Not trust the Cat? Pfft, Layna knew that much. But, she didn't have many choices if she wanted to navigate through this Wonderland. Those at the Mad Tea Party seemed content with staying in their own little world—and the Mad Hatter unnerved her just a bit too much. She also didn't personally know who this particular Mouse was, only knowing he is the character Alice met after she cried herself a pool of tears. But, with the way he was speaking to her and painfully gripping her arm, Layna didn't like him. At least Cheshire Cat never manhandled her. Granted, his arms were tied up from that straightjacket, but that was beside the point.
She managed to pull herself out of his grasp after a few more attempts. Here, Layna noticed she was now towards the outskirts of the forest. She heard the rushing waters beside her before she saw it—a large river passing through the area towards the flat lands up ahead. A connecting piece between the two terrains.
Focusing back on the Mouse, she sternly spoke, "Boy, I don't know who you think you are, but I don't trust you either. So, //don't// go around dragging me to places."
The Mouse scoffed, "Great, you //do// trust the Cat."
"Hah, no. I barely know him, too. He's just—" A memory of the fire crackling and the warmth suddenly came to mind. Wait, did she sleep through the whole night? Wasn't it just a nap?
Layna looked up to see past the canopy. It was less dense here, and she was able to see sky. It was morning. Cheshire Cat had watched over her for hours while she slept, while she was vulnerable. Layna was having a difficult time comprehending this information, remembering the softness and comfort she felt. Did he sleep at all last night? Did he even need sleep? Do any of the characters need sleep?
Stop, calm your mind, Layna. You're going on a useless tangent.
"Will you cry?"
The Mouse's cold voice brought Layna back to the present. It seems that her brief silence tipped him off as his brown eyes narrowed at the thought of the Cat again. Layna supposed it made sense considering how this character always got offended when Alice spoke of cats and dogs.
Still, Layna was confused by the question, "Um… no, crying doesn't get me anywhere. If anything, it just causes more problems."
Tilting his head, the Mouse replied back, "Unusual. But, I guess it isn't needed, Alice."
Layna gave a perplexed look. What did he mean by not needed? Still, "That isn't my name, just as Cheshire Cat said."
The Mouse bared his teeth, "Cat this. Cat that. That's all you ever talk about—always spurting nonsense. But, I guess that is usual, Alice."
Feeling her blood begin to boil at the blatant insult and rude tone, Layna bit back, "Oh, shut up, Mouse. I'm NOT Alice. I'm—"
Layna felt a sudden freeze overwhelmed her body, shocking her core, as the water tried to drag her down. Or, more so, the Mouse that had interrupted her, tackling her into the river with no warning. He was still holding onto her, weighing her down and limiting her movement.
Layna was in sheer bloody panic, having already breathed in water. Her lungs were burning, screaming in desperation to get air in her system. She kicked and pushed, flailing in any possible way to try and get to the surface.
With one more kick, she did manage to breathe some air for a split second. In this second, Layna barely noticed Cheshire Cat standing by the shore, probably where she had been pushed in. His eyes were wide, smile blank and uneven. He seemed almost as shocked as she was. However, in the next second, the river swallowed Layna whole again.
The river had unwavering power to it, mercilessly rushing against her, pushing and pulling. Layna had no control on when she got air or water—she couldn't even properly control her own breathing anymore, on when to hold her breathe or gasp for air. The unadulterated fear was drowning her as much as this Mouse was. Her sense was direction was gone, her vision failing, and her strength slipping away.
She couldn't create a coherent thought on when she last got air. Layna had been underwater for too long. She needed to get above the surface. She needed to breathe.
However, a calm was creeping behind her as she fought for survival. Maybe she should just give in. Be over with it. The burning was eating her alive. Who would even care if she drowned to death here? All this tiring fighting, worth nothing. Maybe she'd even meet…
Hah, how funny to think she used to love the seas. How it sometimes felt magical to swim in such blue waters. How pretty it looked to watch from those white and blue buildings she used to love being at.
Live.
A sudden wave of determination flooded Layna. She pushed herself in what she believed was upwards, and luckily, she managed to get a few breaths of oxygen. She fought to stay close to the surface, only falling beneath the water for a second at a time, and tried to form coherent thoughts and a plan despite her coughing and gasps. Her thoughts become just clear enough for her notice some rocks not far off.
As she was dragged down again, Layna focused her muddled mind and drained energy to kick the Mouse away. The weight was finally off her, but she was truly at her limit. Her limbs felt numb and heavy as she desperately moved upwards to the surface, hoping to God she didn't miss her opportunity of salvation.
Above the water, Layna greedily took in as much air as she could, scared she might be dragged under again. With her blurry vision and weak body, she tried to move towards the rocks.
She felt something brush against her leg, and her heart jumped. Was that the Mouse trying to pull her down again? She couldn't handle another trip underwater. She was practically giving out right now.
Suddenly, she felt something sharp grab her shoulders, pulling her upward. Orange. The world was too blurry, tears and river water blocking her sight. Her coughing wasn't helping either.
However, feeling the solid rock beneath her was a God sent. Still, her lungs continued to burn as her body naturally tried to rid any water that entered her system. She ended up heaving a few times, too.
"How was the journey?"
Ah, that stupid familiar voice again. Layna glared at the hovering Cheshire Cat, wiping her mouth, "You could've helped."
He gave a simple shrug, "I'm not going into the water for you, Alice."
Layna gave another cough, barely managing her stubborn phase, "I'm NOT Alice."
Cheshire Cat smiled, perhaps a bit softer than usual, maybe even a bit proud, "Yes, yes, 'NOT' Alice."
Layna wanted to roll her eyes, but really didn't have the energy for it. She simply tried to control her breathing.
Wait.
Her reflection.
Layna lifted a hand to touch her cheek. Her bruise. She knew it was supposed to be a more purple color by now, but it looked more yellow brown and faded as if almost healed. Layna moved to a sitting position, beginning to lift her sleeves up.
The sounds of laughter and play stopped her.