Joker/Clover/Heart no Kuni no Alice 1. Beginnings

**Huge Thanks to the 4 authors of HnKnA who gave me permission to put them in this story. I can't reveal their names yet, but you'll find out at least 2 of them in this chapter. **

**Alrighty then, enjoy the chapter!**

* * *

**_The Land of Spades Part 1: _  
**

**_Chapter 1: Beginnings _**

I'm a weird person.

That's not something that can just go away.

I have faults, and weaknesses, but to back it up, I also have strengths and good points.

I'm just a regular human being.

But I'm an author, and that makes a huge difference.

You might say, "What, do authors have some kind of super power or something? Pfft."

In fact, authors do have super powers.

The power... To create.

It's not something that's led so lightly either.

One wrong sentence, word, or even letter, could lead to a disaster. Authors make worlds that we call 'books'. A writer is pretty much the god of their story.

They can change it whenever they want to, change fight outcomes, personalities, settings, heck, they could even end the 'book'.

Book is an overused term. I prefer world.

Writers are wizards.

Instead of staffs, they wield pens and pencils.

Instead of chanting spells, they weave worlds into existence with their words.

Anyone can make magic.

You just need a bit of creativity, imagination, and some luck.

I have terrible luck. Probably one of the reasons I got stuck in the Land of Spades is because of the teeny bit of luck that Lady Luck barely blessed me with.

Oh, so you want to know what the Land of Spades is, hmm? Have you ever read the manga Alice in the Land of Hearts?

Most of you probably heard of it from a friend, by accident, or any other crazy and whacky reason.

It so happens, that it is also a game made by a group called Quin Rose. They have branched out and made many different versions of it, but they never made a land of spade. Heart, Clover, and Diamond were included, so why not Spade?

The truth is gruesome and terrible. But the truth usually is hard to take. If Quin Rose shared the real Land of Spades, everyone who works there will be incinerated, drowned, choked, die in quick sand, blinded, go mad, get turned into a Popsicle, struck by lightning, go into eternal sleep, and get thrown into an asylum.

Why am I alive and whole? This incredible adventure might be a (small) clue.

Do you have the courage to actually read this story? Do you have the resolve to take your skills to another level? The resolve to enter the Land of Spades, where real life and fantasy clash together?

At the moment, it's quite safe, a place where authors get together to share ideas, but the Jokers used to rule over it, making it so that anyone who entered, could never leave.

I was one of those people.

My friends and I opened the way out.

And that's our story for today. How to avoid Joker 101: Don't go to the Land of Spades.

The Land of Spades, more logically named, is the Land of Authors.

Every now and then, a new person goes to the Games section in Fanfiction, and then goes to the section labeled J/C/HnKnA. Suddenly, the screen goes black. Fiddling with it, they try to get the system back up. Instead, they get an free ticket to the Land of Spades.

Be grateful the Jokers aren't here anymore.

So you wanna know the story of how the past citizens of The Land of Spades defeated the cruel Jokers? Well then, I might as well, I have some free time right now anyway.

A friendly reminder for those of you who are going to Disney Land anytime soon: Get a fast pass for Splash Mountain.

Anyway, let's start our small tale from... Hmm, let's start from a couple days after I landed myself in The Land of Spades.

The Land of Spades was sickening, to say in the least.

White Joker's lackeys collected taxes for no reason, and Black Joker went around trying to land people in prison, or if he was lucky, a death sentence.

I knew that the Jokers were jerks in the manga, but I didn't think it would be this bad!

It was a scary time for us authors, because when usually you could come and go in The Land of Spades and RL, the Jokers had sealed off the portal, making it impossible for us to leave.

The Jokers were looking for a bride, (GROSS! ) so that they could fully take over the Land of Spades as it's kings.

Fate Pwns You, or for short, Fate, was the princess, but had been exiled.

Where would she go if she couldn't be in the Land of Spades?

The Guardian Rings.

There was another way to get out of the Land of Spades. But it was dangerous, idiotic, and REALLY REALLY stupid.

There were 10 Rings in all, standing for 10 elements: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Ice, Dreams, Light, Darkness, and Everything Else.

Don't ask me about the EE element. I don't know anything about it either.

Each of them had a God to rule over it, making it inhumanly impossible to cross over at least one.

And the Jokers had contact with them, so their goal was to kill any outsiders.

The Fire God was known to kill without talk. The Darkness Deity had a fondness for torture. The EE ring was completely unknown territory, which is what makes it scary. The Water Twins loved playing around with their prey before killing them. Rumor has it that the Dream God kills you off mentally, making you completely mad!

I can't even imagine how much courage it took to actually brave the Rings!

According to some rumors going around, Princess Fate was either getting special training to turn herself into a feathered monkey trainer for a circus from the Dream God, or stumped in the fourth Ring, unable to go any further for unknown reasons.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

I think I'll go with the second one.

It was still amazing that she had even managed to get through 4!

I guess miracles do happen.

Maybe she got lucky and her element was the first Ring.

What are you talking about Allora? Well, every author has a specific element that they are born with.

Special abilities ranged over different things, (Not everyone can throw a fireball and KO!) and some people even had 2 elements they could harness.

Sometimes, someone would appear with the rare ability to Envision.

Enivisionists, or as we like to call them, Imagi, (IM-a-ji) could change their own abilities and other people's personalities.

It's very powerful, and most people never get this ability. Only the most creative people could gain this mysterious power.

I guess I'm pretty creative, but not enough. I'm only good with writing. And plus, I have really weak element power.

The problem that I had to deal with at the moment, was attending a freaking ball!

It was a supposed party of celebration for Black Joker's birthday, but nobody actually bought the excuse because everyone knew that he hated bright parties and lots of noise.

My friend Mythia (Mia for short.) was currently going around looking for a dress that would be perfect for the event: Simple enough so it wouldn't catch the eyes, and elegant enough for a ball.

A poofy sunshine yellow dress: "Who do you think I am, a Fairy Princess?"

A looooong white dress: "I'm not getting married just yet."

A frilly pink dress: "You do know I'm not 5?"

A simple black dress: "Did somebody die? I'm hoping it's the Jokers."

A blood red dress that was really short: "Do you have a fever?"

A flashy rainbow colored dress: "I thought the point of this was to blend in?!"

Finally, a perfect dress was found. With purple flowing sleeves and a V-neck line, gold laced the outer edges of the beautiful dress. It shimmered a bit when I twirled around the full skirt, but only if you looked hard enough.

Mia was ecstatic.

She quickly found an amethyst choker and gold flats. Then she fastened a golden butterfly pin in my hair.

She grinned and said, "Perfect." My violet eyes blazed in the mirror, and my pale skin seemed to glow in the limelight. My hair seemed a darker black then before, and I didn't even recognize myself.

"Now it's your turn, Mythia! Hehehehe..." Mia sweat dropped at my creepy tone.

We did find the perfect dress for her as well.

It fit her personality perfectly. A sleeveless cream colored dress hung on her shoulders. It was definitely heavy satin, and she looked like a princess.

Translucent heels, a gold heart shaped locket, and a cream colored ribbon to tie up her reddish orange hair finished off the look.

After buying the dresses and accessories, Mia and I lugged our heavy bags across the street to an outdoor cafe.

I sipped my cappuccino, savoring the bitter sweet taste.

"So, have you decided yet?" Mia asked quietly. I stiffened.

"Don't play dumb with me girl, I know that you've been planning to go the Guardian Rings."

* * *

**I know that wasn't much of a cliffhanger, but hey, I have to break up the chapters somewhere. This was lots of fun to write. **

**Again, huge thanks to the five authors for permission to use their names and different personalities in this story. **

**And yes, one of them was xXMythiaXx. **

**She says you can take off the stupid X's. **

**FatePwnsYou is also another author that put up with my blabbering in PM. **

**If I reveal the other ones, than that won't be much of a surprise, so let's just say that the next chapter will reveal the last 2 people. **

**Thank you if you're reading this! **

**Bye~!**

**Allora chan**


	2. Coffee and a New Friend

**Wow, I'm really happy! I put a lot of effort into this story, and was hoping that people would enjoy it to their hearts content. The Jokers aren't so happy, but who cares about those guys anyway?**

**Jokers: HEY! **

**White: I think I've made it quite clear that I don't like being the evil role in this story. **

**Black: It really does suck to think that White of all people would actually be right. **

**Allora: Calm down, guys! One of the authors who star in this story actually requested to be paired up with you! Young people have no thanks for what people do for them. **

**Black: WE'RE OLDER THAN YOU, B****! **

**Allora: You can call me whatever you want, all I have do is delete your part in the story. *fingers the delete button lovingly***

**White: Now girls, calm down. We're here to answer questions, not start World War 3. **

**Allora: It still amazes me how you can mock people so calmly. **

**Black: *coughs* Anyway, let's answer the nice reviews that we got. From ****_Lucian96, _****we have a nice long essay on how this b****** story is awesome.**

**White: Aww, thanks for the cute comment on us! **

**Allora: I still don't know what she sees in you two. **

***The sound of a whip cracking***

**Allora: Okey dokey, I'll jut keep answering these nice reviews. From ****_Void Drifter, _****who****has an amazing fanfic called A Dragon's Heart, (Read!) she has lots of sweet compliments, THANK YOU SO MUCH! And wants to be in the story. I definitely have no problem at all at you being in it, but it will probably be towards the end. **

**Black: What she's basically trying to say is that she's grateful that you all love her stupid story.**

**White and Allora: You suck. **

**Previously:**

_After buying the dresses and accessories, Mia and I lugged our heavy bags across the street to an outdoor cafe._

_I sipped my cappuccino, savoring the bitter sweet taste._

_"So, have you decided yet?" Mia asked quietly. I stiffened._

_"Don't play dumb with me girl, I know that you've been planning to go the Guardian Rings."_

* * *

The Land of Spades:Part 1

Chapter 2: Coffee and a New Friend

* * *

My calm facade almost completely crumbled and I spit out my coffee, anime style.

I looked at it longingly. That was a waste of a good cappuccino.

Mia tried to continue with a loud voice, but I covered her mouth quickly and hissed,

"If you talk about something like that here, you'll get sent to the castle dungeon!"

"But-!" "I haven't even fully decided yet, and I don't know a lot about it."

Mia grinned slyly. "Well, I might have an old friend who knows a bit more than normal about the Guardian Rings... But~!"

"You really want to go, don't you?" "And my info and element could help you a lot! And-!"

"Okay, okay, you're in." She pumped her fist in the air, and yelled,

"We are going to the Rings! We are going to the-"

"I said, TONE IT DOWN!"

Somewhere in eastern Spade Land...

"Hey Lucy! I'm here! It's me! Mythia!"

"I can here you quite clearly, Mythia-san."

"Then why aren't you opening the door?!"

"Because there is someone else with you."

"I told you, she's my friend!" Mia whined.

"I was told to trust no one, Mythia, by the person who's knocking on that door. "

Ouch. This girl knows the places to hit it where it hurts.

"But Lucy!"

"Alright, fine! But just this once, okay?"

An angry girl with light auburn sun kissed hair and disapproving amber eyes opened the door rather huffily.

She raised an eyebrow at me, and I suddenly felt very shy.

"I'm Allora, Mythia's friend." "Yeah, I know, Mythia-san just told me."

She snapped back, beckoning for us to come inside and muttering the entire way.

Mia whispered apologetically, "Sorry, she's not good around people. She's usually really nice..."

"I'm not deaf!"

* * *

After brewing us some tea, she started talking about everything she knew, from the beginning to the end.

"The Guardian Rings are known as the ultimate defense. Anyone who barges in is considered as an enemy, and is immediately... Erased."

"Lucy, you sound like a military general!"

"Shut up Mythia-san."

Why did she even bother putting a San at the end?

"Anyway, like I was saying, the most anyone knows about them is that there are 10 Rings, the story about the legendary author Ink'n'Echo, who passed through 9 rings and almost made it, and that it leads to another way out of The Land of Spades. They also know that if a person goes through that portal, then this portal will be unsealed. That is a lie."

"WHAT!?" I yelled out, unable to stop myself.

A laser beam gaze from Lucian made me shut up.

"I know that you're probably shocked, but it is the truth, and if you can't take the truth, you shouldn't be here."

She was right. If I wasn't prepared to face some facts, I wouldn't even try to escape.

"There has to be FIVE people that go through the gate."

A dead silence reigned.

There was no words that needed to be said. Everyone was thinking the same thing.

It was hard enough to just get yourself across, but having to worry and care for other team mates, rescuing, escaping, and etc., would be almost impossible.

"And there's an old prophecy on this topic, but.."

"But what?" Mia said, completely entranced.

"It's really hard to understand or blah, right? There's gotta be a freakin prophecy for everything. And it's always riddles and puzzles, and it ends up hurting you more than helping you. There isn't any: You go here to save the world, and you can use this to defeat your enemies, and there are blank and blank traps you have to watch out for. Noooo, you have to find a sapphire in a raven's eye and whatnot. And-" I continued ranting like an idiot while Lucian coughed and continued.

"If these 5 people don't go through, then the seal will stay very much intact. The prophecy, as Allora-san commented rudely, is very confusing. Mythia-san, will you do the honors?"

"Sure!"

Taking a deep breath, she turned on the actress switch and told us the idiotic prophecy that makes no sense.

"_The first three brave the three._

_The fourth is found in a black rose's thorns._

_The fifth is trapped in the past, frozen until his icy heart is thawn._

_Never sacrifice for what can be overcome._

_Never abandon those in need._

_Do not seek, that which you want to find will come to you._

_Do not trust so easily, for it will be the day you die._

_But if you do trust a person, believe in their powers, no matter how much it pains you to do so._

_If someone tries to separate you from your friends, then do whatever possible to stop them._

_Don't survive. Live._

_The last lock has more than one key._

_Remember._

_And do not forget_." (A/N: I'll post this on every other chapter, because it's pretty important to the plot.)

She finished, her dramatic level peaking.

"There's a perfect example of an annoying riddle." I huffed irritably.

"Any other useful information?" I asked, stressing the word useful.

"Why do you hate prophecies that much, Ally?"

"Didn't I tell you not to call me that? And I think it's because of something that happened in RL... Hmm, that's strange.. I can't seem to remember... "

Lucian's face was paling rapidly, and she asked quietly, voice shaking, "Where do you live?"

"In America, USA!" "Good, it looks like you haven't completely lost it.."

She started mumbling, shaking her hands, skin turning white.

I didn't really take her for the worrying type. The human analyzer part of my brain must be a bit off today.

"I think my theory is correct... I was hoping that it wasn't..."

"What is it?! Tell me tell me tell me tell me tell me tell m-" the ever impatient Mia shut up when Lucian glared at her.

**"We're slowly forgetting our memories of the outside world."**

A stony silence.  
I would forget...  
Everything?

My family?  
My friends?  
The best times and the worst?  
Lessons learned?  
Hobbies?  
_Everything?_

That's not possible, it can't be.

Lucian did tell me to face the facts.

But this...  
Is over the top.

"It's all their fault! The Jokers should go to f****** hell."

Mia was cursing. The world was ending.

"No it isn't, and who in the world said I couldn't swear? I swear all the time! Like that time with Bee!"

Calling her an idiot doesn't count. Especially when you were just joking around.

"Who are you talking to, Mythia-san?"

"Her." We both pointed.

"You can read minds!?" I gasped.

By all holy- Lots of cursing follows.

"You have become a target Mythia-san," Lucian said, looking pale.

"Because the people who have two elements are ordered to die." I whispered.

It looks like the time to get out of here is becoming shorter and shorter.

"Mind reading is an attribute of the Dream element, and as I recall, you already have the powers of Light, to cleanse and purify things, correct?"

Mia nodded, shocked. "Things are getting a little messy. Mythia-san, you don't have a choice anymore. You either go to the Rings, or you die. And it looks like..." Lucian sighs.

"I'm coming with you." Mia instantly cheers up.

"Woohoo!" I said sarcastically. "Looks like the first line of the prophecy came true."

Mia looked at me, confused. "What do you mean, Ally-chan?"

"Remember? 'The first three brave the three'? " "Of course!" Lucian agreed, nodding slightly, color flooding back into her cheeks.

"And the other three things that are in the prophecy... Are-"

"THE RINGS!" We all said at the same time.

We looked at each other for a second, and burst out laughing.

It made me feel so warm inside.

A burst of joy.

A sip of hot coca on a cold winter's day.

A refreshing bite of ice cream on a sweltering summer morning.

A gust of wind.

A drop of rain.

A rose petal.

A flame.

A spark.

Full of hope, and beautiful light.

I've liked being alone since I was little, but I have never felt such an pull towards people.

The spark of a new adventure, a new way of life.

It was small, but it was enough.

* * *

**I love that last part! Jeez, I'm starting to fangirl over my own story. **

**HUGE THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING AUTHORS: **

**FatePwnsYou**

**xXMythiaXx**

**Ink'n'Echo**

**Lucian96**

**Because of you guys, I can write this wonderful story! **

**R and R please! **

**RECOMMENDED STORY: Wonderland:The Academy of Blades and Guns by Ink'n'Echo. **

**Till next time, **

**Allora chan**


	3. A Sweet Lucian is Scary

**I'm really happy right now. I love you reviewers so much! I was thinking that I was completely failing this story, but you guys cheered me right back up! **

**Ace: Haha! Allora is being ecchi with-**

**Allora: *covers mouth quickly* What are you talking about Ace? Hehe. **

**Ace: I read the fourth chapter and- **

***Allora takes out machine gun threateningly* **

**Ace: Um, nothing. Never mind. **

**Allora: That's what I thought. **

**Boris: I thought we were supposed to be answering questions, not having a death match! **

**Ace: You're right, Cat. Awesome reviews need to be answered, don't you think, Allora-chi?**

***fingers stolen machine gun lovingly***

**Allora: R-Right, Ace. So the first review is from _xXMythiaXx, _and she wants to know whether I was talking about Black n' Bee, an alternate account of Elise the Writing Desk. Right on! You know your authors! **

**Boris: _Ink'n'Echo _wants to know more about the Guardian Rings. Can I tell her, PLEASE~! *makes puppy dog eyes at Allora***

**Allora: isn't it weird that a cat is making dog eyes? And those don't work on me.I have experience with my younger brother. **

**Ace: Aww, I wanted to reveal it too! **

**Allora: *coughs* Anyway, I'm sorry if the Guardian Rigs are a little bit confusing, but they're pretty much shrouded in mystery. The g-**

**Boris: Uh uh. If you're not letting us say anything, then you stay out of it too! **

***lifts Allora like a sack of potatoes and runs off* **

**Allora: ACE! HELP ME~! **

**Ace: I feel like I heard something. Must had been my imagination..O****n any note, Allora-chi doesn't own J/C/HnKnA. Speaking of Allora, where did she go? And a quick reminder: Allora-chi is traveling back to America tommorow, so a new chapter may be delayed. **

**Previously:**

A spark.

_Full of hope, and beautiful light._

_I've liked being alone since I was little, but I have never felt such an pull towards people._

_The spark of a new adventure, a new way of life._

_It was small, but it was enough_.

* * *

The Land of Spades Part 1:

Chapter 3: A Sweet Lucian is Scary

* * *

"Why are we still here?" I grumbled, uncomfortable in such an elegant setting.

1 week had passed since our meeting with Lucian, and we were currently at the party.

I was sulking because I hated this kind if ball. "Remember what Lucy said, Ally?" "Yes. And DON'T CALL ME THAT!"

* * *

1 week earlier, a little bit after the conversation in Chapter 2...

"Tonikaku, we have to go to the Joker's Ball." I started to protest, when she raised a hand to silence me.

"I'd bet that they're counting the amount of people who go in. If someone's missing, they'll know."

"Hey, that's really smart, Lucy!"

You haven't noticed already, Mia? That this girl's a genius in strategy?!

I put a hand to my head and sighed.

Sometimes, I really do wonder...

"The next morning, we're going to ESCAPE!" A round of claps went around.

"Mythia-San, you and Allora-San will come to the cafe for a donut and some coffee, as you usually do, and by coincidence, I'll come along, and we'll talk like old friends."

This girl... Is a little to calculating for my taste.

But the fact that she's helping us with such passion, means she's not a bad person.

She's just really good at hiding it. A warm smile grew on my face.

Lucian noticed, and tapped me on the head. "Don't zone out on me. All information is important."

So she's really really good at hiding it.

"Mythia-san has a good idea for us to get through the First Ring. We're going through as dancing girls, okay? Mythia is going to bring the costumes, and I need Allora-san to bring supplies such as food and clothing suited for warmer or colder climates."

"Question." "Yes?" "Who are the gods and goddesses?"

"I have a special guide book made by an Imagi,but it only shows information if you're in the Ring. I have nothing else to rely on." "You can rely on us!" Mia grinned toothily.

Lucian showed us a small, rare smile. "Cuute!" I yelled, and hugged Lucian.

"Hey, GETOFFAME!"

* * *

Present Time

"Where's Lucian? She's late." I grumbled. "Lucy is probably setting up last minute plans." Mia wasn't even paying attention to me, her eyes were trained on the refreshment table, cat ears wiggling.

Wait, CAT EARS!?

"Um, Mia, I don't recall you being half-cat.

"Oh, you mean these? I thought they would look nice."

"I'm just not going to comment. And yes, Mia, you can go to the refreshment table. "

She sped off with sparkles in her eyes. I feel sorry for the chefs.

I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Sorry I'm late!" An auburn haired beauty gasped out.

She was wearing a beautiful green dress with spaghetti straps and a silk rose pinned on to her right shoulder. An real emerald the size of a baby's fist hung on a bronze necklace. Her eyes were a swirling, mysterious brown.

"Who are you?" "IDIOT! I'm Lucian!"

"Oh."

"I'm very sorry to disturb you two beautiful ladies, but can I have a dance with the Miss in green?"

A gentleman dressed in white and red with a masquerade mask on his face asked, a polite smile on his face.

Lucian would never say yes. You picked a fight with the wrong girl, I thought, shaking my head slightly, sympathetic. I mean, there's no way that a girl like her would say yes to a guy like him! No way-

"S-sure!" I have been shocked many times in my life, but this is heart stopping.

Lucian took his hand, and he kissed it, leading her away, Lucian giggling and blushing lightly.

I have officially been traumatized.

"Love birds," I said, sighing.

"Love birds," I heard someone else grunt. In surprise, I swiveled around-

* * *

**The next chapter does contain kissing. Just wanted to let you know. **

**And as Ace said, I'm coming back to the states tomorrow! **

**Because of the sudden 12 hour time change and other factors, I'll be late in my next posting. **

**RECOMMENDED STORY OF THE DAY: Every Mirror has Two Sides by: ExAxL**

**Bye bye!**

**Allora chan**


	4. Announcement

**I'm sure most of you are disappointed that this isn't an update, but I just wanted to let people know that I probably won't update for the next 3-4 days. I'm coming back to the States from Japan, and I need some time to get used to the time difference and life style. I don't have enough time to post a chapter, but I can answer these lovely reviews. **

**Allora: I'm getting lots of questions on the Guardian Rings. You're supposed to be confused, so don't PANIC. **

**Blood: The lady is quite right. All the role holders are informed not to tell a living soul. **

**Boris: *shivers* Where do you think I got this red hand print?! **

**Allora: Alrighty then, let's answer the first couple reviews. Ace, will you do the honors? **

**Ace: Sure. *nurses his black eye* So from _Lucian96 _who by the way, is one of the characters in our story, she says Allora-chi nailed her personality. Wow, that's a first. _  
_**

***Allora bashes Ace's head in with a frying pan***

**Allora: Thank you soo much Lucy-chan! That means a lot to me. And thanks for actually reading the Authors Notes that I put at the beginning and the end. **

**Blood: The next one seems to be from _xXMythiaXx, _and she is wondering if Ink'n'Echo is in this story. **

**Allora: Yes, Inky is in this story. I mentioned her in the second chapter, maybe you missed that? She won't come as an actual character until later. **

**Boris: *snatches the laptop away* the last reviews are 3 reviews by the same author. Her name is _darkAkira1. _  
**

**Ace: *holds an ice pack to his head* She thinks it's a unique, interesting, story. And there will be a kissing scene next chapter. But Allora is just shy and doesn't want to admit it. **

***Blood hears the sound of a chainsaw and a couple screams* **

**Boris: Allora is violent. If I didn't show up here, she threatened to make me drink vinegar! **

**Blood: That may be so, but it makes the story more interesting. Most of you probably want to know what kind if elements each of them have. As we've said before, Mia controls Light, and now Dreams. The power to purify and the power to read minds. **

**Allora: I have weak elemental power, and I harness Fire and Wind. The most I can do is light a small fire and conjure up a breeze when I'm hot. The reason I don't have a death sentence is because my powers are so small. **

***cries into Boris's shoulder* **

**boris: Since when did you get back? And what happened to Ace? Wait a sec, I don't want to know. **

**Ace: Lucian has the powers of Water. She can make a flood, and make it rain. **

**Blood: Why do dimwits have to be so able-bodied? **

**Allora: No kidding. *stares at Blood* **

**Blood:*calmly takes out his machine gun* Allora-san, I hope you're not suggesting that I am a dimwit? **

**Allora: N-no. *Backs away slowly, and then starts sprinting***

**Boris: There's another violent one. **

**Sneak Peek:**

**I was starting to sob now.**

** "I-I just w-want someone t-to u-und-derstand m-me!"**

** I was full on crying now. **

**"Sorry, but I don't know how you feel right now." **

**"N-no, it's my fault, just spilling e-everything out on you."**

** "But I do know how sad it is when you feel as if you're completely alone." **

**Then, he kissed me. Like, really kissed me. I widened my eyes, and was completely shocked.**

** "I've decided," he said slowly. "You will be my bride."**

** Three guesses who it is. And the first two don't count.**

**...**

**RECOMMENDED STORY OF THE DAY: Underland Magic by Fate Pawns You.**


	5. Trapped in Honesty

**So yeah, this is chapter 5. **

**It's supposed to be Chapter 4, but I'm lazy, and I don't want to get myself confused.**

**That kind of logic is going to get me killed one day. **

**Ace: By me. **

**Blood: Or me. **

**Boris: Allora has decided not to answer reviews on her updates unless it is absoloutley necessary. **

**Allora: PM works better for me. And since when could you say those big words? **

**Boris: Why are you eating Blood's ramen? **

**Allora: Because ramen is life! I'll miss beig ale to go to a Chinese restaurant and having ramen when ever... **

**Blood: Miss, I suggest-**

***glares coldly at Blood* **

**Allora: Nobody. Comes. between. Me. And. My. Ramen. Do you comprehend this simple sentance?**

**Blood: Y-yes, ma'am.**

**Boris: Now you don't see that everyday! **

**Ace: Apparently this is dedicated to darkAkira1, or as Allora likes to call him, Aki-kun. **

**Allora: I'M SO SORRY AKI-KUN! **

**Boris: Calling a boy a girl? What are you thinking, Ally? *smirks***

**Allora: *turns bright red* Didn't I tell you... *advances with a sledge hammer* **

**NOT TO CALL ME THAT!**

***Boris turns pale and starts running for his life, Allora chasing after him.***

**Ace: So it's a sledge hammer this time. I gotta get me one of those! **

**Blood: *Sighs and shakes his head* All you ladies out there, I'm terribly sorry for the inconvenience. The idiotic male readers should just ****disappear. Though, it doesn't mean I hate you Aki-kun... *smirks and licks his lips* **

**Allora: Okay, that's just creepy. On with the story.**

**Previously:**

_I have officially been traumatized._

_"Love birds," I said, sighing._

_"Love birds," I heard someone else grunt. In surprise, I swiveled around-_

* * *

_**The Land of Spades Part 1:**_

_**Chapter 5: Trapped in Honesty**_

* * *

-to see a figure clad in black and red, a masquerade mask on his face.

He looked almost identical to the guy who had just led Lucian away, but instead of a smile, he was frowning. Heavily.

He kept muttering curse words and tapping his foot, impatient.

He was glancing at the refreshment table often, and I got the feeling he was hungry. Giggling slightly, I brought over a slice of cheesecake.

He looked at me, surprised that I was even talking to him. Hmm, I wonder why. "Are you giving this to me?" He said incredulously.

"Unless you aren't hungry, " I smirked cunningly, and pretended to eat a bite.

"No! I mean, yes, I'm really hungry. Thanks." He took the food rather gratefully, and helped himself.

"You men are so lucky," I said wistfully to my self as I watched him shovel cake into his mouth.

"You don't have to wear pinching heels, or too small flats that your friend insisted that you wear."

"Oh, really? At least you didn't have to swear to your twin that you wouldn't swear at all at this party, and if you did, no food for a week!"

Our friendly banter continued.

It was very calming to be with a person who understood how nerve racking and uncomfortable it was at a formal party.

We participated in a small folk dance, laughing all the way.

Earlier, his polite smiles had all been fake, but now they had become much more genuine.

His honesty astonished me. For my entire life, there has never been someone who had been so straight forward. I like that part about him.

I was developing a sisterly affection to him already. He was just so cute when he blushed as I pointed out when he started cursing.

We talked the night away, and escaped to the balcony, still trying to best each other in which had it worse. "-and then she spilled paint over my head!"

"Serves you right, b-" "Uh uh." I wagged my finger at him.

"Remember your promise?" He paled and muttered, "I can't hide a thing from you."

"Haha, that's true for everyone I meet. The day I can't read someone at all, is the day I fall in love."

He looked at me, intrigued. I guess that not every girl says that.

"Why do you say that?" I was right.

" I've never really thought about it. I mean, I've had a few crushes here and there, but I've never felt true love.

People say that when you start to miss them all the time, start to want to help them in anyway possible, start to do things for them that you wouldn't do regularly, that's when you've fallen in love.

I'm really bad at showing people affection, and when I want to say thank you, or show that I really care, I even end up hurting people.

I can't even show tears anymore. I have to endure for the sake of others.

One of the bad things about me is that I'm really prideful. I can't say sorry unless I really mean it and am completely convinced that I'm wrong.

I hate people who think that they know everything about me.

If I don't even know everything about myself, how would they know more about me, as a person?!" I was starting to sob now.

"I-I just w-want someone t-to u-und-derstand m-me!" I was full on crying now.

"Sorry, but I don't know how you feel right now." "N-no, it's my fault, just spilling everything out on you."

"But I do know how sad it is when you feel as if you're completely alone." Then, he kissed me. Like, really kissed me.

I widened my eyes, and was completely shocked. "I've decided," he said slowly. "You will be my bride."

Three guesses who it is. And the first two don't count.

"Black Joker!" I tried to pull away, but he forced me to stop, a hand around my waist.

The kiss became more heated, and my energy to get away was slowly converting into energy to not melt in his arms.

It was my first kiss, and the sensations were overwhelming. I was hot, so hot that sweat was trailing down my cheeks.

His tongue tried to get into my mouth, and desperately, I kept my mouth shut. With a growl of annoyance, he punched my stomach, making me hack blood, my vision going black. How appropriate.

* * *

Mia's P.O.V.  
This sweet tasted really good! It looks terrible, but tastes amazing!

I watched Allora come back down the balcony.

She was draped over his shoulder, and blood dribbled down her chin.

Were they doing something they shouldn't have been? Hehe. My little Ally chan is growing up!

I resumed eating cookies like the world was ending.

Hmm, I feel like I'm forgetting something important.. I saw Lucian earlier, so everything is done, but I have this really bad feeling...

(A/N: Obliviousness is a crime. Especially to those who need help but are currently being ignored.. *cough* Me *cough*.)

Lucian's P.O.V.

I danced in the arms of the wonderful White Joker.

What, did you think I actually hadn't noticed?

I just sort of wanted a small break, as Joker is my favorite character, so yeah...

His strong arms, and his beautiful face, and he looks so gorgeous in that red and white tux..

(A/N: I found out that this happened a lot later, but I still got really mad. She continued fangirling over Joker, as I was carried away, and Mia continued eating her beloved sweets. Um, HELLO?! I'm still here! )

* * *

**The kiss scene is still making me blush. God, I need to get used to this kind of thing. **

**Ace: I can help you~! **

**Allora: Um, no offense, but you're the last person I would ask for that kind of thing. **

**Ace: *sulks in a corner***

**Allora: I hope you enjoyed the chapter everyone! I don't have as much free time since I am now in America, but I won't take months to update, ****because that would be stupid. **

**Ah, right. For the people who actually read this note, I have a tiny bit of information on the next chapter. They're finally setting of off into the Guardian Rings. **

**Bye!**

**Allora chan**


	6. Dash to the Harbor

**I might get a little emotional in this chapter. It's excepted, after all, I'm a teenager, or as my dad likes to call me, an alien.**

**If you got a problem with it, then explain to me how you are never emotional and haven't cried once in your life. **

**Then you can criticize me. Anyway, on with the story. **

**Disclaimer: I don't own J/C/HnKnA**

**Previously:**

_Lucian's P.O.V._

_I danced in the arms of the wonderful White Joker._

_What, did you think I actually hadn't noticed?_

_I just sort of wanted a small break, as Joker is my favorite character, so yeah..._

_His strong arms, and his beautiful face, and he looks so gorgeous in that red and white tux.._

* * *

**_The Land of Spades Part 1: _**

**_Chapter 6: Dash to the Harbor_**

* * *

I woke up, my head was throbbing, and my vision was still swirly.

We weren't on the top floor, like I thought, but on the lower levels.

The window was open, but the door was locked.

How strange. It's almost like they want me to escape.

I felt a buzz in my pocket, and took out my phone, surprised that it was still there.

Lucian96:

_CHANGE OF PLANS! Go straight to the harbor._

xXMythiaXx:

_Did you get Lucy's mail? We're going to leave at 6. I've got your supplies on the ship, but HURRY!_

I looked at my watch. Ah, it's 5:45. Plenty of time.

.

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.

.

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15 MINUTES!?

I raced out the window, calculating in my head how many minutes it would take sprinting to the harbor. 14 minutes!?

I would barely make it!

I tried to remember the path to the harbor.

Ugh, nothing comes up! Ace is a bad influence. I have to hurry up!

I sped over to Lucian's house, remembering something about the harbor being close to it.

I panted, huffing. I had gotten to Lucian's house, but I had no other clues. I took a rest as I felt my brain work.

I had never actually been to the harbor before, and my mind was reeling, unable to calm down after running such a long distance.

Ugh, it smells like fish here. Wait, fish?

Sniffing a bit in the air, I followed the strong scent of rotten fish. Finally, I saw blue.

The ocean! Oh HEAVENLY GOD! I'M SORRY I EVER DOUBTED YOU!

Looking around, I searched for my two friends.

Then I slapped myself on my forehead. Did you really think that the ship would be right in front of you, Allora?

I forgot to ask which ship it was! I ran as I texted, and looked around.

There was no way I'd be able to find a particular ship among these 11! Wait. 11!?

Of course! I was thinking like I was in RL again.

There was a ship for each ring, and one irregular one. I ran towards it.

I can still make it! My vision was turning splotchy, and I wanted to throw up.

My muscles were on fire, and I felt like an idiot. I hadn't practiced at all for running! I used to be the ace of the cross country team! This should be nothing!

And yet, it definitely wasn't. I was slowing down, and my legs wouldn't continue.

I don't care if my legs give out! I'll crawl on my elbows and knees!

If they get so bruised I can't move anymore, I'll pull myself across the floor!

Whatever it takes to get back at those cruel Jokers for stealing our freedom! WHATEVER IT TAKES FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE CRIED AND SUFFERED!

"It's alright, Allora. I've got you. Everything will be okay." I felt my vision go black as I heard Lucian say the words I wanted to hear the most.

I could finally start the adventure that I have been longing for my entire life.

The emptiness inside of me can finally be filled.

I have a purpose, and an adventure, a real one.

I hated my daily life of doing nothing but the same thing over and over again.

The safety rules were excuses. A real adventure!? That was in my fantasies.

Leave it to the big guys. The grown ups. The cops. The people who supposedly knew what they were doing.

My entire life is me rebelling against the idea that I can't have an adventure. Live your life to fullest, they say.

How can you when you can't have the one thing you want the most? An adventure. That's the only thing I ever wanted. Thank you, Lady Luck.

You gave me a place where I belong.

* * *

**That last part was ****emotional. Well, I'm emotional. Deal with it! **

**RECOMMENDED STORY OF THE DAY: Baby Love by Lucian96**

**Ciao amigos,**

**Allora chan**


	7. Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire

**I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while. I have no excuses, I was just being lazy and enjoying summer break. **

**Big time mess up, Allora. What have you been doing? **

**Ace: She was with me, going on an adventure! **

**Boris: NO! She was with me, at the Amusement Park! **

**Blood: I'm afraid both of you are mistaken. Miss Allora was with me, having a delightful tea party. **

**Vivaldi: OFF WITH YOUR HEAD! Did you all have sudden memory loss? Allora was with me, enjoying a snack in the evening. **

**Twins: Shove off, hag. Onne-chan was with us, checking out our collection! **

**Elliot: You brats! All that extra slaughtering must have finally gotten to your head! Allora was with me, snacking on carrot cake! **

**Julius: Actually, she was-**

**Vivaldi: WHAT DID YOU SAY!? OFF WITH YOUR HEAD! I mean, HEADS! **

**Twins: *completely ignore Vivaldi* What do you mean, extra slaughtering, Chickie Hare?! We're just doing our job like good little boys, unlike some RABITT. **

**Julius: Um, she really was visiting-**

**Elliot: *ignores Julius* EXCUSE ME?! You're the one always running off on a break that ain't there!**

**Blood: We can all agree that I am right, isn't that right, everyone? *Holds machine gun threateningly* **

**Everyone but Julius: O-Of course. **

**Julius: But-**

***Blood gives him The Look***

**Julius: Ugh, fine. **

**Allora: Actually, I was at the Clock Tower, nursing Julius back to health. He collapsed. Again. **

**Dee: WHAT!? The Clockmaker got special treatment while we were working hard!?**

**Dum: That's not fair, Big Sis. *Snakes his arms cunningly around Allora* You'll have to take care of us too.**

**Allora: But don't you have a doctor to take care of you? *completely oblivious to what he is implying* **

**Twins: *Adult form poof* But she can't take care of two big boys like us.**

**Allora: BLOOD! HELP ME!**

**Previously:**

_My entire life is me rebelling against the idea that I can't have an adventure. Live your life to fullest, they say._

_How can you when you can't have the one thing you want the most? An adventure. That's the only thing I ever wanted. Thank you, Lady Luck._

_You gave me a place where I belong_.

* * *

_**The Land of Spades Part 1: **_

_**Chapter 7: Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire**_

* * *

I woke up in the cabin room.

The gentle lull of the waves had pulled me into sleep twice, but now my curiosity was getting the better of me, and I wanted to explore.

Lifting myself slowly out if bed, I relaxed my stiff and strained muscles. They were going to hurt for a while now.

Wincing in pain, I pulled myself over to the door, and opened it.

The sky was a midnight black, and the stars burned against the dark background, making it seem brighter than before.

A whole galaxy of stars, more than I had ever seen before, spread out in a magnificence beyond compare. I had never seen so many stars in one place.

I could see the constellations so clearly they almost seemed real.

The moon.. Oh god, the Moon! It was beautiful.

The white moon fire sent soft glances towards me, and I sucked in a breath, the air coming out in small bunches of fog.

The small splotches of grey on the moon from craters, those small faults made it even more magnificent.

The sea could be barely made out, and it was calm in the careful watch of the moon.

There wasn't a hint of blue in the sky. It was black. And that was that. But it wasn't the kind of black you would fear and run away from.

It was a warm darkness, wrapping you in it's shadow and protecting you from the dangers of the night.

As I was basking in the electrifying moon fire, Mia came up from behind me and pulled me away.

"Lucian has some new information for us! Come on, I know the stars are beautiful, but you can always see them later!"

...

"You're not even thinking about anything but the stars, huh?"

...

Mia, fed up with my silence, physically and mentally dragged me to the lower cabin.

Lucian raised an eyebrow at my dazed state, sighed, and brought out her guide book.

I gasped. The blank page was half filled with words. As I watched, black ink scribbled down on the lower half, forming letters.

She started reading it to herself. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me."

Lucian slapped herself in the forehead.

"What is it? What happened? Did something bad happen? "

"It has information on the First Ring, the Ring of Fire. And it says that it's mostly a peaceful Ring, and it's night at all times. It seems to be in an early Japanese era, with temples, samurai, shogun, and all that other stuff. There are no monsters, just people, authors who failed, and the Fire God. "

"Soooo... where's the bad news?"

"The Fire God is really violent. He doesn't let you go through his ring unless you go through a series of contests and win. And no one has ever cleared them before. Most just avoid the Imperial Palace where he lives, and sneak through to the other side. That's what this person did, anyway."

"But our costumes! We have to perform at the Imperial Palace!" Mia was panicking.

"Calm down, Mia. We can get through just fine. How will he know that we're from Spade Land, anyway?" I said reassuringly.

Even though I was only half convinced of my own words.

* * *

A Day Later...

We were currently walking around the Fire Ring, and having a grand old time, running to everything like tourists and squealing. Lucian was reading the now growing sentences like a tour guide, reciting things like a machine.

"The Fire Ring is consisted of lots of small islands and one main island. It has-"

"Oh, who cares about that! Let's explore!"

Mia, who was actually right for once, jumped up and down, excited out of her mind.

It was beautiful. Many different people in colorful traditional Japanese clothing walked around, greeting each other cheerfully.

Vendors haggled prices for beautiful silks, and street performers danced.

Lanterns dotted the buildings, and many couples talked under it's warm light.

The fresh smell of yakiniku made me drool. (Yakiniku is basically meat, but it's the best of the best, and the restaurants that serve it have grills where you can cook it yourself.)

A wonderful city, full of bustling people. Now this is the life! I love adventure!

"Mia, don't get separated!" Lucian held on to Mia's cat ears, Mia herself struggling to go explore.

Lucian had an blue Japanese robe for a guy, and her auburn hair was put up in a ponytail. (If you don't know, it's normal for men to have their hair in ponytails at this era)

She was the musician and singer. Mia and I were the dancers.

Now, picture Princess Jasmine from the movie Aladdin.

Now picture the cloth becoming silk softer than a white rabbit's fur. Now have the color turn purple. That's pretty much what I was wearing, plus a cloth to cover my nose and mouth.

Mia's was the same, except that the color was a light emerald green.

"You really have outdone yourself Mia," I said dryly. "But isn't this... A little revealing?"

The cloth barely covered my chest, and my stomach and arms were bare.

"Allora has a good point.."

"But these are authentic! " Mia seemed a little down. She put a lot of work into this, we definitely shouldn't criticize.

"Sorry Mia, we know you did your best on these." I tried comforting her, and she cheered up instantly.

Damn you fake tears.

"Well then, let's go to the Imperial Palace." Lucian said, closing her guide book with a sigh.

"Where is the Imperial Palace?" "Let's ask a towns person."

Mia tapped a women walking by, and asked directions. She exchanged a few more words and pointed up.

"She just says to look up." Mia, a little confused, came back.

"Wha-"

"Oh." Lucian remarked.

Oh indeed. A beautiful golden Japanese palace stood before us. You want A better description? Ask google. We're in the 21st century, not the 17th.

"so I'm guessing we're heading to the huge glittery gold thingy?"

"You couldn't have said it better Mia," I say, not sure if I'm even being sarcastic.

* * *

**I can't even express how much I want to go to sleep now. **

**Story of the Day: Hidden Beauty by Seo Hyunee. **

**Ignore this weird squiggly thingy. **

**Gotta catch some Zs, **

**Allora chan**


	8. Firey Surprises

**sorry if my chappies are short! Lots of sorries! **

**I can't really help it that much, because I have to find a suitable cliff hanger to drive you guys mad. **

**That came out weird. On with the story! **

**Previously:**

_Oh indeed. A beautiful golden Japanese palace stood before us. You want A better description? Ask google. We're in the 21st century, not the 17th._

_"so I'm guessing we're heading to the huge glittery gold thingy?"_

_"You couldn't have said it better Mia," I say, not sure if I'm even being sarcastic._

* * *

**_The Land of Spades Part 1: _**

**_Chapter 8: Firey Surprises_**

* * *

Later at the Imperial Palace, before they are going to perform...

"Remember guys, this is going to be an audience in front of a person who has such strong elemental power, he's considered a god. We have to be extra careful. And also-"

As Lucian continued fussing, I smiled. She was genuinely worried. I knew she was a good person!

But then again, that could be good and bad at the same time. Good, because it meant that Lucian was getting closer to us, and bad, because when Lucian was worried, it has to be a force to be reckoned with.

This entire speech is wonderful and heart-warming and blah, but you can't read it till I say so. It's crucial to the rest of this account.

"Remember, you guys are dancers. Agile, graceful, and cut through the air with your powerful leaps and jumps. Your so fast, you should be a blur, but every feature is clear and sharp. Gracing the floor with light, lithe steps, you fly. You look as if swimming through water, and then floating in clouds. You are inhuman and human. Your passion shines through your beautiful dance. Every move is perfect, without flaw. At times you move as if caught in caramel, other times it seems not even gravity can stop you. You are a dancer."

You can start reading now. Lucian's words flooded through me, giving me strength.

I can do this. I can do this.

I continued repeating this inside my head as I walked out.

Lucian whispered to Mia, "And be careful.. You don't want Sia coming out right now. The sudden change would take it's toll on your body, and you would be unable to dance."

Mia nodded, and went out.

Lucian flopped onto the pillow, exhausted.

"I only have to wait for my cue to start playing, good thing I don't have to go up there. Hmm, I feel like I'm forgetting something again..." Lucian thought, and paused mid thought, almost running out to go bring us back.

"****, ****! I forgot to tell them about-"

Reader, if I told any further than this, I have no doubt that a lot of surprises will no longer be secret. And too many curse words aren't good for a persons health. So let's skip to the the part where Lucian calms down.

"Oh well. They would have found out eventually." Lucian says out loud, sinking into the depths of the huge pillow. "I just hope it won't ruin the show."

* * *

Inside...

I was gaping. In my head. What, did you actually think I was stupid enough to look surprised out loud? Enough of that.

The Grand Room was grand. Well, no kidding, it's called the Grand Room, did you except it to be tiny and small? You say, shaking your head at my stupidity.

There was really no other word to call it. It was just grand.

But I guess they could have called it the Gemstone Room, because everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, was made from precious stone.

In fact, the only silk was the clothes on our bodies.

The grand advisors (Again, the word grand) sat on pillows made out of rubies, embroidered with crystalline white opal. Ouch. That looks uncomfortable.

The carpet was a deep green emerald, with strips of real gold.

The curtains were wholly sapphire, sculpted so beautifully that it actually looked as if it was fluttering in the breeze. Solid rock fluttering like silk. Ha. Very funny.

The walls were made of a combination of different stones. I caught a couple of amethysts, topazes, diamonds, and lapis lazuli in the corner of my eye, as well as many I didn't recognize.

The chandelier? I'm not even going to bother. It was grand. That's all you need to know. (There is it again.)

Now readers, for those of you who are well informed in Japanese culture, would realize that this is far from a realistic Emperor's palace.

Deal with it. We're in Wonderland. If this surprises you, you shouldn't have even read this story.

Wait until we get to the point where logic doesn't make any sense. Then you'll be surprised. And don't say I didn't warn you. I'm not going to mention if again.

Trumpets blared as the sapphire curtains revealed the Emperor.

I could feel the heat of his Fire power from here. Sweat trickled down my forehead.

there was no doubt about it. He was very, very, powerful.

We bowed down to the Emperor/Fire God, and the rest of the court sank down into bows as well.

Unable to resist, I peeked up to see his face, and let out a small squeak.

It's-

* * *

**Boris: It's ME! **

**Blood: No, I am the Fire God! **

**Allora: Shut up, both of you. Who is this mysterious Fire God? Read the next chapter to find out! No flames please! But do review! **

**And before I forget: I do not own J/C/HnKnA. **

**I LOVE WRITING CLIFFHANGERS! **

**Allora chan**


	9. Irony

**I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while. School is getting in the way. **

**Boris: I can't believe you'd torture your readers for so long. Tut tut. **

**Allora: Since when did you sound like a house wife? **

**Gowland: When he watched that film Pride and Proedigious. **

**Peter: You said it wrong! It's Pride and Prodigious! **

**Julius: Actually, it's-**

**Allora: Would you readers be kind enough to tell us the correct saying? Nobody seems to know. **

**Disclaimer: I do not own J/C/HnKnA. **

* * *

_**The Land of Spades Part 1: **_

_**Chapter 9: Irony**_

* * *

My dear reader, let me just remind you that I am not the kind of person who is shocked so easily.

But this, well... Let's just say it was an exception. Oh brother, I'm stalling, aren't I? On with the story:

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.

.

-ACE!? Ace is the frigging FIRE GOD!?

He had dancing girls draped over him like blankets, and was plopping grapes in his mouth.

He looks like a total player. Why do I even have a (tiny!) crush on him?

Across his back, a huge long sword, with rubies on the hilt, shifted. I could now see a blazing red phoenix, with white hot streams of fire bursting out of it in small indentations of heat.

By all holy gods of fire, it was amazing. Um, whoops? I don't think it's the time for that.

Mia nudged me as I looked in awe at the huge phoenix sword. "What are you looking at?! It's just a sword, we have to concentrate on our act right now."

Couldn't she see the mystical animal? I guess not. Didn't I have the powers of Fire? Ah, that must be the reason.

"Let them start, might as well, I have some free time anyway." His carefree tone seemed to anger the officials very much.

His royal red kimono was only half on him, and you could see his tanned 6-pack from here. A fragrance of cinnamon made me sneeze.

That sharp, sweet smell never fails to wake a person up. We bowed down, and started our dance.

I bet you want to know the details. Tough luck. Nobody really reads parts like this anyway. Problems? Talk to the Hand. So, imagine Lucian's speech. Yes, you can go back and read it now.

I'm waiting... Good, then turn it into a graphic image. There's your dancing scene. Satisfied? No? Good. I wasn't aiming for satisfaction anyway. I'm not some weird commercial, after all. Satisfaction guaranteed! Yeah right.

So anyways, we finished, and the royal court, looking pleased, clapped wildly.

Ace seemed a bit surprised, and clapped politely, a smirk growing on his face.

"Amazing!"

"Bravo!"

"Sugoidesune!" (That was wonderful!)

Whispers spread out across the room, and I felt throughly proud. I didn't slip on a banana peel! Woohoo! Mia sweat dropped at my weird thought process.

"Amethyst, was it? Come closer." When I heard Ace's deep voice call my alias, I shivered.

Step by step, I neared the platform. When I stopped, he just beckoned for me to come closer.

"Stop." By the time he said stop, I was only inches away from his face.

Mia said telepathically, LUCKY! Shut up, I thought back, trying not to loose my cool. I'm a teenager. I got hormones, and Ace is one hot guy.

Suddenly, he pulled my waist, and snuggled his face into my chest. "What a pleasant sound," He murmured, as my face burned Chile pepper red.

"You got so far, it's too bad that you'll be stopped here." Masaka! (You know?!) His voice turned colder as well as authoritative. I guess I was right when I thought the Knave of Hearts was bipolar.

"Capture the other two in the group. They are Spaders."

Oh the irony of my jinxing statements.

~The Land of Spades~

P.S. I will most likely be updating on Friday or Sunday. R and R please! No flames!


	10. Family Issues Rewrite

**Inky, I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you- **

**Boris: Allora's been going crazy all morning because her favorite story, Wonderland Academy: The Academy for Blades and Guns, by Ink n'Echo, was updated. **

**Blood: Ignore the young lady please, and read on with the story.**

**Ace: Allora-chi does not own J/C/HnKnA.**

**Previously:**

_"You got so far, it's too bad that you'll be stopped here." Masaka! (You know?!) His voice turned colder as well as authoritative. I guess I was right when I thought the Knave of Hearts was bipolar._

_"Capture the other two in the group. They are Spaders."_

_Oh the irony of my jinxing statements._

* * *

**_The Land of Spades Part 1:_**

**_Chapter 10: _**

**_Family Issues (REWRITTEN!)_**

* * *

_Clang._

I saw the prison bars swing shut in front of my miserable friends. Everyone was miserable because we thought we pulled it off, and at the last second, was caught red-handed.

Lucian couldn't afford to show her Water element at that time, and surrendered peacefully. Mia kicked, bit, scratched, and clawed the eyes out of every person who got close. In the end, they had to tickle her until she gave up.

Me? I was having the worst situation you could get for a prideful person like me. Ace was holding a leash that was attached to a collar, that shocked me whenever I disobeyed.

Lucian mouthed to me, "It's alright, we have a plan!"

Mia, who was being pessimistic for the first time since I had met her, muttered, "Probably."

"Guards!" Ace started giving instructions to the soldiers while I studied my surroundings carefully.

The prison cell was very clean, not like those medieval dungeons you find in books.

The cell itself was made of wood, and it didn't look very hard to break, but as Lucian struggled to push at it, I came to the conclusion that it was sturdier than normal wood.

I felt a prickling sensation on my neck, and gritted my teeth, thinking, "Oh, great."

The collar lit up with electric blue light, then I stifled my screams as it shocked me.

"WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?" I yelled at Ace, more than a little mad.

"You weren't paying attention to me."

"SO!?"

"Ignoring Ace-sama is punishable by death, " The soldiers all recited in monotone.

"Who was stupid enough to make a law like that?!"

Shock.

"KYAHH!"

"Calling Ace-sama stupid is punishable by death," The guards said again, creepily in sync.

Lucian gave me a slightly sympathetic glance. When I mean slightly, I mean she was barely sympathetic.

She was mostly trying not to roll on the floor laughing.

Mia wasn't even trying to conceal her laughter, and was already giggling into her hands.

"Come, Amethyst. Hmm, actually, that's probably an alias. What's your real name?"

"AND YOU JUST FIGURED THIS OUT!?"

Shock.

"GYAHH! Will you f******-" Shock. "KYAHH! stop-" Shock. "-DOING THAT!?"

"Nope," Ace said with a huge smile on his face.

Lucian was laughing so hard she was trembling, and Mia was already choking. Even the guards had small smiles on their faces.

The shock from the electricity making my nerves go numb, I struggled to stand up and hit him where the sun don't shine.

Shock.

"YOU M***********!"

Shock.

I didn't even have enough energy to get up anymore.

"Trying to assault and swearing at Ace-sama is-"

"YEAH, I KNOW, PUNISHABLE BY DEATH!"

Finally, one of the guards couldn't take it anymore, and started laughing.

Ace's easy going smile completely disappeared, and his hand moved faster than I could see.

He speared the young man's shoulder, and his hand burst into flame.

The guard yelled in agonizing pain, and I struggled to get up, to do whatever I could to stop him.

Ace's cruel smile was scary. Terrifying.

He twisted his hand further and deeper into the man's arm, and the soldier's yells became screams.

The burns, as well as the force from the attack, was taking it's toll, and the man's eyes went white with pain, and then nothing.

Ace agonizingly slowly pulled his hand out. I couldn't bear to watch.

I should have never messed with this terrifying man.

What had we gotten ourselves into this time?

Ace commanded the guards to haul the body away, and the command had a threat at the end-

Or else you'll end up with the same fate as _He_ did.

I dropped to my knees.

Ace wasn't just a killer. He was a murderer. A torturer.

"Now then, " He said creepily, smile still intact. "Where were we?"

Ace pulled me out the door, and Lucian, who now looked completely scared and definitely not laughing anymore, mouthed, "We'll come up with something!"

He pulled me along as I struggled to keep up with his fast pace on hands and knees.

His eyes had changed again, and I was still as confused as ever as to what he was feeling.

The only thing that I could understand from the hardness in his eyes, was that he looked like he was steeling himself for something, but what?

In the way we were going, it looked like we were traveling further and further into the Palace. As woman servants increased, I understood that we had entered the Inner Palace. (Where woman stayed in the Emperor's Palace. Most girls were not allowed to come out of the Inner Palace. A women's sanctuary.) More like a prison, I snorted, surprised that we hadn't gotten lost yet.

We headed off in a dark hallway that split off in 7 directions. We took the 2nd one, then a right turn, then the 3rd one, then- You know what? I'll leave the rest to your imagination. So we ended up lost. I spoke to soon.

"Ace, aren't you just lost? Why don't you admit it? It's pretty obvious. " I said dryly. Ace just looked at me, and sighed. "We didn't get lost!"

"Do you know where you are?" "No, but-"

"Ace, you just admitted it yourself."

"But I like going on adventures!"

"Adventures are my favorite things as well, but I like going around by MYSELF unrestrained." I said, pointing at Ace and then the collar.

"But if you went around without the leash on then you would run away!"

"No kidding! Who wouldn't run away when you've been pulled around by a guy that you hardly know that randomly put a collar on you and killed a guy right in front of you?!"

Ace thought about it for a second, then remarked, "Hmm, when you say it that way, I guess you're right. "

"YOU HAD TO THINK TO SAY THAT!?"

I opened my mouth to retort back again, but was cut off.

"Ace! You insolent man! You're late, and lost, again!"

A pretty woman in her late 30's came running in full court dress.

She had dirty blonde hair, and sparkling blue eyes, that looked angry, but only made her look more beautiful.

For some weird reason, she looked familiar.

Full court dress is at least 30 kimonos that you have to wear on top of each other.

They were colorful with swirling designs, and probably of the finest silk, but more importantly;

How can she even stand in all those layers!?

"This is Alice, my mom." Ace said quietly, his eyes looking resigned and serious.

ALICE!?

* * *

The Land of Spades catches you with more surprises than the Land of Hearts, Clover, or Diamond.

That is a fact. A simple, astonishing, fact.

"I'm very sorry Mother, I-"

"Don't call me mother. You are not my son."

Alice gave him a cold glare, full of hate. Wow. Nice mother.

She glanced at me. Whoops. I should probably bow down to her.

I sank to the floor and bowed. "I'm very sorry for his behavior Alice-ojou sama. It is my fault for not learning of the facilities earlier." (Ojou-sama means Lady, or Mistress.) She gave a humph, and with a swirl of her fine robes, walked off, beckoning us to follow her.

Ace looked at me and mouthed,

"Why did you lie?"

"Shut up, Mister! I just saved your freaking butt!" I mouthed back.

He just smirked and kissed me on the cheek, causing me to go fire engine red for obvious reasons, then pulled me in the direction that Alice had went.

Later...

With the conversations and arguments swirling around them, (mostly just Alice scolding Ace.) I figured out that Pierce Villers, from the Land of Clovers, was Ace's little brother.

"Your father, Jericho, is cheating on me again! That imbecile! I wonder why I even married him! Oh right, because he was the Emperor! That idiot had the nerve to fall in love with a servant of all people! And the worst part about it is that it gave us this stupid son, Ace!"

The topic had moved to Ace's parents, and I was fighting the urge not to slap Alice in the face.

It was a true love story: Jericho, the one destined to become the Emperor, had fell in love with a servant, Lena, and had a child, Ace. The scandal was quickly covered up, but it was no mystery to Alice, a court lady who was ordered to marry the Emperor.

"Daitai anata wa nee-" There was a voice outside the doors that cut off Alice.

"Okaa-sama, I am here."

"PIERCE~!"

Alice's face changed into a squealing and adoring one of a REAL mother, and almost yanked open the sliding door.

Pierce was just as Quin Rose had thought. Small and cute with brown hair and brown eyes.

Nothing particularly special about him, but there was something about the way he twitched, the way he smiled uncomfortably, that made me narrow my eyes.

This guy was not to be trusted.

Alice bought the act, completely and hugged her son.

Pierce was Alice's biological child, and she adored him on so many levels that it sickened me.

"Mother, it's alright, Father didn't mean it.."

"It's okay Pierce! Mommy understands! You're my one and only son!"

This seemed to strike Ace the most, and I saw his knuckles go white, and blood seeped out. Pierce didn't even try to defend his own Father! I was astonished at how angry I was because Ace was getting insulted.

Pierce looked awkward in Alice's arms, but I could tell he gave a smug look to Ace.

That was the last straw.

I stood up, stomped over to Alice, and slapped her. Yep, you heard me right. Full on, right in the face, with as much force as a rhino.

Those karate classes did pay off! Alice, who was used to a dainty and fine court life as a lady, flew across the room, and slammed against the wall, holding her cheek.

"What are you-" "Are you even a mother? Because you are the most sickening person I have ever met."

I glared at her, rage filling me.

"Burn in hell, demon." My glare must have been quite scary, because she squeaked, turned pale, and ran out of the room.

"Hmm," I said to myself, surprised. "It looks like the collar came off. Best be going." With that, I strolled out.

~The Land of Spades~

**ANNOUNCEMENT! That last part is a surprise cliffhanger. **

**And yes, I did rewrite this chapter. With the way things are rolling, it looks like we'll be in the Fire Ring for a while...**

**Ace: YES! Allora-chi is with me the entire time! **

**Allora: I don't know whether to feel flattered or just plain out scared. **

**Lucian: The chances of you getting away... Are about 10%.**

**Allora: THAT LOW!?**

**Ace: You heard her, Allora-chi.. *Lowers his voice and cunningly snakes his hand around Allora's waist***

**Ace: Let's have some fun!**

**Allora: GAH! SAVE ME! **


	11. Hello!

**So I realize you can't review on the same page twice. Okay, okay. **

**Here's your extra chapter. Review here. **

**If anyone asked, I wasn't here. **

**Allora: *sneaks away quietly* **

**Ace: *runs into the room, then sees reader and puts on the breaks***

**Ace: Have you seen Allora, readers? I'm having trouble catching her because she keeps running! All I said was that I wanted to lock her up so she'd me mine forever! *Sighs, then shakes his head* I don't get girls these days.**

**You: *Almost fall out of your seat from sweat dropping or from laughing***

**Blood: *Carries Allora like a sack of potatoes over his shoulder* Here you go you idiotic knight. She spilled my tea, so I'm just paying her back the favor. **

**Allora: YOU LITTLE-!**

**Blood: I don't think so young lady. Little girls shouldn't be speaking dirty words.**

**Allora: Blood, when I get my hands on you-!**

***Shoves a gag into Allora's mouth and ties her hand's and legs in one swift movement.**

**Allora: MMM! HMM! HMHMHMMM! **

**Ace: Thanks, Hatter! You're not such a bad guy after all! **

**Blood: Don't make false assumptions, idiot knight. *scoffs* I'm doing this for my own personal gain. **

**Ace: Okay, well, thank you anyway! **

***Blood scoffs again and leaves the room***

**Allora: HMMMMM! MMMM! (NOOO! DON'T LEAVE!) **

**Ace: Now then, let's get started, shall we? **

**Allora: MMM! MMMMMMMM! MMMMM! (BUT ACE! I WAS GOING TO, UMMMM... SHOWCASE YOU AND ME IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!) **

**Ace: *Fluent in Gagged Speak* Really? *Steps closer slowly* **

**You: Well, that's obviously not going to be good enough.**

**Allora: MMMMMMMMMM! HMM! MMMM MMMM! (WITH LOTS OF INTIMATE SCENES! AND STUFF!)**

**Ace: *stops mid stride* Are you sure?**

**Allora: MMYMMEMMS! (YES!) **

**Ace: Alrighty then. *Sits on top of Allora and turns to you* If you don't give lots of reviews, then I'll have to wait longer for my chapter...**

**And I'm not a very patient person. *Smirks and leans in close to Allora's face, taking the gag off***

**Allora: *Squeaks* REVIEW! PLEASE! AND SAVE ME~! **


	12. Mood Swings

**I'm sorry i haven't updated in a while. **

**I took time to edit and revise a little more carefully, so I hope you like it. **

**A guest wanted more Ace X Allora action. **

**Here it is. **

**A guest wanted me to update; well, here it is. **

**Can't help it with all the homework going on... **

**Thank you Sia for your feedback! **

**I have fallen in love with this story called My Dear Sister by Elise the Writing Desk. And that is our story of the day! **

**AND THANK YOU SAVING ME FROM THE BEAST THAT IS ACE! **

**Any who, enjoy the story! **

**Disclaimer: I do not own J/C/HnKnA. **

**Previously:**

_"Burn in hell, demon." My glare must have been quite scary, because she squeaked, turned pale, and ran out of the room._

_"Hmm," I said to myself, surprised. "It looks like the collar came off. Best be going." With that, I strolled out._

* * *

**_The Land of Spades Part 1 _**

**_Chapter 11: Mood Swings_**

* * *

Did you really think the collar broke and I just walked out?

I'm telling you, The Land of Spades does not give you super powers. Only your element(s).

The collar was made of titanium.

You think I actually did that? Without Ace jumping to catch me again? Yeah right.

Mia just wanted to fool everyone once. I would love having superpowers. But as you know, the world isn't fair.

Ace kept smiling. Then he shocked me.

"OW!" I yelled. "What was that for?"

"You just slapped my mother, what do you think it was for? Why did you do that anyway?"

"She was insulting you and your family! Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't thrown her out yet!"

The small outburst left me panting and pale. I was assessing the situation, and slowly realizing that I probably shouldn't have done that.

Ace reached for the shock button, and I braced myself for the shock. But he just nuzzled his head into my shoulders, and barely audible, he whispered, "Thank you."

Then he dragged me out of the room into a staircase with a blank face.

What was he doing? Why was he doing this? Ace confused me immensely.

He said nice things one way, and was aggressive another way. I couldn't keep up with his mood swings.

As we traveled further up, I felt the air around Ace warm, and the humidity went up 20 times higher than it was before. Someone didn't wake up on the right side of the bed today.

(why are there floors? If it's a traditional Japanese palace, then-) Oh who cares about frigging traditional!

When we finally reached the top, I was exhausted.

Using it to his advantage, in one swift movement, Ace clipped of the collar and shoved me into the giant golden birdcage.

Yeah, and it was freaking 90 feet off the ground! I panicked, and banged on the golden door.

What, had Ace watched SAO or something?! (Sword Art Online Alfheim version)

I suddenly felt very very weak. It was as if I was running a marathon without knowing it, and movements got more sluggish. I slouched, wanting to throw up.

"Those with the element of Fire are weak to Gold. Didn't you know that?" Thanks for the nice piece of trivia! I thought sarcastically. Now I know you're a COMPLETE AND TOTAL sadist.

"And those with the element of Water are weak to Silver. Did you think I hadn't known that your musician friend possessed Water? I'm a god." He laughed scornfully, and almost bitterly.

He started to walk away, when I called out, "WAIT!" He stopped.

"What do you want?" "Don't harm my friends! Please! You can do everything you want to me! Just not to them! PLEASE!"

They were my best friends! The ones that helped me at the worst of times, and laughed with me at the best. The ones who helped me through this dizzying experience of being dumped into another world. They helped me go on this ridiculous quest that could have killed them. I loved them more than anything.

He was silent for a minute. "If you give me a kiss every day and 10 minutes of conversation, then I'll promise that nothing bad happens to them. " "Fine!" I said quickly, before he changed his mind.

It's just a kiss, right? And plus, Black Joker already stole my first one. It was starting to shock me how much a kiss didn't mean anything to me anymore. It was just lips pressing against each other, no biggie. I used to think that a kiss was something that you should only do with someone you love, but my intentions of survival were surpassing my emotions. And for my friends, I'd do anything.

He opened the bird cage and stole a swift kiss.

It held no meaning and was cold, without feeling. His eyes were so emotionless, so full of nothing, that I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I watched him go out with a sad face.

No matter how much I wished it, he would never fall in love with someone like me. A Spader and The Fire God? Not happening. The reality hit hard. Even in other worlds, reality was still there, cold and cruel. It can be sweet, but the Fire Ring was only bringing a burning pain.

He suddenly stopped midway. "I'm sorry. " The barely murmured words made me feel like crying, but the gold was sapping away my strength, and I couldn't even do that alone. My vision got hazy and then sharpened, and I struggled to stay up. Forbidden, one-sided love hurts more than you could ever imagine reading it.

Another 4 whispered words almost made me collapse completely. "Contest in 3 days."

* * *

**Those of you who wanted Lucian and Mythia to show up, I'm truly sorry, but there are times when some characters won't show up in some chapters. Don't worry. They laugh at my miserableness next chapter. And plus, I'm probably not even going to be in a whole set of chapters for the next Ring anyway. **

**Ace: Allora~! Didn't you say that there would be lots of intimate scenes in this chapter? *Chuckles creepily* **

**Allora: Yeah! Didn't you see the kissing scene? **

**Boris: You call that a lot of intimate scenes? **

***Allora nods, confused, and Boris shakes his head* **

**Boris: You have a lot to learn, and you better learn it fast, because Ace went to look for a whip and a rope. **

**Allora: Oh, HELL NO. *Runs franticly in a random direction* **

**Next update date will probably be either Wednesday or Friday. Maybe Sunday at the latest. **


	13. Overturning Emotions

**so it looks like the activity level on fanfiction is going down, simply because of the fact that school has started back up, and everyone is busy. **

**I just have no life, and that's why I have so much free time. Yeah, you readers are probably celebrating the fact I have no life. What a sad day. **

**Anyways, I'm dead tired after a cross country practice, and my legs are so sore I can barely stand, let alone walk. **

**It's like this for the past 3 days. I hate Saturdays. I love Sundays. Okay, that last part was ****random. **

**Blood: Ms. Allora just went to go collapse on her bed. I will be talking instead of her. **

**Boris: Actually, we just have to tell the readers that updates will be more spaced out especially because school has started. **

**Dee: Oh, and she's going to the Salem Witch Trials in October! **

**Dum: Hey brother, what does that have to do with updates? **

**Blood: Dum is correct, it has nothing do to with anything. **

**Elliot: Anyway, we are going to stay here in the Fire Ring for a while. Though because of that, we aren't going to be in the next Ring for a very long time, maybe 4 or 5 chapters worth. **

**Disclaimer: I do not own J/C/HnKnA.**

* * *

_**The Land of Spades Part 1:**_

_**Chapter 12**_

_**Overturning Emotions**_

* * *

Let me remind you Reader, that we have been in the Emperor's Palace for at least 3 chapters.

This is very long in book terms. For example, most authors put their childhood in a sentence, which only takes a minute to write, but in reality, was at least 8 years. Yes, we are going to be here for a while, especially me.

But Mia and Lucian need some spotlight, so let's go straight to the dungeon where Lucian and Mia were being held.

Third Person View

Lucian was sighing. A lot. Multiply by 300. Plus 7 more.

Mia had just retold what had happened to Allora through her telekinesis, and things were looking bad. With the gold weakening her, she probably couldn't even think up a plan to escape, part of which was her sense of duty, to never abandon her friends, and with that deal that she had made... It was hard to say what would happen. But a contest in three days... Those impossible contests.. It all connected now.

Even if we cleared them, Lucian thought, there's no saying what he'll really do.

"Hey Lucy," Mia said suddenly. "Knock me out on the day of the Contest. I think Sia will handle this situation better." Lucian looked at her, surprised. For the years that she had known Mia, the girl had never called out Sia voluntarily. Mia was slowly changing. I guess this adventure makes people change, whether they like it or not, Lucian thought. And I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.

Lucian sighed. "Fine." Hold on Allora! She thought, looking up at the eternal moon of the Fire Ring. Just for 3 more days!

* * *

I looked out at the skyline of the beautiful Fire Ring from the bed that was conveniently placed in the bird cage. I saw the real beauty radiating from it. The family's laughing, the pure energy from the people, the dancers, the food, the lights, the everything.

As I sat observing, (The only thing I could do anyway) Ace came up from behind me and hugged me tightly. "H-hey! What are y-"

"Can we just stay like this for a while?" His voice had such a sad, bitter tone to it, that I stopped struggling. His voice sounded close to breaking.

When I finally found this first emotion, I realized why he didn't show his emotions much, and because of it, when he did, it was very strong and powerful. I felt a kiss of water run down my neck, and I craned my neck to see more.

A hand pushed my head back forward and said, "Don't look over here. Please."

For just this moment, he was not Ace Kishi, the Fire God. He was just Ace, a boy who needed a shoulder to cry on.

When the 10 minutes passed, he swirled me around and gave me a full blown kiss on the lips. He dived deeper and deeper into my mouth, and I felt like I was melting. I moaned against Ace's mouth involuntarily, and he smirked.

The hot, passionate kiss lasted for only 2 seconds, (or so it seemed) and he threw me on the bed and walked out, smile again intact.

It sorta hurt, how he just threw me away like that, but I was to blown away by the kiss to even notice.

Lucian and Mia:

Mia snorted suddenly, face turning bright red. "Mythia, did something happen?" Lucian asked, a little worried.

"My little Ally-chan has got herself a GUY! Who ever would have thought! "

"Soo.. That means that Ace kissed Allora?"

"Oh no. He did that before. This one was so lovey-dovey though! I can't believe it! Ace, the mindless idiot knight actually knows how to kiss!"

The ranting about this issue continued until late at night, when Lucian finally snapped and told Mythia to shut up.

Back to Allora...

As I stared at the door that Ace had just left in, I realized that It got lonelier when he left, and I felt myself longing for Ace, his face drifting into my head. Unknowingly enough, I was slowly looking forward to the next time he would visit.

To pass the time, I stared at the stars and the town, and made up escape plans in my head, which I crumpled up mentally and threw in a trash bin. Whenever I made the effort to build the escape plans however, The gold sensed my struggling, and I would always wipe out on the bed.

My face went red every time I thought of Ace and his kiss. It had been heated, and much rougher the 2nd time, and I felt like and idiot fangirling over a person who has me trapped.

The second day passed. And finally, the third. On the morning of the fourth day, Ace opened my cage and said,

"Come. The first test awaits."

In Lucian and Mia's Dungeon-

"Ready?" "I don't think I'll ever be."

"It's now or never."

"Okay. Do it." The sound of a fist sinking into flesh, and then hacking.

At last, there was silence. Sapphire blue eyes flashed in the dark.

"I have heard every thing from Mythia. Lucian, I promise to help thy friend Allora. We can not wait for long. After the contest, we set out at first light."

~The Land of Spades~


	14. Innocent Mouse, Suspicious Rat

**Hello! I'm back~! **

**Boris: Took you a while. **

**Blood: The poor readers had to wait for so long... **

**Ace: I have no idea what we're talking about, but if we're ****harassing Allora, then I'm all in! **

**Allora: You bullies! You have no idea how long it took just to copy and paste a few things around and change stuff about the plot! **

**Elliot: In any case, Allora apologizes deeply for the wait. **

**Ace: She actually has a few requirements before she updates the next chapter. *Looks around and whispers* Which is pretty mean if you're asking me. **

***Sound of a frying pan bashing into someone's skull* **

**Allora: *Smirks evilly* But no one was asking you, were they now? **

**Blood: Allora has an original story idea, and she's wondering if one of you readers/writers can take the project on. **

**Elliot: Apparently, Allora is too _busy_ to take on this awesome project.**

***Machine gun starts shooting* **

**Boris: Okay, so the story line goes something like this: It's in the future, about 2040, and teens who get to freshman year always go into this weird simulation that tests each of their wits, skills, and smarts. No one is allowed to talk about it after you take it, and the simulation goes on for the entire year. It's the writers choice of what kind of simulation they go into, and what kind of rules go into it. In the end, somebody has to fall in love with somebody, so keep that in mind. **

**Ace: And yes, this is an J/C/HnKnA fanfic. Just in case you were wondering. PM Allora if you are thinking about taking it up. And don't worry if you can't.. I know some of us have too many projects to juggle around all ready. **

**Allora: How did you recover so fast? **

**Ace: Did you forget that I'm the Knight of Hearts?**

**Allora: UM- n- yes- no- maybe? **

**Vivaldi: Our dear foreigner Allora does not own J/C/HnKnA. **

* * *

_**The Land of Spades Part 1: **_

_**Chapter 13 **_

_**Innocent Mouse, Traitorous Rat**_

* * *

A few things I must say at the beginning of this chapter.

One, I know most of you are completely confused as to why Mia's personality completely changed.

Those of you who do know, NO SPOILING!

Two, the contests aren't elaborate. A guy made it. Did you really think it would be really complex and confusing?

And yes, I don't like boys in general. Some are different. But that's another topic.

If you thought about it calmly and rationally, you would realize this fact.

At that moment, I was scared of failing, (Because that would mean I died in the most gruesome way possible. ) and my thoughts were filled with Ace and my captured friends.

So I wasn't exactly thinking calmly and rationally.

Third, I get easily flustered around a hot guy. Mind goes blank, and I say something I don't mean to say. Happens to the best of us, but it happens ALL the time for me.

Life sucks. Thanks readers. Spilling out everything to you made me feel better.

With the tension in the air, my mood was becoming extremely pessimistic, maybe even more so than the day before. I walked down the huge staircase and continued through a large hallway.

The wood creaked under our feet, and I heard the many murmurs of gossiping court ladies, and I felt uncomfortable.

I looked up at Ace slowly.

He was so handsome, with a muscular and tall stature, and russet brown hair and molten ruby eyes.

Ruby eyes almost like lava, twisting and turning, unreadable and dangerous, not knowing if it was going to burn you until there was nothing left, or if it would pass you by... For now.

Contrary to his lava red eyes, Ace's face was blank. I couldn't read his face, it was so emotionless and there was such a nothingness to his swirling ruby eyes that made me want to cry.

I could feel the tears prick my eyes as the seconds ticked by. Sucking the droplets in quickly, I tried my best to look at the bright side.

Let me just remind you readers, I'm not an optimist. I am a full on pessimistic person. For me, the bright side didn't exist. But Ace's face was making the bright side much more preferable.

It was scary not being able to read a persons expression, because you didn't know what they were going to do next, and you didn't know what they felt about whatever situation you are in. It's one of the reasons why everybody is so obsessed with mind reading.

Ace suddenly stopped, and I almost bumped into his back, not paying attention. "I'm passing you along to Pierce. "

The mouse appeared in a training kimono for an apprentice, a little more than frightened of Ace's cold stare. As he passed the leash to Pierce, I felt a burst of pain leap into my heart.

It hurt that he was just giving me away like this, to a man he didn't trust, and like a trashed toy or as someone he didn't need anymore. Let me just tell you, the worst kind of pain, is when you feel like you were not needed. That your existence is worthless. That if you weren't here, the world would be better off.

As he walked away, that pain just increased by tenfold. "Wait!" I clapped my hand on my mouth, a little shocked that I had even yelled.

Ace stopped, red robes swirling around his feet. For a second, I thought he would leave. And suddenly, he was right next to me, smoldering ruby eyes on mine. I realized how incredibly short I was compared to him, and for the first time in my life, I wished I was taller.

He leaned down, the folds of his kimono settling onto my skin, the cool material sending shivers through my body.

He whispered into my ear very very softly. "I'll see you in the arena later. And whatever you do," His muscled figure towering over me, his second emotion was shown. His eyes were hard and cold. But the nothingness was gone. It was an expression of seriousness, of a demand that would be followed no matter what.

Then he whispered, very faintly, "Don't fall in love with me." Nipping my ear once, (making my face go red) with such a bittersweet smile on his face, he was swallowed in a burst of flame, and disappeared.

Transporting with your element is a very high-class talent, and it took years to master. It just confirmed how powerful he really was.

Pierce pulled me along weakly. His pathetic scurrying around was nothing compared to Ace's strong strides. I currently detested Pierce. Hated him.

Anyone who would turn against his own older brother and kiss up to his mom wasn't worth it. "Sorry a-about that, i-it was a l-little scary wasn't it? A-Ace likes d-dramatic e-exits."

Don't try to comfort someone when you're the one so scared your face is white. Actually, as I thought about it, Ace probably did it to purposefully scare Pierce.

As we continued through the Palace to who-know's-where, I felt Pierce's stride become strangely swifter, and even more agile.

He opened his mouth, and for the first time since I had met him, a cunning glint came into his eyes.

"I could give you some help escaping if-" I narrowed my eyes. Suddenly the stuttering stops when he's trying to make a deal?

"Stop right there," I said quietly, cutting him off.

Stopping mid stride, I yanked Pierce off his feet, and pulled him up so this his face was level with my mine.

"It was my fault that I got caught, so I'm going to win the contest fairly, or not at all. And plus, do you really think I'll leave my friends behind? Are you that stupid? You either have major issues, or your mother poisoned your brain."

Probably both, I finished quietly in my head.

"B-But at t-this rate-" Pierce stuttered again.

"I won't die. I promised that I would get through this together. Do you really think all of this; getting through the Rings and opening the portal, is for me?

No. I was glad I came to this world. It allows me to be myself when I need it most.

And I never liked the world where I lived. It was scarred with boring and unimaginative people, and people who thought of only blood and weapons.

It's not like that here. Everyone gets a shot. Everybody gets the choice to make friends, go on an adventure, have fun. Age doesn't matter.

I hate that world. I don't want to go back. Ever. It's not where I belong. I love my family, but this is where I've found my true self.

The others have attachments to the world they were born in that I've never have. I'm doing this for them. "

Pierce seemed astounded at my speech, (truthfully speaking, so was I.) and was about to retort back, when I pulled my own leash out of his hands, put the electric shock button off, and effectively took off the collar.

I then raised an eyebrow and said, "Lead the way, Ace's little step-brother." He squeaked and shuffled forward.

In my head I was thinking, "That made me sound cool, didn't it? I am so awesome!" As I pranced forward in a victory pose, Pierce smirked darkly.

"The Jokers have failed," he murmured. "What did you say?" I asked. "N-Nothing." He stuttered again, and I dismissed it as The Land of Spades making my mind go in circles again.

* * *

**So I need 2 reviews plus someone taking up the project before I can update again. **

**See u later aligator, **

**Allora chan**


	15. Pink Bunnies

**Disclaimer: I do not own J/C/HnKnA.**

**Boris: In honor of her younger sister's birthday yesterday, Allora has decided to update this story! **

**Ace: And the story idea from the last chapter? If you want to take it up, feel free! It's not a requirement anymore, though, which is sorta nice. Allora has actually decided that she will stop making new stories other than the one's she has now and future sequels. **

**Blood: The young lady seems to be better at coming up with original ideas for other authors than writing them on her own. **

**Allora: Of course, this DOES NOT mean that I am going to completely stop writing. It's just a reminder that says if you need an idea, or a suggestion, inspiration, whatever, then come to me! I'll do what I can. **

**Gray: When am I coming into this story? The knight is getting way too much spotlight. **

**Allora: Are you jealous, Gray? *Mock surprised expression* **

**Gray: *sputters* Of course not! Who would ever-**

**Allora: *Laughs* I'm just teasing, Gray. Though you won't come into the story for a long time. And don't worry, I already have your pairing settled as well! **

**Vivaldi: We believe that some characters, (especially Pierce) will definitely be a bit OOC, as a guest mentioned. **

**Allora: Oh, and those of you who have forgotten the prophecy, SHAME ON YOU! I'm going to copy it here, so that you can make some more sense of it.**

_The first three brave the three._

_The fourth is found in a black rose's thorns._

_The fifth is trapped in the past, frozen until his icy heart is thawn._

_Never sacrifice for what can be overcome._

_Never abandon those in need._

_Do not seek, that which you want to find will come to you._

_Do not trust so easily, for it will be the day you die._

_But if you do trust a person, believe in their powers, no matter how much it pains you to do so._

_If someone tries to separate you from your friends, then do whatever possible to stop them._

_Don't survive. Live._

_The last lock has more than one key._

_Remember._

_And do not forget_.

**Julius: With that said, please enjoy Chapter 14 of The Land of Spades. **

* * *

**_The Land of Spades Part 1:_  
**

**_Chapter 14_**

**_Pink Bunnies? _**

* * *

I was escorted to the arena, and I was relieved to see that it was the practicing area for swordsman in training.

It was a calm, peaceful area in the palace courtyard, and I felt freed from the stuffiness of the Inner Palace. The clean air made my mind clear, and I could focus, and think clearly. The scene zoomed in to me. The sweat on the trainees as the they furiously swiped through the air flew, and I felt a small fire burn in them. I felt a smile of self accomplishment grow on my face. I was finally getting better with my fire element!

Not as good as Lucian, or as good as Mia, but for now, good enough. And readers, don't lower my self esteem. I don't have that much to begin with.

My hands itched to try out the bamboo practice swords that the trainees swung again and again. It was relatively peaceful, and my mind was set at ease for about 50 seconds before I saw Lucian and Mia.

I wasn't shocked because they were bound with rope that was so tight it was making their skin go red, (They were in a dungeon people.) or because they had rings under their eyes. (From lack of sleep in an DUNGEON!) I was surprised because Mia's eyes were blue, and she wasn't being- well, Mia.

Her gaze was cold and steady, and the bounce in her step had been replaced by small, silent strides of confidence. It was as if.. She was a different person.

Ace magically appeared behind me and I jumped out of my skin as he pecked me on the cheek. I slapped a hand to my cheek and glared at Ace, who was now chuckling like an idiot. Wait, he IS an idiot. "Do you really have to sneak up on people like that?" "No, I just do it to you because you're you." "That makes NO sense- and wait a second, that was sarcasm wasn't it?!" He put a hand over his mouth, and turning away from me, his shoulders shaking, tried to stifle his laughing.

I glared at him. But I wasn't really that angry. It was actually… sorta… funny. Had he noticed my expression and tried to cheer me up? No, that's impossible. He's Ace after all. And sure enough, his gaze turned empty once again, and he motioned for the trainees to stop.

The trainees shuffled out, bowing the entire way. One almost tripped on a rock, but he regained his balance, and I sighed in relief. After the blunder with soldier in the dungeon, I was sure that the Fire God would not hesitate to incinerate those who did not obey him.

The clearing became empty, an even the officials were dismissed after they took off Lucian and Mia's bindings. Ace stared out at the clearing for a couple seconds, and I saw another emotion starting to well up in his eyes. I strained to see this rare emotion, but it quickly passed, and I grumbled in disappointment.

An emotion from Ace was rarer than finding a snow leopard on a African savannah.

"Let us start the first round. But before that, let's answer some riddles!" I almost fell over. Lucian almost toppled, (half from exhaustion, half from just plain Ace) and Mia's steely bright blue eyes were flashing. Which I can interpret as a bad sign.

"Ace, I really think we shouldn't-"

"Who's the one who captured you?" "...You."

"Who's the Fire God?" "...you."

"Who's basically the one in charge here?" "…."

"Who loves black cherry ice cream?" "ME! Black cherry ice cream is the BEST!" I yelled out.

Lucian gave me a strange look. What? Black cherry ice cream was seriously really good.

"Listen carefully now, because I'll only say this once. " Fully into mysterious puzzle person mode, Ace pulled out a piece of parchment with a flourish of his robes and said aloud, "What is not enough for 1, just right for 2, and too much for 3?"

My heart tugged at the statement. "A secret." I whispered. I knew all to well. I remember when my life got miserable in the 4th grade. I told my best friend I liked a certain person. She asked if we could tell one more. I said yes, I mean, why not? I was a fool to believe that. Once the third person knew, everyone knew. It was a hellish nightmare. Everyone laughing behind my back, the boy calling me disgusting. Wow. What an awesome best friend I have.

"What did you say?" Ace's words pulled me out of the flashback. "The answer is a secret." "Congrats! You passed the first test!" "Thanks. Wait, WHAT!? WHY!? " Lucian said frantically, a little more than annoyed and confused. "Ace, you're making absolutely no sense!" "But Mother told me I was good at making no sense!" "That's not a compliment you freaking IDIOT!" But I saw his eyes flash dangerously, and knew that he understood everything from the beginning.

It was amazing how he was able to stay smiling no matter what, and I silently complimented him on doing something I never would have been able to do for a minute, let alone for my entire life! Ace was stronger than I thought. But if you look at it with reverse psychology, it may have just made him put a wall between him and other people. I looked at his smiling face sadly. Ironically enough, I pitied Ace most of all.

"Well, Mr. Kishi," Mia said, all business. "What were the tests that thy high and mighty head thought up?" AND ALLORA, I AM NOT MYTHIA! I AM SIA!

I heard her shout at me telepathically. I looked to Lucian for explanation, and she just sighed and shook her head, mouthing, "We'll explain later." After an adventure through the Fire Ring, nothing seemed that surprising anymore. Especially a bipolar Mia. HEY! I heard that! Sia said telepathically, flashing a small glare towards me.

"Well, the first test was I see whether you could answer the question!" "But that's not a proper-" Lucian sputtered, and then Sia put a hand over her mouth. I exchanged a glance with Sia. Right. It was better that we just win without complaint on Ace's logic. After confirming Lucian's understanding mentally, Sia released her, and Ace pulled me into a bear hug again.

"And because Amethyst was the one who answered, she gets to participate with me for the last 2 contests!"

"Okay. That's cool. I can do that. " I said before passing out.

20 seconds later...

"JehkehjehejjfcjysjahdhejsitaqiepkfcnmajwhclfksvwgdkldhhwkwpdfuhsklapwuetdhdnldpswuekxnvMznhsekal!" As I felt cold water splash across my face, I mumbled incoherent words, and then tried to pass out again.

That was when I saw Ace's face get closer. "THE HELL-!?" I yelled as I rolled away from The Fire God, intent on getting away. He smirked lightly, and I slapped my forehead. By getting up, I couldn't pretend I was passed out anymore.

"Ace, why doesn't Lucian go-" "No."

"What about S- I mean, Mia?" "Who's Smia?"

"Look, if we just talk this out-" "I'm not good with talking. Usually, I just go for the sword." And with those words, it became official.

I had to enter the next 2 contests.. AGAINST ACE!

About 1 hour later...

After going through a number of different hallways, and getting lost in the process, we finally reached the huge arena. Apparently, the first place hand't been the official arena. I'm going to start saying official a lot. Better get used to it. The arena was huge, Roman Colosseum size, but with a roof. I entered through a shadowy hallway, as did Ace.

The people in the colosseum officially started cheering, and I started getting even more nervous. The audience surrounded us on all sides, and I silently cursed whatever Roman architect that came up with this design.

Sia and Lucian had taken their seats in the Emperor's box, and the announcer rattled off different accomplishments that Ace had done. (Which frankly wasn't making me feel much better.) We seemed to have absolutely no armor, and there was a small choice of weapons that lay on a wooden rack before us.

Ace smiled, taking his position on the other side of the fighting space.

I stood in the ring, trying not to break down. How in the hell could I defeat Ace, The Fire God, at whatever contest this was going to be? "Opponents, pick your weapons!" Ace didn't even touch the weapon rack. I had a feeling I knew he was going to use. I looked at the wooden rack timidly, since it was my first time actually holding something that could seriously kill someone of something.

Sensing my nerves, Lucian gave me a half hearted thumbs up. Sia stared straight at Ace, burning a hole into his head. Ace smiled back at Sia toothily, and I felt lightning crackle. Hurriedly, I looked at the rack of weapons.

There was a huge longsword, a mace, a spear, a club, daggers, shuriken, a staff, and a katana blade. My gaze lingered over the katana blade, and I decided to to take it.

Before I could, the announcer yelled, "Ace-sama has chosen his favored weapon, The Phoenix Blade!" Oohs and ahs spread across the stadium and I had a really bad feeling leading up to the Phoenix I had seen before and that huge sword on Ace's back.

Sure enough, the glowing blurred blade was already drawn, and I felt a sense of dread enter me. The Phoenix flashed brightly, and Ace smirked at me. It looked even more magnificent out of it's scabbard, and I had to fight the urge to just stare, entranced, at it.

Yeah, my chances of winning just went down to 1 %, and that's still high. I quickly took the katana, hoping against all hopes that everything would be okay. "Amethyst- " Lucian whispered something to the announcer. "Oh, I'm sorry, Allora-san has chosen the Imagi Katana. It is believed to be about as lethal as a spoon if an Imagi isn't using it."

Oh you have got to be KIDDING ME! I glared at Ace, who shot me a grin. I mouthed at him, "Why the heck did you put something like this in the rack of weapons?!" He said out loud, "Why not? There was only a 1 in 8 chance you were going to pick it anyway."

"You really like playing with people, don't you?" The announcer cut the conversation off.

"Please choose an animal Allora-san; either the Super Poisonous Renegade Dark Leopards, or the Cute Fluffy Pink Bunnies! " "I choose the Cute Fluffy Pink Bunnies!" Who would be stupid enough to choose something like dark leopards? I mean, really!

And if the contest had anything to do with animals, then I was going for the bunnies. There was dead silence in the room.

Some of the elders bowed their heads and prayed quietly, "May Kami bless her dead soul."

"It looks like I underestimated you, Amethyst- I mean Allora. Did I mention that's a nice name?"

Ace looked happy. And that meant trouble. "Ace, what's so bad about bunnies? Plus, they're pink!"

"And that's the bad part about it. Pink bunnies are the WORST. Brown bunnies are already very dangerous, pink bunnies are at least 10 times more lethal." "Dude, we don't put bunnies and lethal in the same sentence unless we're saying they are NOT lethal." I retorted back.

"Suit yourself, " Ace shrugged. The microphone screeched, and then Lucian's voice came on. "Hello! I'm your new announcer! The old one is um... Indisposed at the moment. Anyway! "

As Lucian continued her commentary, I could hear a small groan of pain in the background. In disposed? More like KOed.

With a dramatic tone, she said, "Release the bunnies!" In a crash of sound, the bars of a prison cage opened, and small, cute little pink bunnies hopped out, completely innocent.

I shot Ace a "I told you so!" Look, but Ace's concentration had doubled, and was holding his sword at the ready at the bunnies. It was strange to see a man of such power being serious against cute little fluffy pink rabbits. But also sensing a feeling of dread, I also held my katana up. It was heavy, but it was definitely better than nothing.

"Whoever kills the most bunnies wins! There are no other rules! Except for… " Lucian mumbled something incoherently, and then spoke into the mike again.

"Ready… Set…. GO! "

And then I found out the secret about bunnies.

* * *

Happy Birthday Ally-Cat! This is for you!


	16. Prancing Fire and Ashes

**Hi guys! Sorry this update was so late, I'm having problems with lots of different things today...**

**Blood: Including the fact that the incompetent knight almost- **

**Allora: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, BLOOD?! *laughs creepily, wielding a machine gun* **

**Blood: ... Nothing, young lady, just some rumors that I heard. **

**Boris: Today's chapter is mostly centered around Ace's amazingness, so I'm not that interested. In ****fact, I'd much rather leave now than later. **

***Leaves, sighing deeply* **

**Ace: Hmm, it seems like kitty cat is having love issues today. **

**Allora: ... How do you come to that conclusion? It's just because nobody wants a chapter where you seem awesome. **

**Ace: Then why did you write one about me, Allora? *Snuggles closer* Is it because...? **

**Allora: *Franticly pushes him away* L-Let me go, Ace! You're causing a scene and in front of the readers as well! That's it! I'm not having in you in my author's notes anymore! **

***Pushes a red button***

**Ace: *Disappears with a puff of smoke***

**Boris: I was waiting for you to do that. Finally, I can relax a bit more without having that obnoxious knight yelling in my sensitive and awesome cat ears. **

**Allora: Hahaha, anyway... I do not own J/C/HnKnA. Enjoy the story!**

**Previously: **

_"Whoever kills the most bunnies wins! There are no other rules! Except for… " Lucian mumbled something incoherently, and then spoke into the mike again._

_"Ready… Set…. GO! "_

_And then I found out the secret about bunnies._

* * *

**_The Land of Spades Part 1: _**

**_Chapter 15_**

**_Prancing Fire and Ashes_**

* * *

They started eating the ground. I'm not kidding.

They literally unhinged their jaws and started eating earth. And then their eyes turned blood red, and they burrowed into the ground. One snap of those powerful jaws, and I'm DEAD.

I was still a bit off balance at the bunny's strange reaction, and then I remembered I was in Wonderland, and instantly calmed down.

I listened carefully, watching for any killer bunnies. Then I closed my eyes, focusing on my sense of hearing. I already heard Ace swing his sword with a whistle through the air, but I heard no cries of pain or dropping blood. But there was something else.. Very close..

I felt the ground rumble next to me. I barely moved out of the way when a killer bunny popped out of the ground to my right. I stared at the mutated ground, knowing that if I had been there even a second earlier, then I would be prey to those powerful jaws.

I turned around to see how Ace was doing, and MY jaw dropped. His flashing fiery form lit up the room, and his sword moved with such swift grace, and the smooth ripple of his feet touching the floor lightly had the bunnies completely confused. No human they had ever encountered before moved with such a subtle, ethereal grace.

The phoenix hidden in the sword flared brightly, and I felt the heat as it unfurled it's wings. It's wings snapped and a gust of fire burned through the bunnies with such force that there wasn't even ashes left.

Ace again spun lightly on his heel, and a carefully practiced somersault made him seem as if he was flying. His molten ruby eyes glowed with such a bright, unhidden fire, that I almost wanted to shield my eyes.

And as he went from bunny to bunny, I could only stare as the fire in his eyes got even more wild….. and uncontrollable. Untamable. And now, he was laughing, grinning. He was having fun, slaughtering, murdering, burning.

Suddenly, an uncontrollable shivering grew through my legs, and I couldn't move. His terrifying beauty was… Scary. Even Sia, who was watching from the audience, felt a strange prick of uncomfortableness that could not be explained. For me, I could only define it as a terrible, twisting fear. Fear. Terror. Absolute Terror.

His beautiful features were contorted with a twisted smile, and I was too terrified to even cry. Even the killer bunnies ran in fear at this terrible man, and he killed every single one of them.

When only ashes remained, he glanced back to me once, blood sizzling on his hot sword as it made contact, a predatory glint fading into the depths of his eyes. I felt like a rabbit that was being hunted. There was no chance of me winning from the first place. This match was over from when it began.

His blood lust was still evident on his face, and my grip on the katana tightened. No matter how scared I was, he was still Ace. Something in him changed, I guess. When he saw me quiver in fear, he actually looked away, guilt flashing through his eyes. The Phoenix blazed once more, and then deadened, it's ethereal light fading into nothingness.

When Lucian finally had the courage to speak up, she murmured, in a quivering voice, "Match end." It was as if a sigh of relief rocked the stadium. I could finally breathe again, and I felt my muscles loosen.

After the initial shock of seeing Ace's fighting form left, I shivered at the horror that the pink bunnies had left behind. Though Ace didn't have a scratch on him, the ground around him was horribly mutilated. It was as if they had dug ditches into the ground with their teeth.

I would never look at a bunny the same way again.

Lucian, who had finally gotten over the beautiful and equally horrifying scene, smirked. She looked at me, and sent a bright smile. Not used to seeing her smile, I sensed that something was up.

Then, Sia started laughing. Laughing so hard that she started rolling on the floor. Her sensible and demur aura was completely gone. I saw her eyes change to an emerald green once again, and I sighed contently. Mia was back. (No offense to you, Sia. I was just sorta missing Mia.)

Grabbing the mike from Lucian, she yelled, "YOU LOSE YOU DUMB KNIGHT!" And then she started cracking up again.

"Wait, what?!" Said Ace, Me, most of the audience, and a random spectator who is looking over my shoulder as I type.

* * *

**This may be a bit short... Sorry! I need to go to sleep, it's Friday, and it's cold down in the basement. **

**Sigh. See you later, and sorry for this chapter being so late... **

**Don't worry, the next update will come somewhere between now and the week before Thanksgiving. **

**That's a long time, but that's how much time I will need, especially with so many projects and quizzes coming up. I hope I did okay on my Science test...**


	17. Why Losers are Losers

**Allora: The last week and this one has been so hectic, I think I just saw my life flash before my eyes. **

**Blood: the young lady wishes you a happy halloween, and candy for all. I have been personally working on my vampire costume... *Smirks***

**Allora: I don't think you need to wear a costume to be a vampire. **

**Vivaldi: Back to the subject of the hectic week, Allora really has been working hard. We think that any teachers that give us 5 assignments at the same time should all be beheaded! **

**Allora: U-Um, Vivaldi, unfortunately, I don't live in your world, and we don't kill people on whim here unless you are a serial killer. **

**Boris: When has being a cereal killer been a bad thing? I just killed my cheerios last week! **

***An awkward silence issues for another couple seconds* **

**Allora: I feel like Ace was supposed to say something right around then, and then use it to harass me. Where is Ace, anyway? **

**Blood: *Shakes his head* Do you not remember what you just did last chapter? Readers, will you be kind enough to tell Allora what she did last chapter in your reviews? **

**Boris: Oh lookie, the story is starting. See ya! **

**Allora: Wait! What do you-**

**Previously:**

_Grabbing the mike from Lucian, she yelled, "YOU LOSE YOU DUMB KNIGHT!" And then she started cracking up again._

_"Wait, what?!" Said Ace, Me, most of the audience, and a random spectator who is looking over my shoulder as I type._

* * *

_**The Land of Spades: **__**Part 1**_

_**Chapter 16**_

_**Why Losers are Losers**_

* * *

Reeling from Mia's sudden announcement, I quickly composed myself and yelled out, "WHY?"

The audience, who had wanted to know the same thing but had dared not say it out loud, leaned forward.

The audible creaking of chairs made Mia have second thoughts in announcing what she knew to the whole world, but Lucian, who had regained her cool persona, took over the mike and said,

"Remember when I said the except part in the announcing?"

I thought back to the part when she forcefully took the mike from the announcer.

_"Whoever kills the most bunnies wins! There are no other rules! Except for… " Lucian mumbled something incoherently, and then spoke into the mike again._

"Well, yes, but-"

"After that 'except' I said, in rare situations where one player defeats all of them and leaves none for the opponent, the person who doesn't kill anything wins!"

Dead silence in the coliseum.

I forced myself to look at Ace, more than a little afraid at what his facial expression would say.

A look of shock would have painted any NORMAL person's face, but unfortunately, Ace wasn't normal.

His eyes were blank, his kimono still stained with dried blood. The dim coliseum lights seemed to avoid his figure, as if to say he wasn't worthy of the light.

For some reason, this infuriated me. Greatly.

Mia, who was not used to all the attention she was getting, was still a pasty white color, but when she saw me staring at Ace, multiple emotions flitting across my face, her mind started cranking and she came to a conclusion that even I wouldn't have come up with.

She concluded that I loved him.

Mia, who was looking into my mind at the time, smiled. My denial and confusion was amusing, and she immediately assumed I had absolutely no experience with love.

She was right, I'm afraid to say.

Lucian, still panting from her speech, took a big breath in, and out. A cool half-smile grew on her face, and she knew immediately that they had won.

Then, Ace starts laughing.

Taking this as a cue from their leader that they wouldn't get killed if they laughed, the audience tentatively started laughing, some more genuine then others.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHHAAHAHAHHAAHAHHA, that was really smart! Good job! But in the last contest, that won't be happening. "

Another creepy and sadistic smile crept up on Ace's face, and I felt a sense of dread. Uh oh.

"Allora will duel with me again, but in real hand to hand to combat until someone passes out."

Lucian, her half smile still frozen in place, looked down at Ace, disbelieving.

The queen of strategy just LOST.

Mia, who was thinking that they were victorious, had literally forgotten about the 3rd contest, and gulped, her skin turning whiter than before.

The audience politely clapped, (Some for the cleverness of the Spaders, and some a prayer to me to survive,) and filed out.

I collapsed on the ground, the adrenaline from a few moments ago already drained. Lucian, who had already come down to the room after the announcement, patted my back encouragingly and I smiled back weakly.

Ace was about to put his sword back into the scabbard, when I called out, "Wait!"

"What is it? Do you want to brag or something? You do know I'm going to crush you next time around, right?"

Ace's twisted expression was still intact, and for one second, I thought he was... Pouting? "Don't be a sore loser Ace," I teased, knowing that I was hitting one of his buttons with a sledgehammer.

"W-Who ever said I was a sore loser?!" Ace sputtered, and I knew I had hit the mark. His scary and sadistic side tended to disappear when he got embarrassed.

"Anyway, what I really wanted to ask was whether I could hold your sword."

"Sure!" I stared at him for a couple seconds.

"For real? No conditions or requirements?!"

"Well, I don't really want you to break it, but other than that, fine, who cares? " He handed me the sword. I looked at the sword for a moment. Such a magnificent sword... I wouldn't hand it to just anyone, and Ace gave me it like it was just a pencil that I needed to borrow in class.

"No," I said firmly. I handed it back to him. "Never treat your sword like it's just nothing. I can't accept this until you actually start to respect your weapon. " Ace looked at me, shocked.

"That's not fair, Allora-chan! " Ace pouted, then with an evil smirk on his face, he sauntered up to me.

"You don't get to be all heroic and everything! It makes me look like.."

Getting a little scared now, I backed up fast walking 10 times the speed of the average human being as he continued his speech.

His strides were longer, (damn these tall people) and he caught up to me in no time straight. Catching my wrist in his hand, he said sweetly with an cold smile on his face,

"A bad guy, " His voice whispered, and shivers broke out all over my body.

He finally took his face away from my ear, but he held onto my wrist with an iron grip so I couldn't just prance away.

"Now let's discuss what happens when you win, "

A dark smile grew.

"And when I win."

"We already know, " Lucian said briskly, pulling out her magical guide book. Recovering from the close contact with Ace, I got my mind to focus. The world needed Rational and Smart Allora right now, not Flushed and Dizzy Allora.

"Ah, but I never said I was on the same terms as the author of this guide book, no? "

"How did you-"

"You are forgetting that he is a god and mighty and all seeing or whatever," I say sarcastically.

"Actually, I just looked at the guide book when Lucian opened it." Ace said, eyes blinking innocently.

"Ace, you really need to stop that."

"Stop what?"

"Being Ace." All three of us dead panned in unison.

"Anyway, what happens is decided by the contest. Whatever happens their decides everything. "

Way to put the pressure on, Ace, I thought sarcastically.

Mia, who happened to be looking into my mind at the time, gave me a half hearted smile that said, "No pressure!"

I shot a glare back that said, "Gee, thanks."

"If Allora wins, then all of you get safe passage to the next Ring. If she doesn't, then she stays with me, here, and becomes a permanent resident of the Fire Ring. Lucian and Mia, you will be granted safe passage. Mia's safe passage was guaranteed when you won the first contest. Lucian's was won in the second contest. "

I see. That accursed good for nothing guide book.

Lucian, who was still angry at the defeat, understood completely.

"So if Allora wins, then we all go home free, but if she looses, she stays?"

Mia tentatively said the statement out loud.

The silence was heavy, especially on the one who it weighed on most of all.

I... Would have to stay here...

Forever?

* * *

**This story is going to be on hold for the next month. **

**I'm sorry that this update was late, but I have no choice. The imagination just isn't flowing for this story, and I need a break. I have been working on a different story that is yet to be published on J/C/HnKnA, called _High School Sob Story, _and I am going to work on that for the time being. **

**I'm sorry to any of you other people out there, but I need some time off. **

**Don't worry, I'll only be gone for a month on this. **

**Promise. You'll see a update on your emails saying The Land of Spades on December 1st. **

**So yeah... If you want to check out _High School Sob Story, _please do, I worked really hard on it. **

**It won't be published until around tomorrow. **

**Again, I am truly sorry for this announcement. **

**...**

**And can anyone tell me what Blood failed to tell me at the beginning of this chapter? **


	18. Night Before the Storm

**Allora: Hi everybody! I'm back after my 1 month hiatus! **

**Dee and Dum: Took you a while, onne-san. We want our turn! **

**Allora: Hehe, sorry boys, but we'll be staying in the Fire Ring for quite a while. And your debut isn't going to be for a while now. **

**Elliot: Hey, Ally, what about me? **

**Allora: You're actually pretty close to your stage time. Just not yet. **

**Blood: And me, young miss? **

**Allora: You're after Elliot. **

**Blood: *An strange dark aura comes out* Did you just tell me that I was ****_after _****that infernal carrot loving rabbit?!**

**Elliot: I'm not a rabbit! **

**Dee: Brother, should we even bother to argue with Chickie Hare this time around? **

**Dum: No, brother, it would be a waste of time to argue with a losing cause. **

**Elliot: You brats-**

***A fist fight follows* **

**Blood: *Considerably calmer now* Now then, why am I gracing you with my presence again? **

**Allora: *Sighs, defeated* To say the disclaimer. **

**Blood: Ms. Allora does not own J/C/HnKnA. **

***Looks back at Allora***

**Blood: Are you happy now? **

**Allora: *Sarcasm* Very.**

**Previously: **

_The silence was heavy, especially on the one who it weighed on most of all._

_I... Would have to stay here..._

_Forever?_

* * *

_**The Land of Spades **_

_**Part 1 **_

_**Chapter 17 **_

_**Night Before the Storm **_

* * *

The cool summer air blew my hair in wild directions, disregarding my half hearted attempt to tame it.

I had convinced Ace not to put me in the cage again, but from the inside of the modest traditional Japanese room, I wished that I hadn't. I was suddenly feeling claustrophobic, and I wanted to see the stars. Yes, I have that random impulse thing that gets people into trouble. You don't have to tell me, I already know I'm weird.

The bamboo padding creaked as I got up from my futon, (A bed that only consists of a thin mattress and a blanket.) and I wobbled over towards the sliding doors.

As I touched the delicate bamboo wood, (Yeah, I know, they made EVERYTHING out of bamboo.) I suddenly hesitated.

Even if I did lose, Lucian and Mia would still be able to go to the next ring safely. It's not like I was needed anyway. I wasn't strong, I was so terribly weak, that it hurt me as a person. I thought about going right back to the futon, but then remembered the prophecy.

'_If somebody tries to separate you from your friends, then do whatever possible to stop them.'_

I really wanted to go with them. The prophecy didn't really control everything that we did, it was like a guide for the journey, and it had just provided me the advice I needed to keep going.

And if that meant getting as strong as humanly possible in sword play with the limited time I have, then so be it. I confidently opened the doors and headed towards the courtyard. The last contest would have to be all me. I had to win. No matter what.

* * *

Ace heard whistles of wind while he was strolling down the hallway, trying to find his bedroom. He stopped and headed towards the sound. As he got closer, he started to hear the small whispers of wind that cut through the air and the snap of clothes that was usually associated with the swinging of a sword.

Narrowing his eyes, he shifted his stance, one hand on his katana. Smile still plastered on his face, he slowly moved forward to see the intruder. When he saw that it was just me, he breathed a sigh of relief before relaxing and silently drifting over to me.

He noted the fact that it was confusing to him why she would practice swords when it was already guaranteed that he would win. This girl likes to battle against the laws of the universe, he reasoned, a smile growing on his face.

It was interesting, a quality he had not seen in anyone before. Ace was used to fate and destiny controlling his life. It was unavoidable, therefore he had just accepted it for what his life was, a living hell hole of misery. But she would not stand for that.

What was that quote again, the one his father used to tell him all the time.. Living with his father had been such an old memory, that Ace had to think long and hard about it. While he was minding his own business, musing over his thoughts, I finally noticed he was there, (I know, I'm ashamed of myself too..) and jumped back, frightened. When I saw his russet colored hair and lava red eyes, I relaxed my hold on the wooden sword, visibly relived.

"Oh, it's just you Ace."

"'Just' Ace? Well that wasn't very nice of you was it?" Though he had thought the same thing when he saw her.

He still had that fake smile on his face, I noted, looking up towards his crimson eyes. In battle, only a couple of hours ago, he had seemed so alive.

But it was terrifying, and I could now tell why he suppressed his emotions. Every emotion had such an raw, powerful energy to it, that no one in the world could see one of his true emotions and be unaffected.

Ace stared back at me blankly, glancing at my kimono, his eyes looking me up and down.

It made me eerily self-conscious, and I fidgeted and looked down as he continued to stare at me boldly. He finally spoke.

"Are you cold?" I looked up again quickly, surprised at the sudden and random statement.

"O-Of course I'm not! " I replied quickly, not really believing my own words. I looked down at my white silk kimono, and noticed that my body was betraying me openly by shivering from the draft of wind.

A iron hand pulled my waist into a hard chest, and I yelped involuntarily. A cherry blossom softly fell from a tree, and somewhere out there, a mandolin struck a clear, piercing note.

_Ping._

Lucian looked up from the confines of the bamboo room. Though they had finally been removed from the prison and into a room that was more suitable for human living space, it was still quite stuffy and hot. (A/N: Unlike me, Lucian is fairly resistant against the cold and can even get hot sometimes. )

The sheets rustled as she got up quietly as to not wake Mia up. The bamboo sliding door opened with a slight creak, and Lucian stared up at the sky.

The Fire Ring was a beautiful place, that was for sure, and if Lucian hadn't been in a quest to go back home, than she would have enjoyed a slightly laid back trip where she ate yaki niku every night, and went stargazing.

Wonderland was such a dangerous place, but was full of wonders that surprised and delighted her at every turn. Lucian shook her head softly, trying to prioritize what was happening now rather than what she dearly wished for.

Allora was commendable in many aspects, but against Ace, one of the strongest role holders out there, especially with a sword fight.. The percentage that Allora would win wasn't looking too good.

She had guts, and the courage to be able to go do it, but her skill with swords was seriously lacking. Not that she could say much. Lucian herself was no expert at weapons. But skill wasn't the only thing that was a problem.

There was also the fact that Allora had undoubtedly completely and totally fallen in love with Ace. How she had fallen for that idiot was a mystery to Lucian's eyes, though she was happy for Allora.

The wind kicked up, and Lucian sighed contently at the breeze. Her brown hair was down long, and it hung over her notably sensible but elegant blue kimono. The natural gold high lights in her hair glowed softly in the moonlight.

Lucian knew there was at least a thousand different problems that she should be also taking into account, but for now, she just had to leave it to Fate.

How ironic, Lucian thought sarcastically and bitterly. Fate, a person we are also trying to rescue, is the namesake of something that controls us all.

"Has thou something on thy mind, Lucian?" Sia, icy blue eyes blindingly bright in the moonlight, stepped out of the shadows.

"Hello Sia. I was just thinking about that last contest, and... " Lucian could not describe very well what exactly she had been thinking, and for a moment, the two stood in silence while another piercing note of the mandolin played.

_Ping._

"A-Ace, what are you-?"

We were in quite the predicament at the moment. I was leaning on his chest, held there by Ace's left arm, while his right one closed around my sword hand, still clenched around the wooden practice sword.

He quietly turned me around so my back was to him, and whispered softly in my ear,

"Shh. Your form is terrible. Let me show you how to do it. " I harrumphed slightly at his words.

"I'm not that bad-"

"Didn't I tell you to be quiet?" At Ace's serious tone, I obeyed.

Lifting the sword up, we swung it together. The sword swished cleanly through the air, and I couldn't help but marvel at the skillful way he swung his sword, his hand still guiding mine.

We were like that for the next 20 minutes, neither of us speaking at all. It might have been the longest time I had ever met Ace without him speaking a word to me.

Finally, we stopped. Sweat slid down my forehead, and I made a move to brush it off when Ace asked me a question that made me completely shut down.

"Hey Allora, why do you go to such lengths to go against the universe? " Ace asked, not knowing that the probing question was not the best one at that particular time.

Ace wanted to know badly, and he wasn't the patient type, (and he also couldn't take a hint) so he persisted.

"It's not like anything is going to change. I'm still going to win, you're still going to lose, and you'll stay here for-"

"Stop." My hands trembled as tears threatened to come out of my eyes.

Ace paused as he was suddenly cut off, and he looked at me, a little surprised.

"It's not like that. IT'S NOT LIKE THAT AT ALL! I've always wished that I could live in a world like this, alternating between adventuring and conquering exams. I know that I still want to stay here, contest or not. I know that a little part of me is telling me to lose on purpose, I know that practicing might not help, I know that nothing might change at all-"

"Then why do you keep doing this?"

_**"Because I do not want to be a coward like you are, letting everything be up to fate, luck, and destiny. " **_

It was the first time that any person on earth had insulted him except for his Mother, (And she didn't count) and Ace could only stand dumbfounded at the fiery and teary eyes that stared at him.

There was such a strong, burning fire in them that made him stop in his tracks.

Ace smiled grimly. He could see now. He wasn't the only one that was lost, that was trying to figure out the right path.

"You're lost, aren't you?"

The question caught me off guard, and a little shocked, I just stood there, contemplating his very strange and intense question.

"Oh no, I'm not lost, Ace. " I smile at him, a small little half smile that had such a bitter aftertaste.

"I just choose to look for a path instead of standing there and waiting for someone to come help me. "

Not even looking back at him, I gently slid out of his grip, and and walked back to my room.

I didn't want to see his expression. I was scared out of my mind, and Ace wasn't helping. The philosophical words had just flowed out of my mouth, and after showing a brave front, I was terrified to see what Ace would do.

As I hurried back to my room, another clear note on the mandolin played.

_Ping._

Ace remembered his father's words now, there were clearer than ever before. My small outburst had made him revive his old memory's of Jericho.

Sakura petals softly fell around his head, a genuine smile gracing his handsome features as he said the words out loud.

"_Ace, if you ever see someone that wants to rebel against the laws of society, observe them carefully, and be mindful. They can be quite a handful, just like your mother. _

_And they will be the people that will ultimately change who you are and where you will go. " __  
_

* * *

**I can't say I didn't warn you that I am an emotional person who speaks her mind and then regrets it a lot later. **

**I hope that both Luican and Mia and Sia are satisfied with this chapter. **

**Allora out! **

**P.S. Thanks to K-Chan for reviewing a lot of my chapters and giving me some positive feedback. (Chaos-Dark-Lord)**


	19. Storm Warning

**So this is when you say, WHERE'S THE BIG BATTLE? WHEN IS SHE GOING TO FIGHT? **

**Boris: Allora is going to win. Ace is too wimpy too handle that level of violence...**

**Allora: You would be surprised at what he can do. **

**Blood: This is going to be a very interesting battle. On my side, I'm thinking more of a fifty fifty chance. What about you, Elliot? **

**Elliot: I bet on Ace. That guy is crazy strong, I've fought him before. **

**Boris: Nah, you're the only one who hasn't been beaten by a frying pan and had it hurt bad. I bet on Allora. 50 W-Bucks anyone? **

**Elliot: You're on, Cat. **

**Allora: Whoa, you guys, are you betting on me? It's not like this is going to be some simple sports event. This decides my future! **

**Blood: Well, it's not like I'll really hate it if you do not come to my ring.. **

**The Twins: Same here. **

**Boris: YA THINK? **

**Allora: You guys are seriously getting on my nerves. I'm trying to focus here, I'm going to go fight a battle against Ace; for heaven's sake. **

**Vivaldi: We wish you the best of luck. We will also make you a very glamorous grave with many roses from our garden. **

**Allora: See, Vivaldi's nice- Wait, what? **

**Elliot: Hehe, even the queen is siding with me! My bet is as good as won! **

**Dee and Dum: We don't like it when the chickie hare gets what he wants. We bet on Allora. **

***Boris and the Twins exchange high fives***

**Allora: You guys are giving me a ****headache. You know what? Let's just start the chapter. **

**Elliot: Hey, wait a seco-**

**Previously:**

"_Ace, if you ever see someone that wants to rebel against the laws of society, observe them carefully, and be mindful. They can be quite a handful, just like your mother. _

_And they will be the people that will ultimately change who you are and where you will go. "_

* * *

**_The Land of Spades _**

**_Part 1 _**

**_Chapter 18 _**

**_Storm Warning_**

* * *

"Faster! Put more muscle into it!"

A trainee looked up from the field where he was practicing. It seemed that General Lee was at the end of his rope today, which was pretty rare considering how calm and collected Lee was at all times.

"Slide to the left, NO, not your right, MY left!"

Curious, the trainee stopped swinging his sword and followed the sounds of frustrated yells.

_Clang. _

The Spader that was supposed to duel with Ace in another 3 hours was practicing her swordplay. How had he known that it was the Spader? He'd had front row seats to her last performance.

"Twist it differently, you're going to have your arm cut off!"

She was trying hard, you could tell, and she was adapting quickly and learning fast, but it wasn't enough.

At least not in General Lee's standards. And if she couldn't meet General Lee's standards, than she sure as hell couldn't meet Ace's.

"Use your surroundings! Trip me on a root, get me out of the way, use a tree as a shield! I don't even care what you do, just DO SOMETHING!"

The General was getting annoyed at an unbelievably fast rate, and the trainee was getting nervous. The level of frustration and rage was steadily rising, and the trainee decided he would leave after watching for only a couple more minutes.

"ARE YOU EVEN TRYING!?"

_Bang._

"I'm going to die. "

"...You're going to die. "

You're going to die, the trainee thought, face palming and eventually returning to his side of his field and wishing for the Spader to die a quick, clean, death.

"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence, General Lee."

"I'm just confirming what you said yourself. "

The General was very much right, and I myself knew it. Collapsing to the ground, I stared up at the beautifully lit sky that was already starting to grow on me as normal.

Just wait until you get to the second ring, Allora, I grumbled to myself.

_If _I got to the second ring.

My pessimistic thinking was also starting to make me think that I was an negative person in general... And before all this had happened, the prophecy reminded me how much was at stake.

Plus, I remember Lucian telling us somewhere in the beginning that there needed to be 5 people who go in through the gate on this side otherwise the other gate won't open.

The prophecy clearly states that we would only pick up 2 more travelers on the way. If I lost, then Lucian and Mia would have to go out of their way to find another person, and they probably would try to find a way to get me out of here while they were at it.

I couldn't let them do that, and also because the journey there would just get that more perilous. (A/N: If any of you are confused at these thoughts, I recommend you go back to Chapters 2 and 3 and reread. People who remembered this important detail, hooray for you!)

Before I could keep thinking about what was at stake and how much bad things would happen if I lost, I collapsed onto the grass, exhausted mentally and physically.

General Lee's grueling training schedule was not a piece of cake. Far, FAR from it.

You'd think learning how to use a sword would be easy, but it's not.

Believe me, I have _personal _experience.

Are you a little bit confused at the sudden change?

Let me backtrack to the dialogue a little earlier...

_"WHAT!? You want me to have training sessions with your GENERAL?! " _

_"Why not, Allora, it'll be fun! And it's good experience!" _

_"Doesn't a general have more important things to do than train an __completely untrained woman to be a better swordsman than Ace in a matter of hours?" _

_"See, Lucian is siding with me! ...I think." _

_Ace quietly takes out his sword, and the phoenix in his sword shrieks. _

_"Any disagreements?" _

_No one could say no to that threat. _

And that's how I end up with where I am right now.

General Lee observed me as I rested for the remaining time in the break.

Slightly tanned skin, brown hair, and brown eyes... He noted. Wasn't that much different from any other maiden he'd met in the Fire Ring.

But her eyes had a hidden spark in them, a burning fire that seemed to consume everything with her own desire and seemed to make someone entirely transparent of their own thoughts.

Ace-sama had definitely picked up something interesting indeed. He smiled.

"Good luck, Allora-san. I hope that you get what you wished for. "

I stopped pouting and stared up at the young commander. Lee smiled, a small half-smile that barely etched into his face but stayed there for more than 5 seconds.

"YOU SMILED!"

"...No, I did not."

"Yes you did! I saw it!"

"...I didn't."

"YOU DID!"

"I DIDN'T!"

"YES YOU DID!"

"NO I DIDN'T!"

"YES!"

"NO!"

"YES!"

"NO!"

"YE-"

"WILL THE BOTH OF YOU SHUT THE HELL UP!?"

Lucian, who had been watching from afar, yelled. She had had enough of the childish and extremely worthless fight, and ended it immediately.

"ALLORA, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING!? YOU KNOW BETTER THAN DO THAT! YOU HAVE TO GO FIGHT ACE AND TRY TO PRACTICE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ON SWORDPLAY AND YOU'RE USING THIS PRECIOUS TIME TO FIGHT LIKE A _TODDLER _OVER WHO WAS RIGHT!?"

I flinched. Ouch.

"AND YOU, GENERAL LEE! YOU'RE A _GENERAL _FOR GOD'S SAKE, AND ACE'S BEST GENERAL AT THAT! AND YOU ARE FIGHTING OVER WHETHER YOU _SMILED _OR NOT!? UNBELIEVABLE!"

Ow.

We sat in the field for the next 3 hours being scolded by Lucian. If you ask me, being scolded by Lucian for that much of time was more of a waste than us fighting, but we dutifully accepted the consequences.

At least I did. General Lee wasn't about to go down without a fight.

"How dare you talk to me like that, you oni onna!"

As Japanese being my second fluent language, I winced as he called Lucian devil woman. Yeah, that's not going to end well.

"Allora, would you care to educate me in what _oni onna_ means?" Lucian had an overly sweet tone, and a very dangerous smile plastered on her face.

I didn't dare to lie.

"...Devil woman..."

Lucian was so angry that I could see the steam coming out of her ears. Facing General Lee and grabbing the cloth of his kimono and pulling it down so that his face was level with hers, she hissed,

"Care to say _oni onna_ again, Mr. General? Or are you-"

Lucian then kicked Lee's legs out from under him so that she was now on top of him.

"_Scared?_" Lee shook his head as much as his neck would let him, his face completely and totally terrified.

"Um, Lucian... I suggest you remember what position you're in right now..."

Lucian looked down and finally came to her senses. At the time, she was practically straddling the man!

Blushing fire engine red, she got off of him and muttered a string of apologies before taking off in a cloud of dust.

We both stood there, shell shocked at the sudden change.

"Allora-san?"

"Yeah?"

"Do remind me never to talk back to your companion ever again."

"Sure. I guess I'm not the only one who values my life, huh?"

"Yes, you are surely correct in that."

* * *

**I apologize. No fight scene. Yeah, I know. I KNOW! Sorry, my nerves are all over the place today. And yesterday, and the day before that... **

**Anyway, I have been a bit of off fanfiction for a while, because of a lot of applying for different things and studying. Mainly studying. **

**So yeah, place your bets now. Is it going to be Allora or Ace? Poll will be out as soon as I post this chapter! **

**Chapter 19: Into the Storm: Small Peak**

**Allora's hidden powers awaken... In the worst or best ways. Ace sees that his sword and blood lust will not be enough if he wants to conquer powers that make Allora turn into...**

**Something different... **

**Or _Some__one_ different. **

**And that's all the spoilers you're going to get!**

**Peace out, **

**Allora**


	20. Into the Storm

**Sorry I took so long in updating, and sorry if some places seem a bit fishy. I really did do this to the best of my ability! **

**Another thing: Faceless in this world are NOT Faceless. They do have eyes. They're faceless because they don't have any magical powers. Role holders do have access to immense magical reserves. Both have clocks. **

**Spaders have hearts. **

**Did this clear up a couple things? **

**Disclaimer: I do not own J/C/HnKnA.**

* * *

**The Land of Spades:**

**Part 1**

**Chapter 19:**

**Into the Storm**

* * *

The seats at the large stadium were designed in a very Roman coliseum sort of way, with them being rows of benches circling around the giant clearing in the middle and that was currently being lit under a soft red glow. Sounds rocked the stadium and people chatted animatedly before the upcoming battle while bets were made back and forth under lantern lights.

Extending out towards the central clearing was a small room, higher than the surrounding benches and with a better view in it's three seats. Here, a commenter made various arrangements and pep talk to rile up the crowd while panicking a bit internally at the two empty seats next to him, reserved for the honored guests that were late. Well, technically, they were late because of me.

At the moment, I was locked in a room under the arena, connected to a door that would lead me to the dreaded battle.

Wringing my hands repeatedly and then taking my hair out of my ponytail and then back again, my anxiety reached its peak as the crowd started to die down, a signal that everything was about to begin.

The dark room was relatively simple, and the only light came from a red lantern hanging from the ceiling. Dark shadows created deceptive images in ones mind, and a mirror in the corner showed your reflection, something that was designed to make you go absolutely mad.

My friends glanced at me pacing around and shared a knowing smile.

Sia looked at me amusedly. Not really knowing what she was thinking, I simply scowled at her and stuck my tongue out. Lucian, who had the expression of someone thinking deeply. tapped her fingers on her chin and sat down next to me.

In the lantern light, their eyes glowed brilliantly, green and blue, and I felt a bit taken aback at how calm and silent they were. Unlike me, who was panicking like the world was ending. Now reverting back to pacing around the dark room, my violet eyes were no doubt showing my worry.

"You really are like an open book, Allora." Sia said, raising her eyebrow at me. Lucian mirrored her expression, both of them finding my anxiety comical.

I pouted at them, my raven black hair getting into my eyes. Sighing, I re-tied my ponytail for the 20th time, and then felt my eyes moisten a bit at the unfamiliar color. At home, my hair had always been a shade of brown, sort of light but dark at the same time, with almost unnoticeable red and gold highlights. I shook my head, trying to get myself to concentrate. Making myself home sick was the surest way to get myself killed in the match with emotions weighing down on me.

Looking at Lucian and Sia, who were now conversing quietly in a corner, seemed almost unreal in the dark light of one lantern right over my head. I had thought that they were both seeing my worry as unreasonable but now I saw that they were just trying to lift my spirits.

"Yes, Allora-san, you are quite correct. Morale is a part of battle, after all." Sia showed a rare hint of a smile, and Lucian gave me a small wink.

They were always there for me, even when there was barely any chance that I would win. I smiled back, happy that there were people that were here for me even in the Land of Spades.

"You two! Hurry up here! The match is about to start!" General Lee popped his head in from the entrance, the picture of irritation and annoyance.

Lucian popped up and then immediately went out, giving no further complaints. All she wanted to say was already known. I know what she wanted to say and the fact that she didn't know how to say it, but her feelings had already connected to me.

Sia looked at me with her icy eyes once again. Her stance still radiated confidence, but her face crinkled a little to reveal worry, just a little bit.

"Please don't look like that Sia," I said seriously. "You're going to give someone a heart attack if they saw an emotion on your face." Her face turned emotionless once again, and she swatted my shoulder before exiting the room past General Lee, who was also astounded at the sudden display.

His coal black onyx eyes hit mine once, before conveying the last message. "Try not to die too badly."

"Of course, General. Of course." A small smirk lit his face before he swiveled out, the door coming to a creaking halt behind him. After hearing the dooming click of a lock, I fell back onto the floor.

The lantern's red light flickering above me casted a dark glow around reflected by the mirror on the side of the wall. The packed dirt felt hard and gritty below my hands as I looked at the corner where Lucian and Sia had stood before; it seemed so much darker and lonesome, and without my friends here, everything in the room seemed that much more dreary, cold, and bleak. This place was a swirling mass of shadows, a place of condemning, a place of death.

I thought about all the other Spaders that may have suffered the same fate. Did they sit in this very room, and look up at this very ceiling? Did they have the same worries as me? Were they left with any regrets of the path they were about to take? I got up slowly, stretching my arms and winding them around. I walked over to the mirror to examine it.

...

It was slightly dusty but uncracked, and what I saw made me want to cry all over again.

My appearance looked so different... My hair was longer, and a jet black color that seemed to rival even the darkness of this room. I was a bit taller as well, and skinnier, if that was even possible. The black tank and black sweat pants made me look like I was going on an assassination mission. My face was pale and gaunt, with dark markings under my violet eyes. My purple orbs had a wisdom, an intelligence and an acceptance that I had not had before. I was so different, on the inside and on the outside.

I looked at the dusty reflection with a tired expression. Had others looked at this mirror, remembered all their memories, regretted doing things in life, wished they could say final things to people that they would never meet again, and then prepared to die? I hadn't really thought about the consequences of dying in the Land of Spades. Did I disappear from my world and then entered this land as another person? Did my physical body completely enter here? If the first theory was correct, would I wake up? Or would I die? It was a complicated question, and something that I didn't want to think about.

As far as I knew, Ace didn't have to kill me to win, he just had to draw blood from me a total of 10 times. But would it be fatal enough to kill me from blood loss? That was the question. Ace was bloodthirsty and ruthless, and his self control was seriously lacking. Did I really have the confidence to say that I wouldn't die at all?

Averting my gaze from the mirror, I trudged back to the cold hard floor and plopped down with a sigh. Then, gulping a bit from just pure anxiety, I pulled out the Imagi Katana. It was a beautiful sword, with a dragon engraving and a black hilt with red strings wrapped around it. When I turned it slowly, the lantern light made the sword glint and give off an assortment of colors. Then I put it down with a sigh. What was the point of using a sword that would not draw blood?

Before I could mull over my thoughts, I heard the sounds of the crowd decrease, and the commentator's voice resound over the stadium, though slightly muffled. Looking up at the huge double doors that would lead me to the open space of the arena for the second time, I felt my palms grow sweaty with worry.

Lucian's voice was heard once or twice. This was a sign that they were about to start.

Controlling my shivering limbs and jelly legs, I sheathed the katana. A brighter darkness filled my vision as the doors slowly creaked open, and I stepped out into the sand pit, or more well know as: The Arena.

POV Change: Third Person

Lucian clenched her hands into fists nodding along to whatever the announcer was saying. Everything he said felt a bit blurry and surreal, as if he was part of a background in a movie, of small existence in purpose. She shivered a bit, hugging herself tightly against the rush of emotions.

Allora, on the dirt floor, body mangled and distorted beyond recognition with crimson liquid surrounding her head like a halo..

Allora, strangled to death in Ace's strong hand, coughing up blood and then eventually unmobile.

Allora, a confused half smile on her face as Ace's sword-

Lucian. Lucian! It's alright. Calm down. She's still very much alive.

Sia's voice intruded in her head, and Lucian looked up at the strong icey blue eyed individual staring at her with comforting eyes. That's right, Lucian thought quickly, her senses flooding back. Sia's suffering too. And so is Mia. I have to get my act together. Sucking back the tears that threatened to overflow, Lucian nodded to Sia.

As soon as their mental conversation ended, the audience quieted, and the large stadium was filled with a momentary silence. Everyone there contemplated emotions, actions, and decisions. All the people there were at a crossroad, and all were taking different paths, maybe never meeting again.. Since what would happen here was very literally going to be earth shattering.

Life would never be the same again. The moment was broken as the announcer shouted out into the piercing silence.

"Thank you for quieting down! Now, let's start the very long awaited match; our very own Fire God Ace Kishi-sama versus the Spader Allora-san!"

Thunderous applause and cheer erupted around the stadium, but Sia and Lucian both stayed silent. The loud noise beat on both of their consciousnesses, spearing their very souls with the knowledge that they were both letting their friend fight in a death match where she very literally might die!

All hopes died when they saw Ace. "Welcome Ace Kishi-sama! Our First Challenger!"

The crowd roared with joy as they saw their favorite gladiator, the Fire God. Ace was dressed in golden battle armor, with a red cloak billowing out behind him, and his sword at his side. He confidently strode into the arena, his arrogance apparent. Blood red eyes shone brightly, their insides as turbulent as lava as they twisted and splattered. Russet brown hair on top of a tall figure, and then.. A straight, strict flat line. Ace was not smiling. Lucian gasped in surprise. After assessing his apparel, she had immediately thought that Ace would have been smiling and laughing for his fight, but he was undoubtedly serious, his facial expression stone cold. What is he thinking? Lucian thought hard, annoyed at the fact that she could not figure out what Ace was planning by removing his happy go lucky mask for the night.

Sia didn't even have any emotional reaction or care of what he was feeling. She was thinking like an general, making observations of strengths and weaknesses due to the armor. Undoubtedly, his speed would be weakened in the heavy armor, but he did have incredible endurance, so he wouldn't get tired out that easily. His strength would also probably weaken slightly, but it would be even harder for Allora to get a good hit in now that his defense was higher. Sia didn't like the look of the armor, which was glinting and shining even in the darkness of the night. What's his game? She thought, staring at Ace as if trying to dissect him to pieces.

Both were interrupted as the announcer shouted, "And our Challenger Two for tonight, Allora-san!"

Both heads whipped around to see their dear friend enter. The colosseum actually erupted into applause.

"Good luck, Allora-san!"

"I placed bets on you! My life savings! Don't lose!"

"Come on, go beat him! You can do it!"

"I know you got it in you girl, now go kill him!"

Different cheering of negative and positive levels sprang out across the audience, and Allora, who had first entered quietly resigned and glum, suddenly regained the last scraps of her strength, and stood straight and tall. The audience roared at that, and Lucian felt tears prick her eyes. It's really funny, she thought weakly, looking out at the raven black haired woman with brilliantly sharp violet eyes that seemed so unlike the pacing worry filled mess they had just met before. She's about to go in a death match, and I feel… Proud. Sia looked at Lucian's thoughts and laughed out loud bitterly. "Lucian, we have to trust Allora to the best of our ability! We have to believe!" That's why you feel pride, Sia thought silently, studying Lucian intently. Because you feel that Allora has grown up into the most beautiful thing you have ever seen.

Indeed, Allora looked much different from the Spader a couple months ago. Her posture was straight and confident, but not haughty, giving off an authoritative aura. Her raven black hair spun out of it's ponytail in the wind, a sharp gust that seemed so different from the usual lazy summer breeze. Strong and steady arms took out the Imagi Katana from it's sheath, her stance ready to fight.

Oh, and her eyes.. Beautiful vibrant eyes, full of such life and joy, and silence and harmony. It's cutting glare seemed to see through everything and anything, and the beautiful lilac glint that came to her eyes as she prepared herself for battle was unlike anything anyone had ever seen before.

Now there's my warrior woman, Sia thought, also proud and not hating it at all. Lucian also calmed down and gave a deep sigh, a sort of "what-can-we-do" sigh. Then they both smiled, waving to the contestant in the sandy pit of death.

"ALLORA! GO AND WIN THIS THING!"

Line here.

As I entered the arena, I resigned myself to the ultimate fate- Death by sword.

Until I heard the cries of cheer. The audience was cheering, and clapping, and screaming out joyously, not for Ace, but… For me?!

They… Were Cheering for me? I heard the loud cries of joy and triumph as the audience shouted my name.

"Allora-"

"Allora-"

"Allora-"

It was infectious, I won't lie. A big smile spread across my face, and instead of giving up even before the fight began, (as I originally had started to do,) I stood up straight, fixed my expression, and went out to battle with a proud gait.

The arena was warm, a summer's lazy breeze flowing in. Instead of torchlights, it was lit by firefly lanterns, a lilting blue-green glow. Ace stood on the other side, his expression unreadable and without a smile.

He looked quite dashing in centurion golden armor with a red cape and longsword, ever the warrior. It was funny that I wasn't troubled while I studied his outfit, not the least bit worried at all that the armor would almost be impossible to break, that his speed and strength would be lowered.. On the contrary, I was having fun. I gave Ace a cheerful salute, to which he unhesitantly did back.

There was a smile on his face now, but I couldn't quite tell if it was genuine or artificial.. It was a mix of the two. He wasn't excited tonight, not like the other day with the bunnies. He was just calm. Composed. But as I looked up to meet his eyes, I saw the boiling lava, I saw the volcano erupting and the blood swirling and frothing in his red eyes. Purple mist hit red fire, and swirled, neither able to outdo the other.

I finally looked away, unable to stare any longer-

"ALLORA! GO AND WIN THIS THING!"

Sia and Lucian's mixed voices surprised me, and a bit shocked at the sudden noise, I looked up dumbly to their positions in a small box above the audience, nestled in the top row.

They were both smiling toothily, their raised thumbs shaking. Sia's icy blue eyes were switching from blue to green and then back again, Mia barely kept in check. Lucian's amber eyes were watery and shiny, as if desperately holding back tears. But even then, they were both smiling and cheering for me.

I leveled my sword at Ace. Oh, it was ON.

* * *

**I know, terrible cliffhanger, I know, rushed, I KNOW. I just needed a chapter. This story was killing me. On the inside. **

**As you know, I'm terribly sorry to those readers who had to wait so long just for a shitty chapter. **

**Ace: *Gasps* You're using bad words! **

**Allora: Oh, shut up, you sound like my brother. I'm in a terrible mood right now. No flames please. **

**Allora**


	21. Lightning Strike

**I apologize for the lengthy time between updates. I've been watching Kuroshitsuji lately, and my imagination is back in business! **

**For those of you who are terribly good at fight scenes, please don't criticize this one too much, because I have little to no experience in this category. **

**Ace: Oh, and almost forgot~! Reviews please!**

**Allora: *Bows awkwardly* I would really appreciate reviews. The feedback really helps. **

**Boris: Also, for those of you haven't placed bets on the winner, do so! The poll is on Allora's profile page. **

**Blood: And for those of you who just realized that the winner will not be determined in this chapter, well.. You must find out by reading, yes? **

**Dum: Also, because big sister was in a good mood today, she has decided to respond to reviews! If you review for this chapter, feel free to ask questions for Ace or Allora. **

**Allora: I really can't say anything for Lucian, Mia, and Sia, because they're all real people.. **

**Elliot: Anyway, first review! It's from Ms. LucianKnight! Hmm.. She says she's rereading the story because she's forgotten some parts of the story and is a little confused. **

**Allora: Not offended at all, Lucian! There are certainly quite a few key components in the beginning that may need to be reread because of my long update time.. **

**Ace: And it looks like she's excited to see the battle between you and me~! Oh, I am too! *Wicked smile* **

**Allora: *Pales* Don't remind me. **

**Blood: *Coughs* Excuse me young lady, but I feel you're forgetting something. **

**Allora: Oh, right! *Scrolls down* Mythia, and Sia, thanks for your feedback once again. Sia, your blunt honesty is as great as always. **

**Boris: One more thing before we leave-**

**Dee: Onne-chan does not own J/C/HnKnA.**

**Boris: I wanted to say the disclaimer! That's not fair! **

**Allora: Boris, look! They're selling fried fish!**

**Boris: FISH!?**

**Quick Recap:**

_Sia and Lucian's mixed voices surprised me, and a bit shocked at the sudden noise, I looked up dumbly to their positions in a small box above the audience, nestled in the top row._

_They were both smiling toothily, their raised thumbs shaking. Sia's icy blue eyes were switching from blue to green and then back again, Mia barely kept in check. Lucian's amber eyes were watery and shiny, as if desperately holding back tears. But even then, they were both smiling and cheering for me._

_I leveled my sword at Ace. Oh, it was ON._

* * *

_**The Land of Spades**_

_**Part 1**_

_**Chapter 20**_

_**Lightning Strike**_

* * *

Ace leveled his sword at me as well, and the announcer finally spoke the dreaded words.

"FIGHT START!"

Closing my eyes, I focused on pooling energy into my sword, pulling the wind from the air, and making the sword even sharper, and faster. I heard the wind hum at my call, and I slowly reopened my eyes.

Ace hadn't moved either, and fire burst from every pore of skin, his entire body wreathed in a burning flame, hot and dangerous. My katana glowed, responding to the challenge almost like a living being, and pulsed with power.

I had to beat him. I had to beat him. I had to BEAT HIM! I needed to win. The stakes were far to high, and I couldn't afford to loose. I was thinking too much.

Breathe, Allora. Breathe. Empty your thoughts. Just stop trying to think. _MOVE. _

My eyes opened, but I didn't see Ace anymore. I was floating among the stars, his fire an pinprick on the ground. The stars swirled around me, beautiful and ever moving, paint strokes of purple, silver, blue, and white.

An star shot past me, giving a delicious sense of motion that rippled through me, an pure flash of joy and happiness.

A circle of stars, golden and brilliant, swirled faster and faster in front of me, and then flashed to form an figure, with burning red hair and gleaming silver armor with a insignia on the right breast that I recognized instantly.

NO. WAY. B-But she-

"Shouldn't exist? Haha, I have always existed in the plane of imagination. Nothing is impossible, after all."

"You can read my mind?! But we haven't gotten home yet! And why are you here?!"

She raised her hand to silence me, and then started chanting, her coal black eyes smoldering and spinning with tinges of grey.

_Envisionist of old, envision your future. _

_Seek my power, Seek my soul, and Combine with me!_

_ If you want power, I can give it to you. _

_If you want it. Reach for my hand, young wizard that has called for me. _

Dancing streams of light weaved in and out of the red-headed figure, as she reached out her hand towards mine, the power crackling and jumping as it got close. Yes. Yes. I needed power! POWER to win.

I reached out my hand to hers, and grasped it firmly. A bright flash of light that blinded me, and then darkness. Absolute darkness. Something coiled around my heart, and squeezed it, making me scream in pain.

My hands were forced up over my head, and my feet entangled painfully with something that felt like thorns. I couldn't see anything. I was terrified and scared-

"Kehehe.. Another who has fallen, another beauty from above, another who is undeserving of the power of the dove. Another who wanted power, and got what she wants, but to what price? Oh the irony of the powers of loyalty and love!"

A singing voice interrupted my fear, the voice low and gravelly, a baritone that sounded quite young, and almost... Seductive.

My fear spiked as the sound got closer, and I struggled against my invisible bonds. I cried out in pain as the thorns dug into my legs, and my heart tightened and loosened.

"Oh ho ho, the merry merry things we know, oh ho ho, the merry merry things that were never meant to show! Oh, ho, ho.." The tune changed, and I barely comprehended through the blinding pain of the voice steadily getting farther away.

Relief made my pain lessen, but the thorns breaking skin did no less to help my fear. And then, suddenly, I felt an hand on my shoulder.

"Why, goodbye, old man of the risen. It's not my turn to work! I don't want to heal, I want you not to bleed, I don't wish that you could go away."

Wha..? Through my suppressed tears and burning pain, I was struggling to figure out the mysterious voice's meaning. Backwards? Um.. Why, hello... Young woman of the fallen. Um.. It's my turn to.. Play? I want to.. hurt..

Growing dread invaded my mind as I translated the rest of the sentence.

Why hello, young woman of the fallen. It's my turn to play! I want to hurt, I want you to bleed, I wish that you could.. Stay forever!?

Oh god, somebody save me! I hated being helpless, and this was the worst case of helplessness that I had ever had. Tears streamed down my face, unrelenting and cold. Lucian.. Sia.. Mia.. SOMEBODY!

Save.. Me...

* * *

Third P.O.V.

The stadium was silent. No one moved. The flames shooting up from Ace's form stopped, dying down into smoke. Lucian and Sia stared at the situation below them, their mouths wide open and not a single sound coming out.

Allora's body was encased in black, a darkness, a soullessness that made everyone shiver speechlessly at her still form. Black ribbons of space tied her hands above her head, and suspended her in midair.

Black spikes dug into her legs, causing a soundless scream as Allora's mouth widened and tried to speak, no sound coming out. She was shivering relentlessly, and salt water dripped down her cheeks.

Ace gripped his hands on his sword. Though he was a sadist, and not afraid the admit it, even he was shocked at the sight before him. Allora mouthed two words out, and then she slumped, her dull violet eyes closing.

_Save Me. _

Ace had the strange urge to do just that, to run up and tear the bonds off her wrists and get those strange spikes out of her legs. Then black flames encased her defeated figure, and a scream rose up into the air.

Lucian stared, horrified, and tried to run, tried to get to her in any way possible. Sia held her back, shaking her head firmly. Her grip on Lucian tightened and loosened as Mia struggled to take control of the body.

The strain caused Sia to fall back and slump into her chair as well, neither sister waking. Lucian, freed, turned to run out of the box and into the stadium, and then realized instantly what Sia had been trying to tell her. Nothing would change if she went out there, and Allora might even be disqualified. They couldn't take the risk.

But Lucian _wanted _to be irrational, to just follow her heart and go out there. But with Sia/Mia collapsed and Allora possessed by some sort of evil being that would probably be unresponsive, she beat down her conscious and returned to Sia/Mia's side, not completely sure if it was one or the other as she couldn't see their eyes.

Pushing their body up on the chair, Lucian prayed silently that somehow, someway, they'd get out of this situation.

Meanwhile, Ace rushed forward and found himself taking the advantage, shrugging off his heavy armor and surging forward as the sword bearded down on Allora. The dark flames suddenly subsided and Ace's rushing momentum slowed, and having no control over his body, Ace pulled back, motion sluggish and slow.

Black cloth like material encased her entire body, allowing another scream rise into the air, and then a flash of light blinded everyone in the arena, causing a silence.

When everyone recovered from the black spots hanging in their vision, they all gaped at the new view. Lucian and Sia were both shocked, getting up sharply and resisting the urge to go down and see what exactly was happening.

Ace himself was the most surprised, shaking himself out of the dizziness and trying to process the dark figure in front of him, cocooned in a night without stars.

The black night whipped around the figure and disappeared. Everyone got a clear look at the opponent, and a resounding gasp echoed around the stadium.

Ace stared at the figure before him, speechless. The reason being that he was looking at.. _Himself!?_

* * *

**Who in the world has Allora turned into? Why? Wasn't being an Imagi a _good _thing? What was that black material? Who was talking to Allora in the beginning? **

**Find out in Chapter 21: Breaking Winds. **

**Hasta ****mañana, **

**Allora**

**P.S. Many thanks to Psycho333 who did a great beta-reading of this story. **


	22. Breaking Winds

**I formally apologize. A lot. And a lot more. I have been stuck with this story for quite a while, and the inspiration had been damming up or something, but I got a spark around last week, and here it is! **

**I'M REALLY SORRY! **

**As another apology, the next chapter will be out in 2-3 days, since I've nearly finished it. **

**For anyone who is still here, thank you so much for sticking with this story! **

**Recap: **

**Allora got caught when sneaking into the Fire Ring's Imperial Palace and was captured and forced to play games for her survival. Her relationship with Ace has built up over time, but in the final battle, where Allora is not Allora anymore, how will things turn out?!**

* * *

_**The Land of Spades**_

_**Part 1**_

_**Breaking Winds**_

* * *

Ace couldn't breathe, couldn't think, couldn't move at all. He was staring at an exact reflection of himself.. But it was all wrong.

Up in the safety of their seats, Lucian and now Sia, watched the 2 opponents with horrified eyes. Sia, normally strong under pressure, was gaping at the scene below her, not totally comprehending what was going on. She shook, legs wobbly and goosebumps prickling up her arms, confident blue eyes wavering. She had to force herself to watch.

Likewise, Lucian had sank down into her seat, glassy amber eyes staring into the ceiling, unable to bear the sight before her. She sucked in her tears- of fear? Or rage? Or pity? Lucian couldn't tell, and she didn't care. All she saw was the horrifying image on the arena. Terrified but determined, she fearfully glanced down at the fight below.

Black ashes fell off of Ace's exact replica, brushed off by a strong, masculine hand. It was Ace from top to bottom- strong stature, muscular stance, but different clothes- and that wasn't even the strangest part.

Yes, this Ace wore a black silk kimono with strange rips through it, red ones that looked fresh… Almost like dried blood. And yes, he had a nearly identical gleaming piece of metal that looked exactly like Ace's sword but black.

The most disturbing part about the whole picture was the eyes- they weren't red, the molten lava that Ace sported at all times, but a sad, terrified dark violet, Allora's eyes.

Every part of the identical twin was perfect, flawless, except for it's eyes. That was what made every single person watching break out in cold sweat, want to turn away, and want to leave, away from the horrifying purple eyes that looked on the verge of tears, unable to- unable to-

Move. Controlled. Trapped. A puppet.

It was a crime to trap such a free spirit, a spirit of rebellion and adventure. Trapped wanderers die. That is common sense.

Ace suddenly couldn't control his body. He wanted her out. NOW! Out of that foul, decrepit body that was his own. She didn't deserve to be subject to his tortures. She didn't deserve to go under such pain and sufferning.

He wanted her OUT! NOW!

With a sprint forward, Ace brought his sword up and swung it harshly down on his identical copy.

He saw a smirk as the copy darted out of the way, and he pulled his strike in as his sword hit thin air.

And then they were moving, moving again, as the fake Ace took the chance to jab at his side and Ace rolled to dodge the strike.

Before he could retaliate, sand was thrown into his eyes, and he slammed his eyes shut as he was forced to dodge another quick stroke aimed to his legs with just instinct.

Sprinting backwards and rubbing the dirt out of his eyes, Ace realized too late that his copy had disappeared. He looked in all possible directions, but Ace found that the copy had literally vanished, nowhere in the arena.

Confused, the crowd started murmuring, and Ace wanted to shout at them to shut up, trying to use all his sense to figure out where the hell his opponent had gone.

"ABOVE, YOU IDIOT, LOOK UP!"

Not enough time to spare to see who had given him the warning, Ace narrowly saved his own life by tilting his head out of the way. The humming black blade that plunged into the ground, mere centimeters from his body, did nothing to ease his hammering heart.

Ace darted away and shifted back into a fighting stance in the slight moment it took for Fake Ace to pull the sword out of the ground. It was no use just plunging in recklessly, since it would most likely just end up like this every time, or he would lose badly.

Ace grit his teeth together frustratedly as his replica brought his sword up in the air, a maniac-like grin cut into his face unnaturally, violet eyes still sorrowful and despairing, but with such a hypocritical twisted expression.

In a sudden flash of speed, this time, fake Ace bored down on Ace with the midnight black blade shining in his hands. Ace brought up his opposing sword to block the heavy blow when the same voice from before reached both of the fighter's ears.

"Fight it, Allora, _FIGHT IT!_"

"There was a slight twitch, and the slightest hesitation in the replica's movement. It was so tiny, so miniscule and small that almost no one noticed, and to anyone else, it wouldn't have mattered.

But to Ace, it was more than enough.

Lifting one hand off the hilt of the sword, Ace risked it all by grabbing the Fake Ace's wrist before the two swords could clash.

It was daring, and just might have been something that could be called a death wish, and it would have been too, had not Ace wrenched the replica's wrist around so that the sword flew out of his group and the replica quickly became helpless and weaponless.

Ace quickly took the chance to make ten cuts around his replica's body, jabbing at it like a rapier but being careful not to hit anything vital or make the cuts too deep.

It all happened in less than two seconds, far faster than any human's eyes could see.

But after that moment, the cuts and the blood became apparent, and the announcer finally found his words.

"M-Match End. Winner, Ace-sama!"

* * *

**I'd like to apologize all over again from the very beginning, and I hope that if Lucian and Mia or Sia have a chance to look at this chapter, that they'll drop in a review or PM me. **

**Thanks, and see you next time,**

**Allora**


	23. Aftermath

**Since I keep my promises, here's the next chapter. **

**Boris: *Snorts* Yeah right. You were on hiatus for like, three months and never said anything to anyone.**

**Allora: Hey! I was busy! **

**Boris: Doing what, watching anime? **

**Allora: NO! I was doing homework, writing, reading manga, AND watching anime. **

**Elliot: Is there a difference? **

**Boris: I think not. **

**Allora: *Huffs* Says the cat who was probably doing nothing but sneaking into places for fun and the rabbit who only shoots things because he has no life and no friends.**

**Elliot and Boris: HEY! **

**Elliot: And I'm not a rabbit!**

**Disclaimer: I do not own J/C/HnKnA**

* * *

_**The Land of Spades**_

_**Part 1**_

_**Chapter 22**_

_**Aftermath**_

* * *

As the announcer shouted out the results, Fake Ace stopped moving. With something akin to a relieved smile, his form was once again wreathed in black flames.

After a moment of nothing but the crackling of fire, a weak and battered figure fell out of the black, body crumpled and worn.

The figure was covered in bloody punctures and the once black clothing was covered in a sickening amount of red. It was a beaten body, a body nearly dead. Ace couldn't stomach calling it a name.

Lucian stared in absolute horror at the scene before her, and Sia momentarily reverted into Mia, shedding tears before returning to Sia, and for once, her hard, cool, blue eyes seemed sad, her face contorted into an expression that could only be called misery.

Lucian whipped around in a flurry of sorrowful amber orbs and golden brown locks of hair flying, and her lithe form vaulted over the brick that separated them from the stadium. Water suddenly appeared out of nowhere, supporting her as she slowly fell to the ground.

After she hit the floor, Lucian started running, running over to the still body. Sia followed soon after, and she looked.. Angry. The rosy color of her hair contradicted the starkness of her icy pools of blue, and sharp features that made anyone look at her shiver in fear.

They both ran over to the body's side, and they both tried to shake her awake, to do anything to open her eyes.

Ace stared.

He stared long and hard at the collapsed figure, and then he realized something about himself, about everyone he loved, and about his own life.

He was tired. Tired of living like this. Tired of people hurting his loved ones and trying to laugh at the "dirty-blooded" king like his mother. Of letting things go the way they were and not bothering to try to change them.

And most of all, out of everything, he was tired of killing and shedding blood.

The crimson red that plagued him in his dreams.

He didn't need to kill, so why still hold a blade? Ace stared at the fallen, broken, and nearly dead girl in front of him, and realized something else with frightening clarity about the world.

Without power, you can't even protect the ones you love. And most of the time, that power comes in the form of a blade... A bloodstained blade.

What an awful realization to make, he thought, and his eyes glazed over, sorrowful that another had given into the temptation of power.

How did he know? How did he know that Allora had sacrificed her free will, her sanity, her humanity, her common sense, all for power?

He didn't.

But Allora was desperate for the kind of strength that was much more pure than his- the desire to protect her friends, and for them not to leave her behind.

In the end, power corrupts everything, no matter how good-hearted you are, or for what purpose you need it for.

Ace rose the shining steel blade into the air, and heard the crowd cheer through muffled hearing. His sword was mourning for blood that he did not need to draw, crying out to him with a phoenix's cries, and he agreed wholeheartedly that all of this had no point at all.

And for the first time in his life, Ace found himself unable to create a smile.

He watched Lucian and Sia continue to try to wake her up, try to feel a pulse, try to see if she was even still alive.

He signaled to the medics to come to Allora's aid, and Ace didn't even stay to watch the events unfold, activating his magic and feeling it rush through him giddily. The warmth of his red flames made him feel a bit better, and he quickly rose out of the stadium, to somewhere as far away as possible from that terribly still body.

The hot flaring fire was the only thing in his vision.

He didn't want to see the cheering crowd.

He didn't want to see Lucian and Sia's accusing faces.

And most of all, he could not bring himself to picture Allora's face.

Those deadened violet pools, so hollow and empty would haunt him forever. Dead, or alive.

Alive, with eyes that looked on him with such regret and suffering, since she would feel gratified that he had ended the match. But she wouldn't be able to leave, and her regret for giving in must have been monstrous. Imagine, a person who cherished her friends so much letting them down in the end!

At least, that was probably what she would think.

Alive, at least alive. Being able to see her walk, talk, and see that her existence had not left this world was more than enough for Ace, who had lost everything and didn't intend to lose another.

If she was alive, he would keep her safe. He swore it.

But for now, he needed to be left alone. Alone, in the skies, surrounded by only his element, and just crying, tears spilling down his face as he waited for her to wake up or to stay still forever.

* * *

**That was kind of thoughtful and deep and depressing and-**

**I'm not going to ruin the end of this with too much commentary. **

**Sincerely,**

**Allora**


	24. Reality

**I'm BAAAAAAAACK! Midterms was a crazy rush of everything. Unlike some people I know, (Annoying guys) I actually take tests seriously, so please don't be offended if this came in later than you might have expected. **

**Midterms. Are. Crazy. **

**I don't even want to think about finals.**

**Allora out!**

**Warning: Some level of mention of suicide. If you are disturbed by this concept, please do not read. **

* * *

**_The Land of Spades_**

**_Part 1_**

**_Chapter 23_**

**_Reality_**

* * *

The ceiling was nice.

It was very brown, very wooden, very polished, and very ceiling. There was no lights hanging from it, only light that filtered in from the side that I was too lazy to see.

The air was light, cool, and smelled like grass and sage, something that was naturally healing and soothing. But my body was as heavy as led, and not even the slightest movement of a finger was allowed.

Glassy eyed, I stared at the ceiling again, trying not to think, not to feel, not to have to realize the responsibilities of life, not to have to realize the future that lay ahead. Just lying here, still, not ever having to wake up.

But my eyes were open. My heart beat. Red blood flowed through my veins, and my body throbbed with pain. I was still alive. And nothing would change that.

Horror filled my heart as I realized that I was sincerely considering life being a pain. I kind of understood how suicidal people felt, now. It would be so much easier if I could just die.

But why had I tried so hard to stay alive all this time? Why had I tried so hard to be positive while trapped at the main island, why had I traveled here, such a great distance, but had failed to give up to the very end?

And why had I struggled through my coma unconsciously, still wanting to live? It was because I hadn't found a purpose, or the reason why I was here in the first place.

Until I fulfilled why the hell my mother gave birth to me or met the people I was supposed to meet, I couldn't die. I also had to escape. But for now.. I needed to rest.

Finally having the strength to turn my head, I watched the wind chime that I hadn't heard or noticed sway in the wind, hooked to the open window.

_Ting. _

Beautiful, blue sky. Clear, flawless, and magnificent. I had never been more glad to see that kind of sky on that kind of sunny day. My mind finally at peace, I settled into an easy sleep.

* * *

Mia quietly sat on a bench next to a pond in the courtyard of the Royal Gardens. The sakura trees around here were truly amazing, the color a light pink and soft as silk.

She smoothed out a petal between her fingers, and then let it go into the lake, watching it fall elegantly into the water and land lightly, causing only the slightest of ripples.

The wind blew her bubblegum pink hair out and let it flutter in the breeze, curly locks flying out, and then settling on shoulders wrapped in rough traveler's clothing, brown and suited for the long journey ahead.

Tapping her bare feet against the ground, she sang quietly under her breath, a melody of farewell, a song that she knew well.

_"Two.. Birds.. On a wire.." _Mia sang softly under her breath, feet kicking out as a gust of wind blew by, blowing sakura petals around her, as she continued to sing, the wind nearly cutting it off completely.

_"One tries to fly away... And another one watches her close from that wire.." _The wind settles, and her caramel eyes, a sure sign that she is indeed Mia and not Sia, glisten with unshed tears.

The pond ripples. _"She says she wants.. To as well.. But she's a lier..." _

Mia remembers clearly the battle between Ace and Allora. She remembers how horrified she was when Allora had turned into a double of Ace, she remembered how Sia pushed her back, and she remembered seeing her bloody, beaten body, lying on the floor.

_"I'll believe it all..There's nothing I won't understand." _Oh, I wish, Mia thought as she delivered the lyrics, wishing that at the moment she saw the terribly still body laying on the arena floor, she could believe that Allora was fine, that Allora was going to get back up again.

_"I'll believe it all. I won't let go of your hand." _The words sounded empty, the promises false. They were supposed to be able to get through this together. They were supposed to go home together, Lucian, Mythia, and Allora.

So why had she let go of that hand?

_"Two birds on a wire, one says c'mon and the other says "I'm tired"', _she sang, wondering if she should encourage Allora to come and escape and go with them. Impossible. Allora had terribly wounds. She could probably barely make it 2 steps out of her bed.

_"The sky is overcast and I'm sorry." _Mia murmured, honestly crying out what she wanted to say. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'M SORRY. Life was never in favor with people who went against fate, and sometimes, that cruelty and unfairness caught up to them.

_"Two birds of a feather.. Say that they're always gonna stay together."_ Oh the irony. Now, we were split in two, Mia thought bitterly, tears streaming down her pale cheeks, voice nearly cracking but continuing on anyway.

_"But one's never goin' to.. __Let go of that wire." _Letting go. Was Mia the one that needed to let go of the wire, to let go of the thoughts that pleaded with her to stay, to abandon their dreams to go back and stay with Allora, here?

Quiet, shuffling, footsteps resounded towards her right, and Mia switched to Sia, eyes clearing of tears instantly, and facing the person intruding with sharp icy blue eyes, her posture straightening

They lost their edge once she saw that it was Allora, face pale and gaunt, hobbling while clinging to a long staff. Sia rushed over to her, worry decorating her features as she helped Allora sit down on the bench.

She felt a rush of guilt as the raven-haired girl winced at the pain of her injuries. "Why are thou here, Allora? You should be resting in bed!"

Said person smiled weakly, violet eyes a little dull and tired. "I just wanted to get a little fresh air. It's doing me good, but I'd like to thank you for being there when you did. It's hard to walk like... like this."

Allora grimaced as her voice broke slightly, and then smiled to cover it up. There was a silence between the two as Mia panicked about what to say and Sia stayed in silent contemplation, all of them staring out at the lake, watching the koi swimming freely through the watery depths.

"You know, Sia.. Do you remember the prophecy that Lucian told us in the beginning?"

"Yes." Sia murmured, and then repeated it out loud.

"_The first three brave the three._

_The fourth is found in a black rose's thorns._

_The fifth is trapped in the past, frozen until his icy heart is thawn._

_Never sacrifice for what can be overcome._

_Never abandon those in need._

_Do not seek, that which you want to find will come to you._

_Do not trust so easily, for it will be the day you die._

_But if you do trust a person, believe in their powers, no matter how much it pains you to do so._

_If someone tries to separate you from your friends, then do whatever possible to stop them._

_Don't survive. Live._

_The last lock has more than one key._

_Remember._

_And do not forget_."

"That part, the part about 'if someone tries to separate you from your friends, then do whatever possible to stop them'. I think that has a double meaning."

Sia nodded, signaling for Allora to continue.

"We won't be separated, Sia, and Mia, if you're listening, if that's what you're thinking. It was entirely my fault that I lost the match to Ace. I was completely overwhelmed by his skill, and instead of trying to fight with what I had then and now, I looked for more power."

She opened her mouth, trying to find words of protest, but Sia found that she was oddly speechless. Everything that Allora was saying was true.

"And that power ruined me, destroyed me. I mean, look at me now." She laughed bitterly, a hollow chuckle that held no feeling to it at all. "But I've decided to move on, and I've decided to keep going. Even if I cannot accompany you to the end of the Guardian Rings, as Mythia, you are two people while also being one. I'm betting that qualifies as five people once you've found the fourth and fifth. I'm not needed to complete this quest."

"That's not true! It was never true, from the very beginning to the end!" Mia's shimmering, warm pools of amber fixed on Allora's defeated violet, and she smiled.

"Long time no see Mia, and it is the truth. You guys have to go without me. I'm in no condition to keep going, and I'd like you to also reference the prophecy- 'But if you do trust a person, believe in their powers, no matter how much it pains you to do so.' I believe that you guys will open the portal and come back to see me, to tell me that it's all said and done."

Allora patted the curly haired girl as Mia silently sobbed, tears leaking out of her eyes. Her hand was warm and soothing, but it also almost felt like a goodbye.

They sat there, gazing out into the distance, one wondering what could have been and the other wondering how it could be. But even such a gentle, precious moment would be broken by the slightest of words, the slightest of presences.

"Allora. Go back to your room."

Ace's strong baritone shattered the tender scene, and Allora struggled to sit up, still leaning on her staff for support. He quickly rushed over to her and swept her up, carrying her in his arms gently.

They left, with Allora whispering a weak goodbye, and both Mia and Sia were left to ponder Allora's words.

Neither knew what to say, what to think, or what was right or wrong. So Mia just sang one last lyric of the verse.

_"Two birds on a wire.. One tries to fly away, and the other..." _

The other. Left behind.

* * *

**That was a lot deeper and heartfelt than I originally intended. This was kind of a chapter to clean up the regrets and feelings the two had with each other. Lucian did not have screen time simply because she has already resolved the conflict in her head, and understands what Allora wants. **

**Mythia just needed that little more conviction, you know? **

**The chapters will get a little lighter in content, but it's still heavily emotionally based. **

**See you next time... First week of March? **

**Allora**


	25. Numbness

**Hello guys! I'm back! Happy Late Valentines Day and a Happy Birthday to me! *Confetti flies about***

**Happy Birthday to Allora, Happy birthday.. to me.. **

**Boris: You sound awfully depressed for it being your birthday. **

**Julius: *cough* Actually, her birthday was on February 27th, which was a couple days ago. **

**Boris: But it was her birthday! And it's March! *Considers carefully for a second* Wait, I don't like March. It's the only month in the year that has no festivities! **

**Ace: But-**

**Boris: And no, Ace, St. Patrick's Day doesn't count. **

**Allora: *snickers* I don't own J/C/HnKnA. Readers, thank you for your continued support. I'm feeling oddly better now.**

* * *

_The Land of Spades_

_Part 1_

_Chapter 24_

_Numbness_

* * *

Lucian was taking a nice stroll through the courtyard of the palace, silent and thoughtful.

She passed several beautiful ponds decorated with stones in a way to produce a calming and meditative effect, and some colorful koi swimming through the clear waters. Trees of different types and colors, some that she could not name and some that could not even be called trees at all were randomly placed around the garden, providing a moment's amusement.

She too, like Mythia, was wearing old traveler's clothing, brown and not especially comfortable but suited for the journey ahead. Passing her hand through the water of a pond, she watched as the ripples spread out through the water breaking the subtle calm but also strangely peaceful at the same time.

The ripples faded to a barely noticeable movement that smoothed itself out nearly instantly, like a soft satin blanket that was translucent soft blue, something no man could copy and could only be found in water's natural elegance.

Her golden brown hair trailed into the silk to ruin the beautiful illusion. Lucian stood back up and continued walking down the path, contemplative of the future ahead.

"-you should be resting-"

Glossy amber looked up at the murmurings of what seemed to be the familiar voice of Mythia. She glanced over towards the lake, and saw Mythia and Allora talking to each other.

The Spader paused in her wandering, and watched as the two exchanged conversation before Ace quickly came to wisk away the weak ravenette, both exiting the scene, and Allora offering little to no resistance.

Lucian walked on. One foot in front of the other, she chanted in her head, one foot in front of the other. Her golden amber blazed holes into her feet as she just walked forward, one foot in front of the other, one foot in front of the other.

Finally, she stopped, and looked up.

A gale of wind blew her long, wavy hair past her tanned, solemn face as she gazed out at her surroundings. A meadow, grassy and clear, shifted before her, a work of art in the playing of winds.

The castle looked far away, the city even farther, the meadow fanning out from a rocky outcropping near the sea, the smell of foam and fish reaching her nose just slightly before wavering and breaking, almost like the waves coming in and out.

Lucian wondered how this had all occurred. The pain, the guilt, the sorrow; it all came crashing over her as she now realized that she was alone. A scream ripped out of her throat, dying swiftly as the wind picked up once again, and the waves rammed against the cliffs of the island, the noise overpowering her cry.

Salt water dripping down her cheeks and face contorted in wretched misery, amber gold cried out for help underneath the tears that drowned it. Falling to her knees, weeping like the world was ending, Lucian cried and cried and cried.

The city continued it's normal hustle and bustle. The castle stayed an authoritative figure, gleaming and polished, and the waves did not pause, unperturbed by the girl who was wrenching out every last tear that she could possibly cry in her entire lifetime out, no one to see her and no one to console her.

The wind was her only companion, and softened slightly as water droplets fell to the ground. Lucian beat her fists into the ground, shouted profanity after profanity, gripped her fingers so hard that red, bloody crescent moons carved themselves into her fists, and cried.

The tears wouldn't stop. She fisted her hair with her bloody palms and tried to calm herself to no avail, all she could do was wail and cry.

"STOP IT, STOP!"

_Allora was waving goodbye to her. Her smile was half-hearted, not true, not overbearingly bright and warm. Her skin was pale, her vibrant violet eyes reduced to dull pools of grey-purple. _

_She wasn't happy. She wasn't in agreement. She didn't like this. SO WHY WAS SHE SMILING!? _

"NO! STOP! STOP SMILING! YOU DON'T WANT TO SMILE, SO WHY ARE YOU SMILING!?"

_Ace, handsome features smug in victory, appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and taking her with him, the last of the ravenette's figure disappearing in white light. _

_A tear fell from the last piece of joyful purple, and then it shattered back into a grey-lilac. _

"DON'T LEAVE! PLEASE! DON'T LEAVE ME! **DON'T LEAVE _US_!**"

Lucian yelled frantically, throwing her hands out, trying to catch the last of Allora's shadows. She realized she was grasping at thin air. The smell of the sea came back into the air, and the grass tickled her legs.

Something in her broke.

She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, the red rims around her eyes disappearing, and pupils steadily changing from their warm dark gold to a frozen amber. Lips in a thin, straight line, and expression slightly cold, the Lucian who missed Allora and wished desperately to free her vanished.

In her place was a girl who understood that they had to leave Allora, and felt nearly nothing at all.

* * *

Allora's P.O.V.

The burning pain in my lungs calmed as I inhaled Ace's deep, woody, scent and buried my head into his chest. The soothing rhythm of his footsteps and the way I rocked slightly in his arms was comforting and warm.

My body still hurt all over, but it dulled into an ache where Ace touched, and I started to feel slightly drowsy. In all honesty, this felt silly, almost like a shoujo manga moment where the main character's crush carries her to the infirmary or something.

But this wasn't a manga. I was being kept at the Fire Ring against my will because I had lost a duel and my friends and partners were going to have to leave me behind. Reality was a harsh thing, and I couldn't stay stuck in this fantasy world forever.

The rhythmic rocking halted as I heard the sound of a door opening, and we entered my room.

Gently setting me down on the _futon, _Ace quietly covered me with a thin blanket, and then left as fast as he had come, leaving the faint scent of spice and cinnamon, a twinge of sadness and regret.

Is this what it felt like to be left behind?

I stared at the ceiling again, unable to fall asleep. I had told Mia and Sia all that so hopefully they'd be able to leave without any regrets, and I did believe all of what I had said, but..

Something in me felt kind of hollow. The events of the past few days felt like a dream. My wounds were the only thing that convinced me otherwise, and even then, I kind of wanted to forget.

But I stubbornly cling on to the reality. I feel the sharp stab of guilt at my own helplessness, and I feel the memories fading away, my brain shutting them out to make me sane enough to live.

Humans adapt too quickly, throw away things too fast. I had felt numerous times in my life about how I wondered why I could be so cold, so ruthless, so unfeeling of such sad events. How could I stay sane?

Adapting. Something I excelled at. Ha. Bitterly, I remember numerous incidents where my grandfather had died, when my cousin had died, when my brother had broken his arm, and I remembered how I didn't feel anything.

As everyone else hysterically sobbed around me, I stayed level-headed and thought coolly and logically. Now, my heart felt no pain, regret, or sorrow.

Lucian and Mythia needed to go and get back home, and let everyone get back home. I wasn't needed. That was all.

Ah.. I still can't fall asleep.

The wind chime tinkled lightly as a breeze blew by and I breathed in a good gulp of air. Exhaling, I closed my eyes, and prayed I'd be able to go to sleep, in the arms of Morpheus, a place where this wasn't a reality.

* * *

**Well. That was done awfully fast. **

**I actually finished this on February 22nd. **

**But because I'm mean, it actually got published a while later. **

**Next chapter.. April. Second week of April. **

**See you! **

**Allora**


	26. Goodbye

**Here is the next chapter! Wonderfully enough, my schedule has been hectic all March, so April has felt like a dream come true. Spanish sucks. In so many different ways. **

**I mean, who gives their students three major projects, a letter you have to write completely in Spanish, and the task to create and memorize a script in the same month? **

**Sometimes, I wonder if my teacher is sane, or if she seriously expects us to keep up with this work. No choice, I guess, but still! **

**Disclaimer: **

**I do not own J/C/HnKnA. If I had my way, then we'd create The Land of Hearts. Promise! But I don't own it, so bah.**

* * *

_**The Land of Spades**_

**_Part 1_**

**_Chapter 25_**

**_Goodbye_**

* * *

My eyes fluttered open to the sound of footsteps rushing around.

Quiet shouts, as not to disturb the important people resting in the palace, tittered about as most likely servants got ready to address the early activities that needed to be done.

My body felt heavy, and I stared at the ceiling like I had done before, a morning ritual, if you could call it that, and creaked a little when I twisted to the side experimentally.

Getting up, I breathed deeply, my mind somewhere far, far, away.

Pushing back the covers and reluctantly getting up, I saw a neatly folded pile of clothing beside the _tatami _door, and smiled ruefully at the maid's consideration for my own tastes.

It was rare that I would get up this early in the morning so willingly, but I had fallen asleep at nearly noon yesterday, so I supposed it wasn't unreasonable. I hated waking up because my mind felt foggy, my movement dull, my eyes blurry.

Hobbling over to the clothes, I carefully bent down to get them, pain reminding me that my wounds were far from gone. The clothes were simple, a purple kimono that was decorated with white butterflies in flight.

It wasn't a royals clothing, and I was instantly relieved that the maids did not think of me that way, especially since it was so mobile and easy to move in.

A glint of light hit my eyes the wrong way, and I squinted up to see rays of morning yellow streaking through the translucent rice paper. Today felt like something was going on.

_But there is, Allora. There is something going on. And you know exactly what it is._ I averted my eyes from the sunlight and started to put on the simple kimono. I would face the reality with time.

_Time that you don't have. _

Shut up inner self.

* * *

Sia felt something icy cold run through her veins when she saw the ship.

The Second Ring was an unknown. All Sia knew was that the only way to get there was by ship from the First Ring. She couldn't really believe that a journey she believed she would be taking with the three of them had turned to two.

Everything felt wrong. Why wasn't Allora standing there next to her and Lucian, smiling happily and strangely cheery for going off in another Ring, another death trap. Then Lucian would reprimand both of them, Sia not being there since it wasn't necessary and Mia pouting.

Then they would go on they're ship gaily, relishing the freedom in the wind and the adventure in the waves.

That was how it was supposed to go. Just look at them now. Lucian was broken, looking cold and untouchable, and Sia had to stay out, because Mia was crying in her head. And Allora was no where to be seen.

Ace had promised that he would let Allora come and see them off, but neither of the Spaders had any reason to believe him or believe that Allora would come to see them go. It would be painful. It would be hard.

Allora was hanging on by a thin thread to both her sanity and mental stability. Anymore would literally make her shatter. The strong and optimistic girl was too fragile right now, and Sia knew that best.

Was it wrong to hope that her assumptions were wrong and Allora would come to see them one last time? She thought while starting out at the deep blue sea, the gentle rocking of the ship signaling to bigger horizons.

Shouts of sailors getting the ship ready to sail and their loud footsteps behind her made this almost seem like the start of a journey, and not the end. But it was the end. Without Allora, everything had already ended.

But Sia did not have the luxury or the choice to linger in her thoughts of her friend. She had to stay strong, stay stable, and move on from the events of the First Ring. There were bigger hurdles to get over, bigger mountains to climb.

And still, Sia could not find any spark of adventure or hope inside herself at all, not even when the sea whispered and called for her, not even when the sails billowed full of good wind, not even when the ship creaked as it moved out of the harbor, and not even when only the general to came to see them off.

The salty but bitter taste of the ocean filled her senses, but still, Sia could not feel anything at all.

* * *

Ace wondered why he hadn't forced Allora to go and see off her friends.

Had it been a blessing for Allora not to face this reality or had it been a curse- since she would not see them for a long time, if not for forever. He pondered this in his head as he walked down the hallways towards her room, noting the slight wind.

It was good sailing weather. Allora's companions would reach the Second Ring in good time.

Should he tell her that? He didn't know. In fact, he was at a complete loss at what he could tell her at all. Allora was probably not in the mood to meet with her kidnapper, but Ace figured he was the best company that she would get at the moment- if anyone at all.

He stopped short as the momentum carried the fabric of his kimono outward, fluttering and flying before lying back soothingly on his skin. It seemed the wind was the only one who had the heart to comfort him.

"Ace."

The short reply was tired. Full of doubt, heavy with sorrow, and it just resounded with hurt. The whispers of affection and longing that it had once held had completely vanished.

He didn't look up, and averted his eyes where a stronger man could meet the gaze of the shattered maiden.

"Ace, please look at me."

He looked up, and realized something. When he looked at the simple kimono of his people on the worn Spader, and the thin, frail arms and pale skin, and also the small, short smile, he understood.

There was a wooden _bokuto _in her hands, a training sword that she had probably picked up at the armory. And though her hands shook under the weight of it, and the girl was biting her lip and her eyes looked slightly haunted to be holding a sword in her arms once again, she stood firm.

What a fool he had been. Allora was not broken, or shattered, or fragile at all. She had been beaten down, and now she was going to get back up.

A small smile graced his lips, a genuinely relived one. _His _Allora was back. "Can we start the sword lessons again? I feel a bit better-"

"No, Allora. Not happening. You nearly broke every bone in your body just a few days ago. We can start it up again after you heal _completely._"

She pouted a little, a little surprise reflected in her violet eyes at the reprimanding. "Alright. I admit it might be a little too early..."

"A little too early? You really are eager to spend more time with me, aren't you?"

"In your dreams, Ace."

"And in yours."

"HA! You wish."

The banter continued as they walked with each other down the hallway, a lot of the servants and even royalty getting out of their way because nobody had the actual nerve to do anything to that happiness, to the comfort and affection the two found in each other.

By the end of the hour, they were still talking about every little thing, a little witty comment sprinkled in between, and somehow, the raven haired Spader had clasped her hand into the strong Fire God's tanned hand, connected to each other by the warm touch.

* * *

Allora had lost nearly everything. Her freedom, her friends, her adventure, and maybe even a bit of her sanity. But she stood back up. She refused to be beaten down, and though clearly restrained and in pain, this violet eyed wonder would continued to live to the fullest.

Mythia, as a whole, had lost an important part of her warmth and kindness at the Fire Ring. Seeing the horrors her friend had gone through, guilt still holds an iron grip on her heart. She'd never forget, but she would continue on her journey for the friend she left behind, and put the pieces back together as she went.

Lucian had lost her innocence. Something had broken, where a fire had burned, only cold ice reigned. Her feeling had frozen stiff, in an attempt to shield and safeguard her heart that was hanging on loose threads. She could not come to terms with her reality, and so she made it so that she could no longer feel anything- so nothing else mattered.

All three Spaders had let go of something important, and now they're picking up the pieces of who they used to be- rebuilding themselves from the start. They're broken. They're shattered. They will never be the same again.

The only thing that they _can _do is move forward- into the unknown future. Since there is no where else to go but take steps forward, no matter how small they are, go straight, and don't hesitate.

They say that the broken become strong.

* * *

_**END OF PART ONE**_


	27. Moving On

**I'M BACK~! **

***throws maracas up into the air and tosses up confetti* **

**Welcome to Part 2 of the Land of Spades! **

**For those of you who were probably dreading the time skip that would occur between the parts, I'm sorry but not really sorry. Time skips are my thing. **

**Don't worry, it's only been five months. **

**Not that long compared to Fairy Tail's ****_seven years _****or Naruto's, what, ten? **

**Thank you for the wonderful feedback as usual Mythia~! **

**Hope you guys enjoy Part 2 all the way to the end!**

**P.S. 4,000 WORDS! AAAAAAAAHHHH! How did I even write that much? It would be a really good idea to read this chapter when you have more than five minutes of free time and maybe a snack on hand. **

**Disclaimer: I do not own J/C/HnKnA.**

* * *

_**PART TWO BEGINS**_

_**CHAPTER 26: MOVING ON**_

_**"SHE MADE THE BROKEN PARTS LOOK BEAUTIFUL, AND MADE STRONG LOOK INVINCIBLE. SHE WALKED WITH THE UNIVERSE ON HER SHOULDERS, AND MADE IT LOOK LIKE A PAIR OF WINGS."**_

_**-Anonymous**_

* * *

**FIVE MONTHS LATER AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF LUCIAN AND MYTHIA**

The palace is quiet.

There is the slightest, tiniest rustling in the breeze and a snore passed around, but it is dead silent, the dead of full-night, where even the most dedicated servants are sleeping.

Even Ace is sleeping, smoldering embers hidden behind eyelids fluttering with light sleep, tanned limbs sprawled around a white blanket, robe falling off half-way and dark brown hair tousled ridiculously, his bed hair horrendous.

Light snoring fills his room and makes it to the adjoining one, the figure inside of it freezing with trepidation before breathing a quiet sigh of relief at the steady rise and fall of even breaths.

Giggling slightly, the figure tip-toed out, shutting the sliding door behind her with a precarious noise, coming out into the night like she was born living in the dark. There was a slight pause, a beat lost in the silence, and then the figure raised her arms up, and she _floated. _

She rose into the air with little fanfare, just a gust of wind, and then she was going up, then forward and upside down and sideways, flying like a bird that couldn't get enough of this weightless feeling, rising high above all else, up, up, into the sky.

And then she halts, right on the edge of the cliff where another had stood before, and she watches the sea. It washes over senses, over memories, over a nostalgia that crushes a part of her heart every time she comes.

And the waves were calling to her, the water pleading and screeching and rushing towards her with a fervor that could be called roaring, enchanting, haunting. The girl stops.

She cannot go any further.

The long tails of green tickle her feet, blowing away in the night breeze, unfurling brilliantly dark hair that snaps out in the wind. It called to her as well, pulling at her form, pushing towards the cliff, towards the sea, groaning out chants of adventure and promise.

She takes just a step forward, and the elements break out into a wild frenzy, forcing her with everything they have to take another step, and then another, and then another, until she stands right at the cliff's edge, only a fraction of ground between the water and the earth.

Everything quiets suddenly. The wind stops whirling, the sea resumes it's unhurried rhythm, and everything becomes at peace once more. So many times she had come to this place.

So many times had she not taken the jump to better ground, better places, to her friends, her family, her _dreams. _

But it was not to be.

Rising up into the air again, slowly this time, she floated away, a mere shadow against the sky's blinding glare of darkness and pinpricks of light, fading into what was once something to nothing.

The girl had gotten back up. She had healed. She was stronger.

However, the risk she could have taken long ago had now become something far away from even an option. Or maybe, just maybe, she had become attached to these peculiar islands, to their people, to their culture, to their never-ending night, to their Fire God, to Ace..

She stopped thinking once she hit her pillow.

Sleep made reality feel like nothing but a feather's touch, a million miles away. Dreams made the heart grow lighter. Morpheus calms and soothes your worries.

Sleeping, Allora creeps her way through memories and daydreams, nightmares and threads of future, but she is asleep. Nothing will hurt her.

And for now, this is what she needs the most.

* * *

The girl perks her ears up into the air, listening closely to the world around her while keeping her hand tight around the hilt of her dagger, holding it like a precious jewel.

The night was dark, the forest laughing at her like some unknown beast, alive with mockery and horror. Her heavy breaths took up space in the precious silence that alerted her to things in the looming night that she could not even imagine in her nightmares.

Blue glowed and fizzed in the dark, burning through the night as far as possible, but not quite enough.

Her companion, never-failing and always by her side was gone. Only another voice in her head could she console with, and that voice was breaking down into tears and fear.

There was the slightest split second, and then suddenly, the shadows broke into mid day, the brilliant light making black spots dance in her vision but sent relief tingling down her spine.

Another night she had survived, another night she had broken through. But even she knew that she wouldn't last much longer. The days were too short, the nights too long.

The fearsome black dead branches of the trees that looked like hollowed souls now were just blackened wood. The dark made it much more than it was. But as she looked up, she saw the castle infuriatingly far away, with it's illusionary medieval fairy-tale type design, only visible during the day.

It had been so long since she had last seen her snappy, witty companion that the girl honestly wanted to just flop down on the ground and sleep. But she had to trek on, until the one day the gates actually came into sight began.

Like the flickering lights of a candle trying to burn strong, Sia continued towards the castle, as quickly as she could now that it was day, now that she could see and now that she could move faster towards the castle.

She really wished Allora was here.

* * *

Ace had half a mind to strangle General Lee's neck when the man started laughing hysterically at Ace's attempts at romance.

In fact, he nearly did it- if not for the sole reason for Lee's survival- the General's wife in the room. Ace had to stand for blushing cheeks and a dented ego.

"Ace, first of all, you can't give her flowers- especially roses- she's allergic. Second of all, charming her with a beautiful dinner is going to have her incredibly suspicious as to what your motive is."

Ace grudgingly agreed to all of what the black-haired man was saying, but- "Then how am I supposed to do this!? I have no idea what the hell I am doing!"

"That's why we're here, Ace." Lee frowned a little and then tried to think of what would be the best way to go about doing something like this to a girl that despised anything superficial or overdone, especially romantic gestures.

He couldn't count the amount of times other lords in the castle had tried to flirt with her and been flatly shut down and forced to contemplate their own worthless at the same time. Ace hadn't even had to step in.

So how...?

Ah. He had it. The answer.

"Ace, when is the next time you're going to meet with her?"

The Fire God scratched his head a little as his brain got around to what the answer was. "Uh.. I think tomorrow morning? Why?"

Lee grinned wickedly as the plan started to formulate in his head.

"Listen carefully.."

* * *

I took the bow in my hands and ran it over my fingers again and again, the smooth wood feeling good against my skin.

My archery training wear wasn't really that different from a normal kimono, but just less heavy and more simple, just a black on white hakamono.

The breastplate was snug against my chest, but it felt good, my body far more used to it from the several months before once I had started wearing it.

Breathing in a quiet, deep breath, I stood slowly, making sure my posture was perfect with what I had been taught; graceful, elegant, and strong.

Stringing the bow in quick, precise movements, I breathed in again, and brought the arrow to the string, pulling it taut as far back as it would go, my sole focus on the target in front of me.

My hand skimmed my cheek, and then a calmness overtook my limbs as I relaxed just slightly, letting the arrow string loosen for just one second before I pulled it again and let go.

The arrow left my control with the whistling sound I knew so well, and then cut through the air, landing dead center of the target with a loud thunk. I smiled.

The morning mist had been quite thick today, so I had been wondering if my aim would be off, but my shot was as good as ever.

Letting my bow down sideway, I eased into a kneeling position before setting the bow on my waist, my second arrow to the left of me. Closing my eyes, the sense of welcome serenity entered and widened my senses, and I heard the subtle fluttering of faraway footsteps.

Ah, Ace was finally here. Feeling the calmness seep from my body, I walked over towards the edge of the range where I saw a familiar mane of red hair.

The more I spent time with Ace, the more I realized how _human _he was. Though he was authoritative and powerful in the way he held himself, at times, he would be really stupid and just walk right into a brick wall.

Or if he got shy or embarrassed, he started to get _extremely _tsundere. To be honest, it was very endearing. His flaws were more beautiful than his strengths.

But as he got even closer to me, his languid dance of walking still captivated me and his smirk paired with blazing red eyes were a little bit more than breathtaking. It was downright sexy, and that word is taboo in my own mind.

Getting close enough that the scent of cinnamon and spice wafted from his slightly loose kimono made me dizzy even after being subject to it so many times.

Planting a light kiss on my forehead that made my eyes widen and my jaw drop, he ruffled my hair and passed by me to get his bow. These kisses had become something of a greeting now, making me feel light headed but not a full tomato blush.

After regaining my sensible thought, I turned around to see Ace looking quite nervous and just standing there with the bow in his hands and fidgeting with it.

Moving towards him quickly, I snatched it out of his butterfingers and chided him, saying, "Ace, you can't treat a bow like that. It's going to fall. And isn't this General Lee's bow? You know he hates it when anyone touches his bow-"

"Uh... Allora?"

I ignored the interruption and waved him off to continue, putting the bow back where it belonged and unstringing it.

"I want you to know.. That I love you."

I snickered. "Good one, Ace. Who put you up to this, Lee?"

He continued and ignored me. "I love the way you look at me straight in the eyes and treat me like anybody else. I love the way when sometimes I feel special because you are kind in ways that you are not to others to me. I love the way you play chess with the magistrates and beat them all at their own game, laughing while you're doing it. I love the way you stood up for me when no one else understood me."

My hands stopped. Something was swelling in my heart, unbidden and fierce. "I love the way you make the effort to understand everyone, I love the way you smile even though it's tough, and I even love the way you cry, because though it breaks my heart to see it, your tears are beautiful to me."

My throat was starting to choke up. I couldn't say anything. "I love the way you pout at me when you don't get your way, the way you blush when I just kiss you on the cheek, and the way you give me unconditional kindness just because I am a person and not because I am the Fire God."

Is this leading to where I think it's leading? Turning around, I faced Ace with blurry eyesight. Damn.. I think I'm crying?

"I love the way you're stubborn and you never give up, I love the way you always think you're right, I love the way you eat yourself silly when you're starved for food, I love the way you argue with me, I love how you could never weave because you always got tangled up in the fabric, and I love how you're completely unfeminine in every single way, shape, and form."

"Hey.." I murmured weakly, not feeling offended in the slightest, and raising my gaze to meet his, his crimson discs smoldering with a gentle, warm fire.

"I love you for your strengths, your beauty that you don't think you have, your cleverness, your never-ending wit, and your faults, anything and everything. I've told you everything in the most non-Ace way I could ever have done, and now I think I need to get to the point."

God... Don't, Ace. Don't. He's kneeling on one knee. He's looking up at me with such riveting passion that I can't look away as tears drip down my cheeks and I cover my mouth with a trembling hand.

_**"Allora, will you marry me?" **_

At that moment, it's like the entire universe has frozen over. Time has stopped, and so many are waiting, holding bated breaths as they wait for the fated moment, as if what I'm going to say has already been completely decided by the heavens.

And maybe it has. Since even I know exactly what I'm going to say at this moment, no matter how weird and illogical and strange and impractical it seems, there is only one thing that takes up my heart, and I am so sure of it that there is nothing that clouds my judgement for even the fleetingest second, not even the image of Lucian and Mythia.

I take a deep breath. I wipe away my tears, and I look at Ace for the man he is, not who everyone sees him as, and I say,

_**"Yes." **_

Since the only thing in my heart now is love.

* * *

"Lady, please stay still-"

"GET THAT DRESS TEN FEET AWAY FROM ME! WHAT IS WITH ALL THOSE... _FRILLS AND LACE?! _I SPECIFICALLY SAID ACE COULD NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE DRESS!"

"Lady, please, the flowers-"

"NO. I'm allergic."

"Lady, please, the perfume-"

"Haha, _NO."_

"Lady, please, the shoes-"

"That _monstrosity _is a shoe!?"

"ENOUGH!"

General Lee's wife, Karina Lee, yelled in a tone that even shut me down, no matter how ridiculous I thought the current situation was. The wedding dress really _was _horrendous, _trust me._

The pile of silky white fabric upon layers and layers of more fabric with frills and lace wounding around all of it as poorly designed as anyone would see and anyone would cringe at. _Especially _a tomboy.

The shoes were heels that were a whopping nine inches tall and had such skinny stiletto like structure that I wondered if they would break if I wore them, and the gigantic perfume bottle that smelled suspiciously of roses was making me sneeze.

"Okay, okay, so we have already come to the point that Ace-sama should not have been left alone with the choices for the wedding, since obviously he didn't know what he was doing, but we don't have a replacement either.." Karina mused, stepping around the fabric and eyeing it with as much disgust as I had. Ah, a kindred soul.

As the maids conversed with Karina on what to do, I stared up at the scenery outside of the open room, wishing for the ruby red that I knew so well. I hadn't seen Ace in nearly a week, since the wedding preparations had taken all of his time away from me in the form of the general dragging him away as he started whining.

Apparently, now that the wedding was tomorrow, it was traditional that the bride could not see the groom until she walked down the aisle. Their customs for weddings were so similar to the modern world that I had almost thought that my own wedding would go something like this- chaos, friends, love, and all.

The friends part was depressingly empty.

"Allora-ojousama, we've found a solution!"

And I didn't even have time to dwell on my own past.

* * *

"Lee."

"Yes, Ace-sama?"

"Why is this suit so damn stiff?"

"Don't worry, Allora will love it and say you look handsome. Endure for her, please."

The general smiled as politely as he could, trying to push down the urge to to loosen his bottle green tie that his wife had tied on much too tight. The ceremony was going to start soon, and he needed the whimsical Fire God on his best behavior.

He hoped Ace would shut up once he saw the bride in all of her bridal glory. Hoped.

"Lee."

"Yes, Ace-sama?"

"Why can't I see her until the ceremony begins?"

"It's bad luck. Tradition states that grooms who see their bride in their wedding dress before you get to the actual altar are susceptible to a terrible married life and will get divorced in two months."

Though that last bit was made up.

"Oh."

Silence reigned as Ace looked down at his shiny black shoes, his fingers twitching to throw away the tie and the black dress jacket.

"Lee?"

"_Yes, _Ace-sama?"

"Were you nervous before your wedding too?"

His irritation slightly faded. Pre-Wedding jitters were not uncommon to him either. Clapping him on the back, Lee sighed and smiled.

"Ace, you'll be fine. Usually you're so confident about everything, and it's a good thing to be a little anxious. My, she really has changed you."

Uncharacteristically, Ace blushed bright red and coughed, turning his face away from the smug general's face.

"I'm going to shut up now, Lee."

A world record of five minutes. Beautiful. Lee was going to have to personally thank Allora for existing later.

* * *

"Lady?"

"Mm?"

"Are you ready?"

I sighed, making the white cloth flutter around my breath, a silky gauze of snow, beautiful but quite frankly in the way. The black-haired maid smiled at me with tears in her eyes, and I felt slightly guilty for causing such a fuss earlier.

"You are such a beautiful bride, Lady."

"Thank you." I murmured, and she smiled even brighter, her face lighting up the entire room. She busied herself in cleaning up the room as I studied my reflection in the mirror, putting a hand to my face to make sure that the girl looking back at me was the same person.

Long silky trails of raven black fell among the white veil that sat upon her head, attached to a silver tiara that was made of curls of glinting iron and quartz. Her skin was pale, well suited to the tulle A-line pure white wedding dress, the top a lacy design of coldly beautiful branches inching out over her shoulders and all the way down to her hands, covering her middle finger with a glove-like design and a blue teardrop over the nail.

The skirt was a silken beauty, of smooth design and silent frost, the ends of it designed in a meticulous pattern of ivory leaves, the train long but not long enough for people to have to carry it along, a wonder of fabric and dresswork.

The top, after the transition from lace to full white, sloped down dangerously between the girl's breasts, looking not at all seductive but just majestically gorgeous. The back was wide open and fell into another v down the flawless slightly tanned skin, coming together at a point mid-back and held by a jewel and lace, but the rest open and left nothing to the imagination.

She looked taller than me, with pretty heels that wrapped around the foot in gossamer threads of ivory, the heels only about an inch high, but more than enough, a fake rose made of white cloth strung through my hair made of the same material.

It was sultry, pure, beautiful and probably blush inducing, and the girl with glittering violet eyes and a small quirk of a smile on her face felt like another, future me.

But somehow, the me now _was _the future me. Somehow, this beautiful girl in the reflection on her wedding day looked like an alien compared to the distraught, black-clothed and dirty-faced Allora of the past, looking into a cracked mirror in a room when she had come to the terms with the fact that she might die.

This beautiful girl was me, and now the me now also had a choice to make. Saying 'I Do' at the altar would seal my fate, and would be the ultimate sign that I had moved on, and that I could no longer hope, no longer go to the cliff, no longer yearn for a life I could have never lived.

"Lady? Are you ready?"

I took a minute to carve my friend's faces into my head. Sia's stern features, Mia's soft and warm hazel orbs, and Lucian's words of wisdom and almighty anger when Lee called her an oni-onna..

I clasped my hands in front of me and straightened my spine, fully intent to go in and do what I had to do.

_**"Yes, I'm ready."**_

* * *

Nightmare grew restless. The last Spader had not made an appearance to his realm, and though her companions had told him that the girl may never meet him due to the fact she was trapped in the Fire Ring, without her, they would not be able to make it to the real world anyway.

He hadn't told them that, of course. They would have lost all hope, and somebody needed to get to the last Ring and figure out what was going on with the Writer, who Nightmare had not heard from since the creation of the Mouse.

The Writer had pulled all the Spaders in, and yes he was responsible for it, but he had good intentions. The Writer had been planning to explain to all Spaders what his intentions were, but unfortunately, the situation had been compromised as the Writer had not show any sign of actual existence ever since.

Not even Nightmare had seen him, and Nightmare was his chief communicator. He grit his teeth as a spasm came up again, causing blood to well up and hack onto the wooden table, his simple room seeming more like a prison due to the fact he could never leave his Ring, and he was too sick to venture into the puzzles of his country outside his small room.

As the coughing finally stopped, Nightmare staggered over to the cabinet to pull out a glowing red potion. Dipping it back and swallowing it down with gusto, he sighed contently as the smoke in his head cleared.

He would have to give her an opportunity, an opportunity to break free. However, it was truly completely up to her whether or not to take it- since Nightmare could do no persuading outside of his Rings, only deliver messages and miracles to a certain extent.

Hopefully, it would be enough. Hopefully, it was not too late.

The Land of Spades needed Allora. She just didn't know it yet.

* * *

_**"DANCE ON BROKEN GLASS, BUILD CASTLES WITH SHATTERED DREAMS AND WEAR YOUR TEARS LIKE PRECIOUS PEARLS." **_

**_PROUD._**

**_STRONG._**

**_UNSHAKEABLE."_**

**_-ANITA KRIZZAN_**


	28. Crossroads

**I hope you guys liked the last chapter! There was a lot of effort put into that one. **

**Thank you to anyone who reviewed, it's always lovely to have some support. **

**Things are getting quite mysterious, aren't they? I have added this stuff on purpose, since it all connects to the storyline and how everything will come to an end.. And maybe a sequel depending on how much I want to write, and how long this is going to be. **

**At this current pace, I feel like this is going to be quite the long book. **

**I apologize to anyone who likes shorter stories, but I don't think I can compromise on that.**

**Disclaimer: I do not own J/C/HnKnA. **

* * *

_**The Land of Spades**_

_**Part 2**_

_**Chapter 27:**_

**_Crossroads_**

* * *

"Lee."

"_What the hell is it, _Ace?! We're already standing in front of the damn altar, don't you _dare _tell me you're having second thoughts!"

Lee hissed, fed up with how many times he would have to answer to the man's goddamn worries. He was done with feeling empathetic. No more, God, _please, _no more.

"Look."

He looked up with a slight twitch of his perfect smile, the only signal of his smoldering anger, and then his jaw dropped, emerald green eyes widening so much he swore they were popping out of his sockets.

A black-haired young woman with her face covered in white gauze and in the most stunning wedding dress he had ever seen in his entire life appeared as the doors to the church opened.

Her slightly tanned skin glowed under the warm lights of the candles set around the church to make it seem as romantic as possible, and as she took a step, there seemed to some strange innate grace that made her float in mid-air, like a goddess coming down from the heavens for the sole purpose of seeing Ace.

The people awaiting in the pews grew silent, many with wistful smiles, others crying, and Lee faintly heard a magistrate muttering, "Lucky bastard." under his breath, but all of it seemed oddly irrelevant, even the carefully and tastefully decorated church with varying shades of white- Ace had insisted on their being absolutely no red- and the lovely fragrance of water lilies gracing the air with a pure, gentle presence.

By the time Lee realized the priest was saying the most boring and long speech he had ever heard in his life, Allora was breathtakingly close to him, and he had to remind himself he had a wife.

The white gauze removed and put over her head, he saw beautiful violet eyes glowing softly in the half-light, lips spread in an easy smile, looking like the most happiest woman alive.

Noticing his gaze, she winked at him with a slight smirk and pointed at the priest and rolled her eyes. Lee hid a chuckle and remembered who he was facing- his future queen and also the most sarcastic and most hating of traditional ceremonies _friend. _Allora was a best friend, and someone he could say was more than worthy of Ace.

In fact, he was slightly dubious as to whether or not Ace was worthy of _Allora, _as he looked in his direction, and saw that Ace was looking at Allora as if he was some starstruck brat, fiery red eyes unusually blank and shocked.

His mouth was gaping open like a fish, and he was staring at Allora as if someone had just given him the most stunning woman in the world with no strings attached.

Though the latter was true, the way he was looking was unfit for the ceremony. Coughing lightly, Lee elbowed Ace hard in the ribs.

He finally snapped his jaw shut and sent a brief glare Lee's way, now looking at Allora with a smoking, sparking gaze that made Lee all the more sure that they were in love. She returned it was a sparkling glow of her violet eyes and the softest, most affectionate smile that Lee had ever seen.

They were so focused on gazing at each other that Lee had to elbow Ace again when the priest asked them for their vows.

"I do." Ace murmured quietly.

"I do," Allora said, but then continued, ignoring the priests confused look. "I will always love Ace, no matter what occurs, will always love him wherever I am, whoever I may be. I will love him for his everything, like he has agreed to love me, and no matter what happens, I shall never doubt in his love, and I hope sincerely that he will never doubt mine."

"To my rival, my best friend, my partner, my savior, my lover, and now my husband, _**I hope that we will be together forever more, and always.**_"

Lee looked at Ace's face and almost started crying. Almost. Not quite. Ace, however, was a different story, with silent tears dripping down his cheeks, his red eyes quivering with the effort not to just start sobbing.

"And no, folks, that was not planned." She added at the end, and chuckles rippled through the crowd.

The priest coughed, and everyone settled down. Though there may have been more to say in the end, he just sighed and went on with it.

"You may kiss the bride."

There was a beat of no movement.

Then Ace swept Allora into his arms, folded the gauze gently back, and kissed her passionately.

A roar of approval went up from the crowd as people started throwing up hats and cheering, some crying for their new queen, others laughing so brightly it was hard to tell whether or not sad or happy was the ruling emotion.

In their own little world, Lee watched Ace press kiss after kiss on the ravenette's lips, and once Allora started blushing and Ace was going a bit too far for a chaste and pure wedding kiss, Lee did his Fire God a favor and elbowed him in the ribs for the third time.

The darkest glare that the General had ever seen was sent his way, but Ace stopped for modesty's sake, and grinned at the crowd; a true and genuine smile.

Allora wrapped her arms around his neck, and then with a slight blush, probably insisted for her husband to _put her down, _but of course, Ace did not comply, and with a smirk, walked back down the aisle with a tomato red Allora in his arms.

Lee could safely deduce that this was quite frankly the happiest day of his entire life.

* * *

At the party afterwards, I tried multiple times to sneak away from the banquet after eating a little bit of everything, but Ace would not let me get away.

He didn't actually set me down until we had to cut the cake together, and I got him back for not listening to me by throwing cake in his face. He promptly threw some icing at me that I dodged and hit General Lee.

Before things escalated into a full-fledged food fight, Karina came in and calmly removed Lee from the premises and sternly and shortly lectured Ace, who got off with just a slight tap to his forehead.

With a beaming grin, he led me through many dances to the very end, and though I found it invigorating, fun, and slightly alluring- because let's be real, a tangoing Ace will be hot no matter what- I had to excuse myself with the classic bathroom trick.

Looking down at the beautiful after party dress in it's silvers and blues, I sighed heavily and leaned against the wall for support. Looking up at the sky, I saw the beautiful night so clear, like any other, and the full moon glowing with such radiance it might as well have been married as well.

The smell of wonderful food and the sound of laughter and conversation drifted to this distant hallway in the castle, as the heaviness of what had occurred right after the kiss at the wedding crashed down on me.

_Time froze as Ace's lips came apart from mine, and I started to shake in fear. _

_This was so similar to what had happened to me before that I just had to. _

_"Allora." _

_The voice was different, not child-like and creepy, not horrifying and torturous. It actually sounded like.. It was coughing? _

_"Cough- Allora- Hack- I need to- Gah!" I turned in the direction of the strange voice to see Nightmare hacking and coughing blood up on the floor. _

_"Nightmare?" I asked tentatively, and slid away from Ace's grasp, walking towards where the role-holder looked like he was dying. _

_"Are you alright?" _

_"Does it LOOK like I'm alright?!" He snapped at me, which sent another full wave of coughing. I waited for his spasm to pass before he finally got up and looked at me. _

_"Alright, Allora, you just got married. I suppose I should say congratulations before breaking the bad news to you." _

_The strange way of congratulating me and appearing out of nowhere still had me half confused. "Uh.. Thank you?"  
_

_He glared at me for no real reason. _

_"Anyway, let me get straight to the chase here. The reason why I am in Ace's territory is because your friends are in danger, and you are the only damn one who can save them." _

_My confusion cleared as the warning set in. Stiffening my shoulders and listening carefully, I eyed Nightmare to make sure he wasn't lying before gesturing him to continue. _

_"Currently, they're in the fourth Ring, which the Mad Hatter rules over." _

_I groaned. I could already tell where this was going. _

_"Basically, Lucian is trapped in the castle because she thinks she has found the fourth Spader- and Blood will not let her go until Mythia comes and saves her, but that will be kind of difficult because Blood cheated and put an illusion spell to make sure that she will stay in a never ending cycle of landscape, so that she will never reach Lucian." _

_I swallowed the information all at once, and then wondered if, for the first time in my life, I was going to faint. _

_"But I can't just LEAVE, Nightmare, you know that! I just got married! If I at least don't go through the honeymoon, Ace is going to be devastated! No, not even that, he'll revert back to his insane and maniac self!" _

_Snapping at him, I recovered my good sense and softly added, "I can't let him do that to himself." _

_Nightmare regarded me with a silent expression, before just nodding and handing me a bracelet. _

_"If you change your mind, then this bracelet will take you to a ship heading towards my Ring if you pour water over it. I know that you're conflicted, but I'm sorry to say that you don't have time. Mythia will die soon. The latest she can hold up is probably at best two days." _

_I swallowed heavily as Nightmare vanished and I appeared right where I was before, in Ace's arms. _

_The decision was so harsh I felt as if my own body was being torn apart at the very core._

I kicked off my shoes. In all of their beauty, my feet were starting to hurt. The after party dress was another jaw-dropping dark blue and snowy white masterpiece, a kimono with a white background, blue camellias and cranes embroidered into the fabric.

It was really tight. I unwound my obi and the glamorous outer layer to stretch out in the simple black old ninja outfit that Lee had suggested I wear under it, knowing quite well that I wouldn't stand for something like this for too long.

It was light and airy, but also made no sound when I waved my arms around. Lying back down, I sank into the floor with a heavy sigh, moon beams shifting over my figure.

The silvery light of the moon and the slight breeze that made the hot temperature seem cool was so familiar to me it brang a tear to my eye. I didn't want to leave, and that was truth.

I wanted to save my friends, and that was also truth.

The wind whispered at me as it tickled my skin, making my hair waft up in the air. The laughing sounds from the party and happy, festive music was such a heavy presence.

I loved Ace. Truth.

In the end, it didn't even matter which was more important than the other, because it wasn't something that was comparable. Even if I leave, Ace would not be harmed, maimed, or killed.

He'd be safe, here, in the Fire Ring, where he cannot leave and holds ultimate power.

Death is final. Truth.

I had made my choice.

* * *

**My, I hope that I wrote most of this pretty alright. **

**The last part was a little rushed-sorry-but I hope that you guys like it!**

**You can expect the next chapter anywhere between September-October. **

**Yeah, that's a pretty broad range, but my writing skills are feeling a bit whimsical. **

**See ya later,**

**Allora**


End file.

Joker/Clover/Heart no Kuni no Alice, Adventure, Romance