in. "If you're not used to space travel, you will undergo space madness."

My face dropped at the thought, and I hurried to drink the potion. It was bitter but went down fast, and my vision grew blurry.

As the ship began its takeoff, I felt the initial rumble of the engines deep in my bones. The ascent started slowly, each second stretching into what felt like minutes as the gentle rocking of the ship melded with the rhythmic thrum of the engines. I fell back into my chair, and before I knew it, the world around me went black. I slipped into unconsciousness, suspended in a moment where time both lingered and flew by.

I groaned as I woke up. Slowly, I looked around; my head and ears were ringing like TV static, and bits of their conversation became audible to me.

"We will land in 15 minutes," Mr. Stone announced.

"Good, let's move to the safe house immediately," Mrs. Dean stated with slight worry.

She reached over and checked on me. "Let's slowly get you up and active again. Madison, come back here and heal her," she said hurriedly.

Madison switched seats with her and tended to my weak body. "HEALING MAGIC!! REJUVENATION ARMOR!!" A white light exoskeleton armor covered my entire body from head to toe. My muscles, which had been weak from sleeping for a week, were feeling better. However, the lack of food didn't help either.

"I'm hungry," I say, revitalized.

We landed on what looked like an abandoned airport. The cracked pavement beneath us was littered with debris, faded markings barely visible under layers of dirt and moss. Towering lampposts, long since broken, loomed over us like skeletal remains, their glass shattered, wires hanging loose. In the distance, rusted hangars and crumbling terminals stood in eerie silence, their once-grand structures now hollowed out by time and neglect.

"Where are we?" I ask, confused, as the healing spell disappears and I test my motor functions.

"It's an old spaceport runway," Mr. Stone explains. "Back when spaceships needed runways to take off, these were in use. But as we poured magic, tools, research, and money into space travel, there was no need for them." He pauses before adding, "You'll probably also notice that, compared to the high technology of spaceships, we neglected the advancements of regular society."

I look around and examine the area more closely. The once-busy terminals had large windows, now cracked and fogged over with grime, some completely shattered, leaving jagged glass edges behind. Vines and thick patches of weeds crept through the concrete, reclaiming what was left of human innovation. The occasional flicker of movement—whether from small animals or the wind stirring loose debris—added to the unsettling atmosphere.

"Let's hurry up. We don't want to stay here for long," Mrs. Dean reminds us.

We grab our stuff out of the ship. Mr. Stone pulls out a device, attaches it to the flying craft, and, with some magic, makes it disappear.

"There, I activated the cloaking. We can leave now."

We follow Mrs. Dean across the field, walking for what feels like 30 minutes. I instantly regret bringing such a large amount of luggage.

"Heavy, huh?" Madison says teasingly.

I roll my eyes. "Yes and no. It's honestly not heavy itself—it's just that I'm still a little sore from not moving, and I'm hungry," I say, huffing and puffing.

"Are we almost there yet?" I ask longingly.

"And where are we going, by the way?" Madison asks, also tired.

"It's just up this hill. We'll be staying with my old friend. He's a lower noble, but he has a second house we can use." After what feels like an eternity of trudging onward, we finally arrive at the house—or rather, the mansion. It is a breathtaking sight, towering over us with its grand stone façade, intricate carvings adorning its columns, and ivy creeping up its weathered walls. The wrought-iron gates had already hinted at the wealth and prestige of its owner, but standing before the massive double doors, the scale of it truly sinks in. A sprawling, meticulously maintained garden surrounds the estate, with hedges shaped into elaborate designs, marble statues peering through the greenery, and a labyrinth-like path winding toward a serene koi pond. In the center of the circular driveway, a magnificent fountain stands proudly, its cascading waters shimmering in the dimming twilight.

As we take it all in, the grand doors open without a creak, and an impeccably dressed butler steps forward. He is tall and composed, his posture straight as a blade. His silver-streaked hair is neatly combed back, and not a single wrinkle mars his crisp black tailcoat. His gloved hands are folded in front of him as he inclines his head in greeting.

"Good evening," he says, his voice deep and polished, carrying an air of refinement. "The master of the house will be arriving shortly. In the meantime, allow me to escort you to your quarters." His words are measured, each syllable enunciated with practiced precision. "I am Bill, the head butler of Everwood Manor. Should you require anything during your stay, you need only ask."

With a graceful gesture, he motions for us to follow. He leads us through an opulent foyer illuminated by the soft glow of a grand crystal chandelier. The floor is polished marble, its surface so reflective it almost mirrors the elaborate fresco painting on the vaulted ceiling above. Gilded frames house oil paintings of noble figures from centuries past, their solemn gazes watching over us as we move deeper into the mansion.

After weaving through a corridor lined with mahogany paneling and sconces flickering with candlelight, Bill comes to a stop before an ornately carved wooden door. He turns to us with a composed expression.

"Ladies" Your quarters are here," he continues, gesturing toward the grand double doors before us. "I trust you will find everything to your satisfaction."

Madison and I step inside, immediately relieved to drop our bags onto the plush velvet-covered bench at the foot of a grand four-poster bed. The room is decorated in rich, deep hues, with silk drapes framing tall arched windows that overlook the moonlit garden. A fireplace crackles in the corner, casting dancing shadows along the walls.

As we take in our surroundings, Bill moves seamlessly to escort Mrs. Dean and Mr. Stone to their own rooms. Meanwhile, Madison and I collapse onto the bed with sighs of exhaustion.

"So, what do you think of the magical world so far?" Madison asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"Well, I've only seen woods and an abandoned ship port. I'd like to see more if possible," I admit hopefully.

Madison stares off in thought before a mischievous grin tugs at her lips. "We can ask my dad. And if not... we can just sneak out later," she says slyly.

I laugh at this unexpected side of her. "Okay, bet! I can't wait," I giggle as we jump up to unpack our bags.

Moments later, a firm knock echoes through the room. We exchange a glance before calling out permission to enter. The door swings open smoothly, revealing Mr. Stone.

We sit up on the bed as he steps inside. "Hello, girls. How are you settling in?" he asks, his voice warm yet curious. We looked at each other, then back at him. "Could be better," Madison says. "What about you, Dad?"

"I'm fine. I came to talk to you two real quick," he says in a serious tone, his eyes darting toward me, making me stiffen.

"I think it's dangerous for me to hold on to all the stones by myself," he says, swallowing hard before continuing. "Here." He pulls out the four remaining stones

"After I was taken by JoJo, I realized quickly how powerless I am." He says this with a quiet sadness, his voice cracking slightly. Shame fills his eyes, and he adverted his gaze. His hands tremble a little as he looks away, the weight of his failure heavy on him. "I thank the most high every day since then that I didn't have the stones on me when he did." There's an edge of guilt in his tone, like he's ashamed that he couldn't protect himself or us. A man who i viewed as composed and unemotional is now vulnerable, broken by his own helplessness.

Madison rushes over to comfort him. He hugs her back before returning his focus to me, his face now serious and determined, like he's forcing himself to be strong for us.

"It was then I understood. You should hold on to them, Dominique. I also think you will be the one who will find the guardians" he utters, his voice low, heavy with both trust and fear.

I look at him, and another brick of responsibility drops onto my shoulders. I feel the weight of it all, crushing me with its heaviness. It's more than just the stones—it's his trust in me, his hope that I can do something he couldn't. I feel the weight of his gaze like a heavy burden being placed on my shoulders It's like the responsibility of carrying not just the stones, but all the expectations that come with them. It's a weight I never asked for, and it's already starting to make my chest tighten with anxiety. A knot forms in my stomach, tightening with fear. What if I fail? What if I can't handle this? My thoughts spiral out of control. The pressure feels suffocating. But all I can do is nod in compliance. Do I even have a reason to say no? I have no real home to return to, and I'm not really safe from JoJo, even if I did. Plus, there's not a family I even care to fight for.

My thoughts trail off until Madison calls my name, jolting me back to reality. I sigh, my mind full of worries, and my heart heavy with dread. I force a smile, but it feels like a mask, a thin veil that doesn't hide the anxiety gnawing at me. I reach for the stones, feeling the weight of them more than ever, not just physically but emotionally. "I'll be happy to take them if you believe they're safer with me," I say, my tone tight, almost strained.

He hands me the briefcase, and I almost feel like it's a symbol of everything he's passed on to me, his mistakes and his hopes now wrapped up in my hands.

"But my only problem is, how do I fight and carry these at the same time?" i say trying to lighten up the mood

The room falls silent as we all try to brainstorm. I rush over to my bag and pull out a large fanny pack, wrapping it around my chest at an angle, trying to find some way to manage all this.

"The best way to hide something is in broad daylight, right?"

He thinks about it, then sighs.

"You are the strongest wizard alive, so I have no objections to your methods." His voice is softer now, He goes to leave, but Madison stops him.

"Hey, Dad, we want to go look around town." "No, it's too dangerous," her dad said, crossing his arms firmly.

"But, Dad, we'll be careful," Madison replied, her tone steady. "she's not going to use her magic, and we're just going to the market. It'll be fine."

He shook his head, his brows furrowing with concern. "The last time you went out alone, things didn't go so well. What if something happens?"

Madison didn't back down. "we'll be in and out. I promise."

He hesitated, clearly torn. "I just... I don't like the idea of you going out there, especially with things the way they are right now."

She paused, sensing his worry. She softened her voice. "I get it. I really do. But we need to go. Dom and I need a sense of normal after everything we've been through, please, Dad."

After a long silence, he sighed in defeat. "Okay, but if anything happens—"

"We'll be fine," Madison assured him. "We'll be back before you know it."

"Fine," he muttered, turning away and leaving.

I watched her with a worried glance. "Your dad seemed a little off."

Madison, who was grabbing her purse, shrugged. "It's okay. When he feels upset, he refuses to talk to anyone. It's best to let him sort it out himself." She wrapped her arms around mine with a smile. "Ready to go? I can't wait to show you around."

I brushed off my concern; she clearly didn't want to talk about it. "Ready when you are."

We made our way downstairs and out the door, stepping into the bright daylight. We walked for what felt like ages, the air crisp with the scent of fresh bread and far-off spices. Finally, we came upon a bustling street.

Madison ran ahead of me, twirling in the middle of the road like a princess, her skirt swirling around her. She ended it with a dramatic pose. "Welcome to Bargain Street, located in the heart of Posa!"

I stared in awe. The street was alive with activity, a far cry from anything I'd ever seen. Wagons pulled by sturdy horses clopped past, their drivers calling out to customers. But it wasn't just the wagons that caught my attention. Creatures I had never imagined before—four-legged, reptilian beasts—pulled grand carriages. They had long, whip-like tails, with scales that shimmered in the sunlight, their bodies moving with eerie grace.

I felt like I'd stepped into another world entirely.

"What is that thing?" I practically yelled, pointing at one of the land wyverns. It was enormous, its scales dark and metallic, and it moved effortlessly through the crowd.

Madison smiled proudly, as if this was something she had grown used to. "That's a land wyvern. They're faster than horses, and we use them to pull carriages for high-ranking nobles."

I nodded, still trying to wrap my mind around the strange creatures. "You said this place was called Pisa?" I asked, unsure.

"Posa," she corrected me gently. "It's the capital of the Kingdom of Halo."

I took in the surroundings as we walked closer to the heart of the street. The people here looked nothing like those back home. They wore long, flowing robes and dresses, made from fabrics that seemed to catch the light in strange, iridescent ways. There were men in waistcoats and trousers, but their shoes were laced up with intricate designs, as if each piece had been handcrafted. Women wore bonnets and delicate lace gloves, their hair styled in curls or elegant updos, reminding me of an old-time movie. Some wore aprons, others carried baskets on their arms, but they all looked like they had stepped out of another time period entirely.

I, on the other hand, stood out like a sore thumb. My denim blue jeans, pink t-shirt, and large fanny pack slung over my shoulder made me feel like I was an alien in this world. My sneakers scraped against the cobblestone road as I walked, and I couldn't help but feel self-conscious under the stares of the people around me. Their eyes were curious but polite, as if they had never seen someone quite like me before.

"Wow," I muttered under my breath. "I really feel like I'm in a whole new world."

Madison laughed, her eyes sparkling. "That's because you are!" As we made our way down the strip, I noticed the stares of the onlookers judging me. "Where are we going?" I asked curiously.

"I'm just showing you around. Wanna see the palace?" she asked.

"The palace as in royal?" I said, my voice tinged with excitement.

"Yeah, the royal family. We won't be able to just walk up because of the guards," she muttered. I nodded because, what else were we going to do?

We walked for a while, the vibrant energy of the streets buzzing around us. Finally, we reached the market. Stalls were set up in long rows, stretching as far as the eye could see, each one offering something different. Merchants called out, advertising their goods, their voices blending into a cacophony of lively banter.

To the left, there was a stall with fabrics in every color imaginable—rich, silky reds, deep blues, and shimmering golds. A merchant, an elderly woman with a deep, throaty voice, was holding up a bolt of cloth, urging people to come closer. "Finest silks, woven by hands from across the galaxy!" she bellowed. A young couple stopped by, examining the vibrant textiles. The woman smiled, her fingers running over the material. She whispered something to her companion, and they walked away laughing.

On the right, another merchant offered strange, glistening stones that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. "Magic stones for your spells! Rare finds, impossible to replicate!" he shouted. His stall was crowded with curious onlookers who marveled at the stones, asking questions, but no one seemed willing to buy. I couldn't help but stare at the array of crystals, some swirling with an inner light that felt almost alive.

Further down, a tall man with a thick beard was selling tools—small, intricate gadgets that were part of some kind of arcane mechanical contraption. "Tools for your magical experiments, perfect for novice wizards and seasoned mages alike!" he said, holding up a small copper device. The metal pieces clicked and shifted as he moved it, showcasing its complex design.

"This place is incredible," I muttered, overwhelmed by the endless variety of goods.

"We can go check it out later," Madison said, guiding me to a quieter corner where we could catch our thoughts.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice soft and concerned.

I steadied my breathing, trying to focus on one thing at a time. "I'm managing," I said. My eyes wandered back to the market stalls, and my gaze landed on a particularly intriguing one—a stall filled with magical tools and ancient-looking books. The air around it buzzed with a strange energy.

I pulled my wallet from my back pocket and opened it to count my money. "How much are things here?" I asked, shuffling through the bills.

"Well, you won't be able to buy anything with that," she said. I looked up at her in surprise.

"Oh, I figured that, but I thought I could trade it for local currency."

"I'm not even sure you could do that because Earth money isn't used on any of the five planets," Madison explained with a sorry expression.

I shrugged in defeat. "Now what? I wanted to buy something, but maybe some other time."

She smiled her usual cheery grin. "I'll buy whatever you want, no worries."

I blushed. "Are you sure?"

"Of course. Don't worry about it," Madison cheered.

"By the way, what kind of currency is used here?" I asked, putting my money back into my wallet.

"Our currency is called gems," she said, pulling me towards the exit of the market.

We made our way to the royal palace, walking through the ornate streets lined with sculptures and fountains. The air felt different here—more formal, more imposing. The palace loomed in the distance, its towers piercing the sky, and the guards in their glistening armor patrolled the area with practiced precision.

As we approached the gates, Madison stopped, her expression turning serious. "We won't be able to just walk up there," she said. "The guards won't let anyone idle too long near the palace. It's a security risk."

We nodded in understanding, deciding to hang back at a distance and observe for a while. The palace's beauty was undeniable—gleaming white marble that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, gardens full of exotic flowers, and massive doors flanked by statues of regal figures. But time passed, and no one seemed to approach us.

Soon, one of the guards walked toward us, his stern face barely shifting as he spoke. "You must move along," he ordered.

"We were just looking at the palace," Madison said politely, though there was a slight edge to her voice.

"You are idling too long. Move along or face removal," the guard repeated, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

With a resigned sigh, we turned away, stepping back into the quieter side streets. Madison muttered under her breath. "I knew we wouldn't get far."

"Well, that was a bust," I said, trying to make light of the situation.

Madison smiled a little. "Maybe next time. For now, let's head back to the market. There's always something new to discover." We headed back to the stall I was curious about when someone suddenly bumped into me, knocking my wallet out of my hand. It hit the ground with a soft thud, and I immediately bent down to grab it. As I did, I glanced up to see who had run into me. A boy, around my age, he was slender his build reminding me of that of a skater boy he stood there with a look of mild surprise. His hair was a striking mix of black and dark, purple shaved on both sides, leaving the top in a messy, bun. His skin was tan, and his ember-colored eyes glimmered with an intensity that made me pause for a moment. I couldn't help but notice how cute he was.

I hesitated for just a second, staring, but quickly shook my head, realizing I was lingering too long. I reached down again to pick up my wallet. But before I could, his hand shot out and snatched it from the ground, his fingers brushing against mine. My heart skipped a beat.

He turned and bolted. "HEY! STOP!" I shouted, adrenaline rushing through me as I instinctively took off after him.

He was fast. He moved like a shadow, weaving effortlessly between clusters of people, dodging and sliding through small gaps with ease. I pushed myself harder, my feet pounding against the pavement, but every time I got close, he seemed to slip just out of reach. His long legs gave him an edge, allowing him to cover more ground with each stride. I was doing my best to keep up, but every few steps I collided with someone, knocking into them, or stumbling over the uneven sidewalk, losing precious seconds.

I could hear Madison's voice calling out behind me, but I didn't have time to stop or slow down for her. She wasn't fast enough to keep up, and I was too focused on catching the thief. The crowd became a blur as I fought to maintain my position, still chasing him, my eyes locked on the back of his head. He moved like he had been running through these streets his whole life, knowing exactly how to glide between people without breaking his rhythm.

Meanwhile, I kept crashing into people, muttering apologies as I shoved past, my lungs burning with each breath. My legs were starting to feel heavy, and my pace was slowing down, but I refused to give up. I watched as he darted around a corner, and with every ounce of energy I had left, I surged forward, my muscles screaming in protest.

I rounded the corner just in time to see him disappear down a narrow alley. I could hear my heart pounding in my chest as I followed him, desperate not to lose him. But as I reached the alley, my breath ragged, the scene in front of me froze me in place. It wasn't a dead-end, but it was definitely isolated—an abandoned area with peeling paint on the walls and discarded trash littering the ground.

I staggered to a stop, my hands on my knees as I gasped for air. My mind raced, and I quickly scanned the area. He was standing behind a group of shady-looking men who looked like they had just stepped out of a dark corner of the city. The boy's eyes flicked toward me, meeting mine for the briefest second before he turned to speak with the men. "This score should cover my debts to you, but you'll have to get rid of her first," the boy with the ember eyes says playfully to the group of men. They crack their knuckles, their malicious grins widening as they circle us. The air around them is thick with the scent of danger.

Just as they close in, Madison rounds the corner, crashing into me. We lock eyes for a split second, a shared moment of panic, before both of us glance back at the men. The four men laugh, the sound low and menacing, their voices like gravel scraping together.

"Look, another little girl who lost her way," one of them mocks, his voice dripping with derision.

"As gentlemen, we should help them, right?" another sneers, taking a step forward.

"Yes, to their money... and maybe something else while we're at it," the third chuckles darkly, his eyes scanning us like a predator sizing up its prey.

I quickly scan the men: they're bigger, stronger, and more dangerous than I'd hoped. Their muscles bulge under their clothes, and the menace in their posture makes my stomach drop. I stumble to my feet, and Madison presses herself against me, trying to hide behind my back. My glare meets the men, but I can feel the pressure of their gaze, like a weight pushing down on me. "I wonder how you two taste" the last one says licking his lips The boy with the ember eyes stands at the back, his face pale, his eyes wide with a mix of guilt and uncertainty as he watches what seems to be our impending downfall.

I flash Madison an apologetic look, i had to break the promise we made to her dad. She gives me a brief nod, her expression tight with fear, I can hear the men's footsteps echoing in the silence, and then, without warning, they charge.

I don't hesitate. My hand rises, palm outstretched. A brilliant blue magic circle, glowing with energy, appears in front of me, the intricate symbols humming in the air. The temperature around us drops sharply, and the atmosphere crackles with power. Water begins to surge from the circle, gathering into a massive sphere, as if drawn from the very air. The men stop in their tracks, stunned by the sudden force of nature that I've summoned. Their jaws drop, and their eyes flicker from the swirling water to my face, confusion and uncertainty written across their features.

I can see the ember-eyed boy's expression shift from guilt to fear, his eyes darting nervously as if trying to figure out how far I'll take this. I don't give him time to react. With a sharp motion, I send the two water balls flying toward the closest men. They try to dodge, but they're too slow. The balls crash into them, splashing against their bodies with enough force to knock them off their feet, the water wrapping around them like an unrelenting tide. They struggle, sputtering and gasping for air, but the water holds them in place, immobilizing them as they're submerged.

With another flick of my wrist, I merge the two water spheres into one colossal ball, growing larger, denser, and more powerful by the second. I direct it at the other two men, and the impact knocks them backward. One tries to shield himself, but the water is too much, pulling him down as it cascades over him, drowning out his resistance.

I turn to face the last two, who are now scrambling to escape, but they're too late. The water I've summoned shifts in response to my will. It surges forward in a powerful stream, capturing both men in its grasp. They struggle, their desperate thrashing only making it worse as the water pulls them under. Their panicked gurgles fill the air, but I wait, knowing they're no match for the force I've called forth.

I give it a few seconds. Just enough for them to realize the gravity of their situation. Then, with a quick, fluid motion, I drop the stream, releasing a torrent of water that floods the area. It spills over the pavement, creating a miniature flood that rises rapidly. Madison clings to me, her grip tight as she's pulled against my side, struggling to stay on her feet.

The boy with the ember eyes clings to the roof of a nearby building, trying to hold on for dear life as the floodwaters surge around him. The men are on the ground, unconscious and drenched, their limbs slack as they float in the water, completely incapacitated. The scene is eerily calm, the rain now beginning to fall heavily, as if the sky itself was reflecting the chaos I've just unleashed.

Madison lets out a relieved breath, her arms still wrapped tightly around me. The boy's fearful gaze follows us as I make my way over to him. He's still frozen in place, the guilty expression still plastered across his face. His posture is tense, and his eyes are wide with fear as he watches me approach.

He backs away, but his eyes never leave mine. "Who are you?" he asks, his voice trembling slightly, laced with both curiosity and fear.

Before I can answer, I hear the distinct sound of whistles in the distance, growing louder. My heart skips a beat. I look around, confused. "What's that sound?" I whisper.

Madison tugs on my arm. "That's the police. We need to go now," she urges, her voice sharp with panic. I glance back at the boy, who stretches his hand toward me, as if begging me to wait. We lock eyes for a moment longer, the unspoken words hanging in the air.

Then, without another word, we turn and run. We duck into the nearest alley, disappearing into the shadows as the sound of the approaching sirens fills the air. We don't stop until we've made it back to the mansion. I glance down, only then I realize... I still never got my wallet back.

Bummer.