3 A New Realm?

The circus tent was far more massive on the inside than it appeared from the outside. Trampolines and acrobatic equipment filled the arena, and cages for the circus animals lined the sides.

As Leon and Felix strolled through the vibrant chaos, Leon hummed a tune unfamiliar to Felix. Despite just meeting, Felix found himself enjoying Leon's company and thought that in some dream-like scenario, they could have been good friends. How silly, he chided himself.

"So," Leon began, "we haven't set things up yet, and it'll probably only take a day. For now, let's meet up with Lewi-- I mean, Plotter!"

"Plotter?" Felix surmised it was probably a performer nickname.

They reached a corner of the tent where a throne-like seat stood. A white-haired man wearing a red-black suit and a top hat, partially obscuring his face, was blowing balloons.

"Plotter! Heya!" Leon exclaimed, but the man, seemingly named Plotter, didn't respond. "Mad Plotter! Lewis!"

"Do not," Plotter's voice was deep and terrifying as he suddenly stood up and wrapped his hands around Leon's neck, his face now revealed with black and white clown makeup, "call me that."

Leon struggled to breathe, his face turning a light purple. "O...kay...!"

Plotter released him, leaving Felix stunned and fearful.

As Plotter nonchalantly continued to blow balloons, he completely ignored Felix.

Leon regained his composure, coughing, "How mean of you, Mr. Plotter! I thought we were over this violent phase!"

"Shut up, Harris," Plotter barked back.

"Harris?" Felix finally spoke up. "I thought your name was Leon."

Plotter glanced at Harris as if about to laugh. "Leon. Really."

Harris looked at Felix and winked, not offering any explanation.

Felix realized Harris had lied about his name too, so he shouldn't be angry. He clenched his fists, trying to control his emotions.

"Don't be mad, Thyme! Or whatever your name is too. We both lied, so we're even!"

"I guess," Felix replied emotionlessly.

"Thyme," Plotter broke the silence. The atmosphere turned tense, and Felix felt the weight of his words.

"Mr. Plotter, is there a problem?" Felix inquired cautiously.

Plotter smacked his lips and stood up, "Why do you seem so calm? The world you knew has perished, and only you remain. Why do you not question anything?"

Felix stuttered, realizing the validity of Plotter's point. "W-Well, Sir Plotter, I'm still in quite a daze right now, so I still think this is a dream. I'm sure I'll get used to it."

"Get used to what? Eating expired remnants of convenience stores? If you haven't noticed, the sun has gotten a few feet nearer to your Earth, and most of the water has evaporated. What now, Thyme? Just what will you do?" Plotter's words hit Felix hard.

"What's with you?" Felix retorted, anger simmering within him. "You don't know anything about me at all!"

"Why would you say that? I know everything about you," Plotter spoke quietly, swiftly, and creepily. "I know that you murdered animals in your free time as a child. I know how it pains you when the woman you like doesn't like you back. Oh, how you hate your baby face. I know you, Felix!"

Felix took a step back, alarmed to hear his name from this mysterious man. "What... Who are you?"

"You wouldn't understand now. I'll tell you when I need to. For now..." Plotter licked his long, black-painted lips. "Shall we read a book together?"

"A-A book?" Confusion replaced fear in Felix's mind.

"Yes, Felix. I'm sure you're familiar with the book itself-- or not. If not, then too bad."

Feeling the need to call for help, Felix turned to call out to Leon—no, Harris. But at the last second, his body froze. When he turned back to face Plotter, he saw the man holding milk and cookies.

'What are you going to do to me?' Felix tried to say, but his voice failed him.

Plotter approached Felix, pushing the cookies into his mouth and making him chew. He then poured the milk down his throat.

The Mad Plotter took a step back, spreading his arms wide, and astonishingly, his mouth transformed into a door.

'What the hell,' thought Felix.

Air rushed towards the door, and before long, Felix was sucked inside.

For what felt like an eternity, Felix plummeted through darkness, accompanied by random objects like clocks and cabinets.

He tried to sleep but his head hit the ground and he realized he had finally stop falling.

He arose and stretched his body and started looking around. What was in front of him was a vibrantly colored forest and a black screen with white text that said:

[Welcome to Wonderland!]

-

[Main Scenario #1 - I'm going to be late!]

Category: Main

Difficulty: E

Clear Conditions: Keep the rabbit from being late.

Time Limit: One hour

Compensation: 500 coins

Failure: Ten big memories are wiped

-

Outside the cave he was in, a rabbit came out of the bushes. The rabbit was wearing a blue blazer over a white polo and red tie. The rabbit brought out a pocket watch that looked gigantic compared to him. Its eyes glowed with worry.

"I'm going to be late!"