Malice in Wonderland

by James Ippoliti

In the dense woods, the deafening roar of explosions reverberated through the ancient trees, illuminating the night, splintering bark, and sending colonies of bats into panicked flight. Gunfire erupted like staccato bursts, echoing through the tangled underbrush as the White Rabbit sprinted, weaving through the natural labyrinth with a heart pounding in sync with the chaos.

“Oh, my ears and whiskers, how late it’s getting!” His waistcoat flapped wildly as he hurried toward the rabbit hole; no time to button waistcoats, he reasoned. Smoke and the acrid scent of burning foliage blurred the surroundings, adding a disorienting edge to the perilous journey. Each hop over fallen branches and uneven terrain was a test of agility, and the distant howls of combat echoed between the ancient trunks. Nature seemed to recoil from the onslaught, yet the White Rabbit pressed on, driven by a primal instinct for survival amidst the tumultuous Overland War that the inhabitants of Wonderland viewed as absurd.

As he approached the rabbit hole, the White Rabbit abruptly stopped. His path was blocked by a wolf over 8 feet tall. The wolf bared its large, yellowed fangs at the White Rabbit. The rotting stench of death emerged from the wolf’s fearful, gaping maw.

“End of the line, rabbit,” the wolf said.

The rabbit recognized the wolf as Colonel Roberts, the leader of the Blood Moon Brigade, named for the first attacks under the Blood Moon. They are an elite military core fighting for werewolf domination in the Overland. The Colonel is a tall, imposing figure with broad shoulders and muscular arms. He has a thick coat of grey, wiry fur covering his body, and his eyes are a piercing yellow. He wore a black military beret tilted slightly between his pointed ears. The wolf stood on its hind legs and wore an olive green decorated military jacket with a nametag that read Roberts. The ensemble was completed with camouflage pants and combat boots. His posture is confident and proud, and he carries himself with an air of authority.

Colonel Roberts was the notorious first human to have caught the virus. Scientists called him “Patient Zero.” The Overlanders knew him as “The Traitor.” The official story is that Colonel Roberts caught the virus while awaiting trial for treason at the Overland Military Base. The most popular theory, albeit conspiracy, claimed that Roberts was a test subject for a new crossbreed weapon. The truth lies somewhere in the middle. No matter how the Colonel was infected, it didn’t take long after Roberts broke out of the OMB and began a reign of terror in the surrounding communities, turning his victims into bloodthirsty beasts. The Blood Moon Brigade spread lycanthropy amongst the humans above Wonderland. Villages quickly fell to the werewolf onslaught. The Overland’s men, women, and children raised arms to defend their homes and fight the invaders.

There was much debate among the Overland inhabitants on how the werewolves should be dealt with. In the early hours of the war, many thought it would end quickly—lasting only while the full moon hung in the night sky. Still, as daylight came and moon phases changed, the werewolves continued to attack. Some discrepancies may exist about believing that werewolves are only active under a full moon.

It was theorized that neutralizing the Colonel would end the lycanthropic bloodline, ending the war and returning the victims to their former selves. But others thought there was no turning back—once a werewolf, always a werewolf. 

“No time to dilly-dally, Colonel Roberts,” the White Rabbit said, “the Duchess is expecting me, and if I don’t arrive, the Red Queen will have my head,” The White Rabbit’s heart raced as it tried to dart past the snarling Colonel and escape to safety. Its tiny paws trembled as it watched the massive creature’s sharp teeth glint in the moonlight. The Colonel’s eyes narrowed, fixated on the rabbit, and a low growl rumbled in its throat. The rabbit knew it had to act fast before it became the Colonel’s next meal.

“Never mind the Red Queen,” the wolf snarled.

“Oh dear. You certainly are a Big Bad Wolf, Colonel, but…”

“I am big. I am bad. But I am much more than a mere wolf, little bunny,”

The White Rabbit is a small and timid creature. He has soft, fluffy white fur and large ears above his head. His eyes are wide and round and dart nervously around his surroundings. He wears a waistcoat and carries a pocket watch, which he clutches tightly in his trembling paws. Despite his fear, he tries to maintain a dignified demeanor. Still, he is no match for the werewolf’s intimidating presence.

“Colonel, we from Wonderland have no stake in your war. Please, let me pass,” the White Rabbit pleaded.

“My men need to eat, White Rabbit,” the Colonel said, poking the rabbit’s pink nose with the tip of a curved, yellowed claw.

“Ouch! Pardon me!”

“There will be no pardon for you, my tasty morsel.”

“I can assure you that I am not tasty. Very bland. Yes, very bland indeed,” the White Rabbit crossed his arms, growing impatient with the werewolf. “Now, kindly step aside, Colonel.”

“I don’t take orders. I give them,” the Colonel said in a low, gravelly voice.

“Listen here, my good man…wolf…wolfman.”

“We prefer to be called werewolves,” the Colonel said.

“The Duchess is savage, and if I don’t get to her…”

“Savage? Am I not savage?” the Colonel crouched, blocking the brush which contained the White Rabbit’s sanctuary—the entrance to the rabbit hole and beyond, Wonderland. The White Rabbit scanned for an opening, but the Colonel, stationed between, prevented an escape. The Colonel leaned in closer, his eyes reflecting the burning foliage surrounding them. The White Rabbit averted his gaze, landed on the Colonel’s serrated teeth, and gulped.

“You are savage, but I’m supposed to be somewhere. The Duchess, oh my, what will she do if I am not on time? Please step aside.”

“Or What?” the Colonel sneered, his snout wrinkling, revealing a long, rough tongue hanging over his black lips and dripping with saliva.

“Colonel, may I remind you of section D of common Article 3 of the Overland/Wonderland convention of…”

“I am aware of the law, rabbit.”

“Then you are aware that it would be a war crime to eat me,” the White Rabbit crossed his arms, his foot tapping rapidly, considering the matter closed.

The Colonel stepped aside and gestured for the rabbit to continue.

“Why thank you, Colonel. That’s more like it,” the White Rabbit said.

As the White Rabbit tried to flee, the Colonel lunged towards him with a fierce growl. The rabbit dodged the attack with lightning-fast reflexes and jumped into the air. But the Colonel was quick and landed a decisive blow to the rabbit’s side, sending him flying towards a large oak tree. The rabbit hit the trunk with a loud thud and fell into a shallow pond.

As he struggled to get up, the rabbit saw the Colonel’s massive frame again charging him. In a split-second decision, the rabbit darted to the side and scrambled towards the brush. The Colonel’s angry howls echoed through the forest as the rabbit disappeared into the dense foliage, his entire being vibrating with fear and adrenaline.

The Colonel’s footsteps echoed through the dense forest as he walked around the field, calling for the White Rabbit. “Come out, little bunny. I’m not going to hurt you. It was just a joke,” he said, trying to sound reassuring. But the White Rabbit knew better than to trust the Colonel’s words. He crouched low in the bosky landscape, his nose just inches above the forest floor, watching as the Colonel got closer and closer. His rapid breathing filled his head and almost drowned out the Colonel’s voice. The rabbit desperately tried to conceal himself in the underbrush. But it was too late - the Colonel had spotted him. The rabbit’s ears poked above the brush, revealing his hiding place.

The Colonel grabbed the ears of the White Rabbit, who struggled to break free, wildly kicking his back legs. The rabbit’s heart raced faster until it felt like it would burst out of his chest. His vision grew foggy, and then, everything went black.

When the White Rabbit woke, he was tied up with his back against a tall pine tree. The White Rabbit watched as the Colonel trekked through the woods, gathering kindling.

“You should let me go, Colonel. I won’t report you. If you let me get to my appointment on time, I’ll forget the entire matter.”

“Do you ever shut up?” The Colonel mumbled as he bent over to pick up a long, dry stick.

As the Colonel continued to prepare for a fire, the rabbit couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease and dread. His whines and protests fell on deaf ears as the Colonel moved about in the shadows, his every movement obscured in shadow. The White Rabbit held his breath as he watched the Colonel’s eyes, like glowing orbs floating eerily in the darkness. Fear crept up his spine as he realized that he was alone with this vicious monster, and the realization made his thoughts race with terror.

When the Colonel finished collecting kindling, he pulled a match from his jacket pocket, struck it, and lit the large pile. An inferno erupted into the air, and the rising flames backed the tall silhouette of the wolf.

“Now it is time we feast,” the Colonel howled, his mighty paws raised as if calling to the moon gods.

“We?” the rabbit asked.

“Meet the Blood Moon Brigade.”

The White Rabbit saw the burning red of their eyes before he saw the wolves—five in all—six when you counted the Colonel. Within seconds, the clearing was filled with soldierwolves, all battle-torn in raggedy militant clothing.

“I don’t think there is enough of me to go around. Let me be on my way, and I’ll return with a proper meal for you all,” The Rabbit wiggled, trying to get out of his bindings.

“Oh, don’t sell yourself short. You’ll be plenty,” the Colonel said. A soldierwolf grabbed the White Rabbit, bringing him over toward the flames. The other wolves waited, drool spilling over their dark lips. At that moment—a blur— it flew through the air, striking the soldierwolf carrying the White Rabbit and causing it to fall to the ground. The White Rabbit quickly grabbed the wooden projectile that saved him.

As if by magic, the Cheshire Cat suddenly materialized out of thin air and, with lightning-quick reflexes, used its razor-sharp claws to cut the rabbit free from his bindings. Just as they were catching their breath, a mysterious silhouette appeared on the horizon, sending a thrill of excitement. With a grin that would make the Cheshire Cat proud, the White Rabbit knew his friends had arrived.

“Alice!” the rabbit hopped enthusiastically.

“White, you’re going to be late,” Alice said.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell this beast.”

Alice has been fighting the Overland War for ages, visiting Wonderland frequently for rest and recreation. She was far from the naive girl who chased him down the rabbit hole many moons ago. She traded in her blue dress for black combat gear. Her blond hair was pulled back tight into a ponytail, and a long scar traveled down her face, beginning over her left eye and ending at her chin. She still wore a black bow atop her head.

The White Rabbit stared at the wooden projectile he knew Alice threw to rescue him. “What is this?” the White Rabbit said.

"A proper croquet mallet. I can’t abide those flamingos staring at me while we play.” Alice reached into a leather pouch hung over one shoulder, pulled out a small cake, and took a bite before returning it to the bag. She grew and grew, besting the height of the werewolves by at least a foot.

“Let me see,” Alice said, tapping her chin, “six of them and three of us. If my math is correct, we should each take two.”

“Two. Got it,” said the White Rabbit.”

“But I am twice my size, so perhaps I shall take four, and you each take one.”

“One.”

“Or am I three times my size, which would make it…”

“ATTACK!” Colonel Robert’s command echoed through the trees. The Blood Moon Brigade charged at the White Rabbit and his friends.

Alice swiftly dodged the oncoming soldierwolf, expertly tripping it with her foot. The wolf tumbled over the ground but quickly stood up and lunged at Alice. She met the wolf with a swift kick, sending it flying backward. The wolf hit a large boulder with a thud and fell unconscious.

“One down, five to go,” Alice said, determined to take down the rest of the vicious soldierwolves.

The White Rabbit swung his mallet at a charging soldierwolf, striking it on the jaw with a loud crack. The wolf was sent crashing through brambles and branches until it landed on the forest floor, knocked out cold.

A werewolf soldier was coming down fast on the Chesire Cat. The cat grinned slyly, “How does that Overwolrd saying go? ‘Cats rule. Dogs drool.’”

“Say that again, you fetid feline!” the wolf growled.

“Cats rule,” the cat vanished just as the wolf slammed onto the spot the cat previously occupied. He then reappeared on the werewolf’s shoulder. The cat began a barrage of vicious swipes, scratching the werewolf’s face with his claws. The wolf started howling in pain and blindly swung his paws in retaliation, missing the cat, who had already moved on. Alice followed up the cat’s attack, knocking out the wolf and neutralizing the threat.

“…and Dogs drool,” Alice added with a smirk.

The remaining wolves seized Alice, who struggled to escape their grip. The Colonel held a sharp claw to her throat, and the situation seemed hopeless. The cat and the rabbit moved in closer, making a tense situation worse.

“Don’t come any closer,” The Colonel warned.

Alice secretly pulled out a small jar from her pocket. Upon seeing this, the Chesire Cat disappeared and reappeared on Alice’s head, holding the jar. The cat poured the contents of the jar down her throat, causing her to shrink and slip out of the wolf’s grasp.

The Colonel and the soldier looked around frantically but couldn’t see where Alice had gone. This gave Alice enough time to take another bite of her cake, allowing her to grow back to her intimidating size. She then tossed the remainder of the cake to the rabbit, who hopped up and caught it in its mouth. The White Rabbit, now over ten feet tall, stepped up to the soldierwolf and, using his powerful legs, kicked the soldierwolf into the air. The werewolf fell down, down, down to the ground, defeated.

The White Rabbit, Alice, and the Cheshire Cat surrounded the Colonel. He held his ground, growling and ready for a fight. The Colonel charged at the White Rabbit, who leaped and landed a sidekick into the Colonel’s jaw. The Colonel stumbled back but then dug his heels into the dirt, coming to a stop. Alice moved in to attack, but the Colonel grabbed the rabbit by the throat.

“Stay back, girly girl, or…what does the Red Queen always say? That’s right… Off with his head,” the Colonel threatened.

Alice stopped in her tracks as the Chesire Cat began to fade. Alice gestured for the cat to stay put.

Alice spied the White Rabbit, reaching into his waistcoat. She knew they needed to act fast.

“Colonel, please let the rabbit go and leave with what you’ve taken,” Alice said, trying to negotiate.

“But I haven’t taken anything,” the Colonel replied, a confused look on his face.

“But you have. You have taken Time. Much, much Time away from us. Surely, the Duchess to be quite peeved,” Alice said.

The rabbit pulled out the shiny, gold pocket watch, holding it by its chain.

“If it is a matter of time you speak of, then it isn’t being taken but wasted,” the Colonel said.

“Oh dear. The Mad Hatter says that Time would be quite irritated that you speak of him in such a way,” Alice nodded to the cat. It vanished, drawing the Colonel’s attention away from the rabbit.

Taking advantage of the moment, the White Rabbit swung the watch on its chain and snapped it forward. It hit the Colonel in the eye, and the wolf howled. The White Rabbit fell to the ground and hurried back to his feet, using his powerful back legs to hit the Colonel square in the chest. The Colonel flew backward and broke through the rabbit hole.

Colonel Roberts traveled at great speed through the tunnel before plummeting down. His body felt weightless as he floated towards the bottom of the well. The odd surroundings distracted him. He didn’t notice that he was changing. The wind rushed past him as he lost track of time, the adrenaline pumping through his veins. Suddenly, he crashed into the unforgiving ground with a deafening thud, his body jolting him back to reality. As he struggled to his feet, he saw that he was no longer a wolf but a human, his military clothes hanging loosely off his bruised body like rags.

To his surprise, he was quickly surrounded by an army of playing cards brandishing the suit of clubs on their paper-thin bodies. Atop their spears, matching clubs looking sharp and deadly. Their sinister glare showed they meant business. The soldiercards parted, revealing the Red Queen, who marched up the path with her King close behind. He could feel an intense anger building up, and before he knew it, he charged towards the Queen with ill intent.

The soldiercards quickly rushed to defend their Queen, and a chaotic fight ensued. The Colonel couldn’t understand how these paper-thin cards with wiry arms were so powerful. He fought with all his might, but the numbers were against him. He was outnumbered and overpowered. He was taken down to the ground.

“Off with his head,” the Red Queen said. The soldiers took the defeated Colonel Roberts into custody.

Up above, in Overland, Alice, the White Rabbit, and the Chesire Cat watched as the werewolves reverted to men. They all came to, looking around, dazed as if coming out of a long, hellish nightmare.

“Who is up for a game of Croquet?” Alice asked.

“That sounds delightful,” said the White Rabbit.

The Cheshire Cat’s grin grew, and all three entered the rabbit hole.