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Chapter Eight: Shiria in wonderland

Shiria awoke to the light filtering through her room. Or so she thought… She sat up leaning with one hand. Her legs felt heavy. She looked down. Proto laid at the end of the bed going sideways. His right arm stretched to her thigh. She felt warm and surprised. She had never seen Proto more relaxed and calm.

He had a grin on his face as he breathed in and out. He looked so childish for someone to be close to adulthood. Shiria smiled and reached out to stroke his hair as it sprawled across his face hiding his eyes that seemed cold. She had found his weak point that night. She remembered the name of Proto’s most treasured memories. She knew HIS only secret. She knew how kind he was and how he cherishes the things he cares for.

She smiled as she brushed some of his bangs gently away to see his eyes closed in peace. She couldn’t help but let out a sigh. His eyes slowly fluttered open. The golden-yellow eyes that now seemed to be alert to the world. They acted as a shield when awake like he hated the world itself. He slowly moved around sitting up. His shirt slipped down hiding a large scar on his chest and hiding his built structure.

He looked up with a sheepish look on his face. His body was almost falling apart as if he was a statue being taken down by a wrecking ball. “Um… Hi Proto.” Shiria smiled blushing.

He moved his lips around as he found words to make a sentence. He slumped down into bed as his back felt horrible. He shouldn’t have back trouble at his age even though he could only guess his real age. He knew he wasn’t twenty though at the least he was sixteen or seventeen. He didn’t remember going back from the ground to the bed unless if Shira was restless at one point of the night.

“Proto are you okay?” Shiria asked.

“Fine.” His voice trailed off. It seemed he was lost or shy.

“Um...Proto.” Shiria tried to open him up again.

Proto didn’t budge and stared off at his computer that layed on the desk on the far wall. He seemed so quiet.

“Ryouya.” She tried.

He shot up like a rocket. He glared at her with a dirty look. He face too close for comfort. “I told you not to say that name.” His voice came back to it’s strong self. Shiria feared that he had hated the name. “If you say it aloud and Tadashi hears you we’ll all be dead.”

“I’m sorry I was worried about you for a moment.” Shiria shook in his room. She had no reason to be in his business anyway. “I’m going to go now.” She got up and left. The door creaked behind her and snapped into place. Proto sighed. He didn’t know how to act to a girl. He didn’t know how to talk to them or even look at them the right way how is he suppose to be nice to her? He sighed and threw himself back down trying to think of something to make up for his behavior. He knew he was wrong the way she looked at him. He was a monster to many people when he walked down the street. Even if he continuously saves their lives everyday they don’t care. They like him better dead anyway. They shiver at his sight like they did when he was young with Airi as his teacher.

Why had Airi given him such a hard task? Shiria was more relaxed that night than any other time with him. His secrets were given to her. Was it safe? She’s only a child compared to him. He felt a wave of grief and worry. If he sent her into the field and she died as his replacement he wouldn’t forgive himself.

He dressed in some simple grey snow pants. Then he slipped on a turtleneck shirt. His jacket needed to be washed from sleeping in it. He walked down the stairs grunting as each step pained him. He walked into the kitchen where Shiria stood flipping pancakes and sausage links. He whipped open the top cabinet in the kitchen and retrieved a container of pain pills. He pulled out five pills and swallowed them whole without water!

“Proto!” Shiria screamed.

“What?”

“You just overdosed yourself! This is bad we need to get you to the hospital or Tadashi!”

“Calm down my body burns through medicine too fast now so I have to amp the amount up. Tadashi already knows they’ve been trying to figure out why. If I only take two it won’t help me.” Proto looked down at her.

“Your back still hurts?” She asked.

“Don’t worry about me you should worry about yourself.” He yawned. “Where’s kayato?”

“He said he was going to the skating rink today.” Shiria replied.

“Do you want to go somewhere today?” Proto asked.

“Maybe.”

She hated him. He knew she wanted to leave without a doubt. He couldn’t really feel bad about it. He knew he was an awful person. He got up and walked away.

“Where are you going?” She asked.

“I’m going to the store I finished my book I was reading.” Proto let out.

“Can I come?” She asked.

“It’s cold out. Are you sure you want to?” He set out an excuse. Maybe if he ran to a bridge and fell headfirst to the bottom of the lake he could be happy. He could eat some chemicals in a lab or inject a lethal injection into himself when no one was around. He could maybe even burn himself to death while he was out. He went to the door thinking of why he had those thoughts of hurting himself.

“Wait up I’m going to get my coat.” Shiria ran into her room.

“Dammit.” He whispered to himself. He had to be alone and leave her alone. He should’ve just told her he was going alone. She was persistent for hating him…

They walked down the street and into the elevator in silence. For him he ignored the dark feelings being set off by him that made Shiria unsettled. She knew she struck a nail in his side. She should’ve just had stayed in her room last night. She felt dizzy and unsteady. Was she running a fever? She panicked.

“Your quiet.” Proto looked at her his voice seemed to calm down. His eyes were lighter and not as cold as before. He took a step toward her leaning slowly over.

“Eep!” She backed into the far wall in surprise. Then went black. Her body fell and Proto leaped into action. He grunted as he bent over so fast to keep her from falling to the ground full force.

“Shiria? Shiria!” He panicked he felt her forehead lifting her up. She was so warm that it was no doubt she had a fever. He called Tadashi and immediately rushed her to the hospital.

Shiria awoke in a room almost like a fancy old castle. She looked at the marble white and black flooring and walls with a window porch. The door was open and some wind blew the french door curtains around gently. She looked back at the french closet doors as a figure stood in it. A tail reddish-pink flicked back and forth. The figure was crouching over wrapping itself in bandages.

“Who are you?” She panicked. “Where am I!”

The figured turned around gold eyes flashing in the darkness.

“Proto? Is that you?” Shiria asked.

“My name is Cheshire, Cheshire Cat. You’re in the White Queen’s castle. I found you in the woods and brought you here. You need to rest I won’t take much more of your time.” He tied the end of the bandage across his chest. When he stood he grabbed a piece of clothing and appeared to have more than one bandage on. When he stepped into the moonlight his hair glimmered and red markings of blood touching his pale skin and bandages gave an eerie appeal.

“Proto.” She let out again.

“I told you my name already and it’s not Proto.” The look-a-like said. He even wore a bell collar like Proto’s.

“Quit joking Proto! This is stupid tell me where we are!” She yelled. He walked over to her and forced her into the bed.

“Calm down girl. Others are asleep in the castle too you know. Now either you’ve gone completely mad or this fever has really gotten to you.” Cheshier looked down at her. He gently let off of her. He went to the other side of the bed and held out a pill and a glass. “Here this should help with your fever.”

Shiria glanced at him through the dark; his eyes showed no recognition of her or a treat. They seemed sharp as always but his gentle side was showing. She could tell something was wrong.

“There quiet down now and get some rest the White Queen will come to check on you in the morning.” He said laying her back down placing the glass back down on the side desk. He stood up grunting.

“Where did you get those wounds?” Shiria asked.

“Worry about yourself not me. Besides its better of to think about yourself in this twisted world.” He walked to the doors of the porch.

“Who’s the White Queen?” She asked.

“You are helpless aren’t you?” He sighed. He sat back down at the end of the bed. “For someone to not know the queen you must have memory loss.”

“Where am I?” Shiria asked again.

“Look you’re safe than out in the middle of the forest. The White Queen is a nice woman and she’ll take care of you. You don’t have to worry about anything.” Cheshire looked down at her.

She felt her eyes growing heavy and her head getting lighter. The next day she heard a woman humming softly. She opened her eyes. A woman in white with long blonde hair sat cleaning the floor from blood. “Who are you?” Shiria asked.

“You're awake.” The woman looked up a little startled. She then stood up and sat down gently brushing Shiria’s hair too the side and touched her forehead. “Looks like your fever broke; how do you feel?” The woman smiled.

“Fine. Who are you?” Shiria repeated.

“Right sorry I’m the White Queen, Airi. What about you what’s your name?” The Queen smiled.

“Shiria. But if you’re the Queen why don’t you have a maid clean the blood up for you and where’s your crown?” Shiria poked around.

“I took my crown off to clean up Cheshire’s mess. He sometimes come to the castle through this room. He was the one who brought you here.” The Queen explained.

“You still could’ve had a maid clean it up.” Shiria looked at her.

“I didn’t want them to wake you and I don’t work my maids over something like this.”

“Aren’t you suppose to be dead?”

“What are you talking about? I’m very healthy.”

“But I met you before and you were dead.” Shiria proclaimed.

“Well I’m very much alive. Now we should get you dressed so I can show you around the castle.”

“Where is this place? Proto kept telling me I was in your castle.”

“Proto? I don’t know him. Do you mean Cheshire? He may remind you of someone you know but his name is Cheshire. And you’re here in Wonderland.” The Queen explained.

“Wonderland?”

“That’s right wonderland.” Airi repeated with a smile. “You can call me by my name Airi if you’d like Shiria.”

“Okay.” Shiria looked around. The door to the french doors seemed to open by the wind sweeping in a few pink petals from a cherry blossom. Shiria could now see she wasn’t at home since it was winter where she lived. She could see a beautiful garden in the background and a large marble fence with city roofs and a larger marble wall farther in the back. She sat up.

“Cheshire if you're going to come in at least knock.” Airi looked back to the closet. A purple fabric swirled revealing the bloodied neko boy. It almost manifested from his short hoodie that went up to his chest. It was gray and purple with a black undershirt that was almost a little too tight for him. A purple belt-pack slanted across his waist and some grey pants with black ankle boots were almost too much like Proto’s normal wear.

He didn’t hardly move. He coughed swinging the closet belongings wildly. A pool of blood started to form under him.

“Cheshire you need to lay down!” Airi tapped his shoulder.

“Get back!” He choked, “I’m going mad!” He turned around. His eyes were dull with reddish rings going through them. Airi didn’t budge. “Airi!” He held his hands to his head. Letting a laugh start to form he clutched his head.

“What’s going on? Why is he laughing?” Shiria panicked.

“Don’t worry Shiria. Cheshire, listen to me.” Airi kneeled over.

“Get back…” He cried out a tear of blood rolled down his cheek. He raked his claws against his face scratching himself.

“You know I won’t do that Cheshire. Calm down.” She placed a kiss against his head and as if magic a light flashed and he was a little child. He still was curled in a ball with his hands to his head. She started to sing placing the boy in her lap. Blood got on her dress but she didn’t care. Shiria watched as she lulled him to sleep. She quickly got to work stripping his clothes off and looking at his wounds. She got out some concoctions from the closet in a basket and rubbed some from a blue jar on top of his chest wounds. They looked familiar to Shiria, much like the wounds from the time he or Proto tried to protect her from the viruses.

Airi quickly got to work stitching his wounds and then rubbing a green liquid on the closed ones. Shiria looked at the boy with red hair. His cat ears were much larger than before. His eyes were still closed but he looked in pain. His tail stirred a little every once in a while. He had to be a third of his original height.

“There there little one rest.” Airi hushed as he moved in her lap. His fingers grabbed her dress and he nuzzled his way to warmth. She sighed and brushed some hair aside. “My little warrior needs to take better care of himself before he goes mad.”

Shiria went to closed the doors to the porch. She sat back down next to Airi to study Cheshire’s new form. He was very cute. His hair was longer, about to his shoulders that gave him a girlish look and his eyelashes were perfectly long and curled. He shivered in Airi’s lap.

“Can you go to the dresser and open the bottom drawer. There should be some clothes for him.” Airi asked. She pointed to the dresser by the door.

Shiria opened the drawer as told and found small clothing for his size she found a cute little white gown that looked as though from the early 1900’s. A small white bow in the middle. It had frilly lining with yellow trimming. “This?” Shiria couldn’t help but blush imagining Proto wearing something so girly and cute.

“Yes that’s the one. He looks so adorable in it!” Airi smiled.

“Can you tell me what was happening to him?” Shiria sat back down handing the adorable gown over.

“Well he was going mad. It’s like a disease of sorts. If you get seriously injured over time and have no help it can lead to madness. And that can lead to power and doom to not only yourself but others around you.” Airi slipped the gown upon the the smaller Cheshire.

He started to squirm in his sleep. His eyes fluttered open slowly. He whined as he sat up and looked around. His ears twitched every way they could showing off just how oversized to his head they were. “Mmmmh…” He let out. He shivered and curled back up in Airi’s lap.

“Do you feel better?” Airi rubbed an ear of his. He let out a soft pur.

“Cold.” He whispered looking at Shiria. He was turning a soft pink. Was he blushing? Shiria wondered.

“It’s okay Cheshire she’s Shiria she won’t hurt you.” Airi forced him to stand up. Shiria could now see he would be up to her waist. He looked much like a girl in the gown. The bow on the chest made a cute, innocent look to him. She probably would’ve guessed he was one of those cutesy type of boys later on in life. Not the tall, scary but kind people.

“Hi.” He managed to let out in a soft voice. He walked over to shiria and sat down. He looked as though he was studying her. He was very pink in the face. His eyes were adorable how big they were.

“Hi.” Shiria looked to Airi wondering if he acted like a kid in this form.

The boy shivered some more. “Cold.” He repeated. He turned to Airi as if begging to snuggle again.

“Do you want to lay down or walk around the castle?” Airi asked, “You should probably rest while your heeling.”

“Stay?” He cocked his head.

Did he only know how to say a word at a time? Shiria wondered. Maybe it was because he was exhausted from the injuries he obtained. Shiria tickled his chin out of curiosity. He purred and let out a big smile. His canines were still flat and not sharp like they were when he was older. He had baby teeth so he probably didn’t remember.

“You must have a talent for befriending people. He doesn’t let too many people touch him so quickly. He’ll start talking now.” Airi laughed and scratched behind his ears. His tail was more dog like and wagged.

“He’s so cute.” Shiria giggled.

“Cute?” He asked looking up out of breath from his enjoyment.

“Yes you are.” She hugged him. He was like a little rag doll. Airi decided he could walk around with them to show Shiria around the palace. He wore a little yellow button sleeve long sleeve shirt. A grey vest and pants and black shoes. Yellow and grey really worked with him and his hair. The grey focused more on his eyes and shirt. His hair was the point of difference for him Shiria noticed as Airi finished putting his hair up into a ponytail. He hadn’t fussed once.

Shiria had a blue dress that was close the the Alice in wonderland dress to her surprise. Cheshire held onto Airi’s hand the whole time he seemed relaxed.

“Cheshire what do you like to do?” Shiria asked.

“Stay with Airi.” He smiled.

“Well if it isn’t short stuff.” A male voice came from the hall.

“Who’s that?” Shiria asked. Cheshire seemed scared and distressed.

“Call me Blackcat.” Wind from the large window in the hall across from the group blew the curtains revealing a black figure. His red eyes glowed in the light. He jumped off and walked toward the group. “Whimp.” He sneered at Cheshire.

“Blackcat don’t be rude he’s hurt.” Airi ordered.

“What? he’s standing.” He pushed down firmly on the boys head. Cheshire whined and frantically tried to get away. Shiria pulled cheshire away and had him in a bear hug. His heart was running wildly and he gripped Shiria tightly.

“Leave him alone! You’re scaring him!” Shiria yelled.

“So who’s this?” He asked with a grin.

“Shiria and I told you to leave Cheshire alone.” Airi frowned.

Description
Chapter Eight: Shiria in wonderland

Shiria awoke to the light filtering through her room. Or so she thought… She sat up leaning with one hand. Her legs felt heavy. She looked down. Proto laid at the end of the bed going sideways. His right arm stretched to her thigh. She felt warm and surprised. She had never seen Proto more relaxed and calm.

He had a grin on his face as he breathed in and out. He looked so childish for someone to be close to adulthood. Shiria smiled and reached out to stroke his hair as it sprawled across his face hiding his eyes that seemed cold. She had found his weak point that night. She remembered the name of Proto’s most treasured memories. She knew HIS only secret. She knew how kind he was and how he cherishes the things he cares for.

She smiled as she brushed some of his bangs gently away to see his eyes closed in peace. She couldn’t help but let out a sigh. His eyes slowly fluttered open. The golden-yellow eyes that now seemed to be alert to the world. They acted as a shield when awake like he hated the world itself. He slowly moved around sitting up. His shirt slipped down hiding a large scar on his chest and hiding his built structure.

He looked up with a sheepish look on his face. His body was almost falling apart as if he was a statue being taken down by a wrecking ball. “Um… Hi Proto.” Shiria smiled blushing.

He moved his lips around as he found words to make a sentence. He slumped down into bed as his back felt horrible. He shouldn’t have back trouble at his age even though he could only guess his real age. He knew he wasn’t twenty though at the least he was sixteen or seventeen. He didn’t remember going back from the ground to the bed unless if Shira was restless at one point of the night.

“Proto are you okay?” Shiria asked.

“Fine.” His voice trailed off. It seemed he was lost or shy.

“Um...Proto.” Shiria tried to open him up again.

Proto didn’t budge and stared off at his computer that layed on the desk on the far wall. He seemed so quiet.

“Ryouya.” She tried.

He shot up like a rocket. He glared at her with a dirty look. He face too close for comfort. “I told you not to say that name.” His voice came back to it’s strong self. Shiria feared that he had hated the name. “If you say it aloud and Tadashi hears you we’ll all be dead.”

“I’m sorry I was worried about you for a moment.” Shiria shook in his room. She had no reason to be in his business anyway. “I’m going to go now.” She got up and left. The door creaked behind her and snapped into place. Proto sighed. He didn’t know how to act to a girl. He didn’t know how to talk to them or even look at them the right way how is he suppose to be nice to her? He sighed and threw himself back down trying to think of something to make up for his behavior. He knew he was wrong the way she looked at him. He was a monster to many people when he walked down the street. Even if he continuously saves their lives everyday they don’t care. They like him better dead anyway. They shiver at his sight like they did when he was young with Airi as his teacher.

Why had Airi given him such a hard task? Shiria was more relaxed that night than any other time with him. His secrets were given to her. Was it safe? She’s only a child compared to him. He felt a wave of grief and worry. If he sent her into the field and she died as his replacement he wouldn’t forgive himself.

He dressed in some simple grey snow pants. Then he slipped on a turtleneck shirt. His jacket needed to be washed from sleeping in it. He walked down the stairs grunting as each step pained him. He walked into the kitchen where Shiria stood flipping pancakes and sausage links. He whipped open the top cabinet in the kitchen and retrieved a container of pain pills. He pulled out five pills and swallowed them whole without water!

“Proto!” Shiria screamed.

“What?”

“You just overdosed yourself! This is bad we need to get you to the hospital or Tadashi!”

“Calm down my body burns through medicine too fast now so I have to amp the amount up. Tadashi already knows they’ve been trying to figure out why. If I only take two it won’t help me.” Proto looked down at her.

“Your back still hurts?” She asked.

“Don’t worry about me you should worry about yourself.” He yawned. “Where’s kayato?”

“He said he was going to the skating rink today.” Shiria replied.

“Do you want to go somewhere today?” Proto asked.

“Maybe.”

She hated him. He knew she wanted to leave without a doubt. He couldn’t really feel bad about it. He knew he was an awful person. He got up and walked away.

“Where are you going?” She asked.

“I’m going to the store I finished my book I was reading.” Proto let out.

“Can I come?” She asked.

“It’s cold out. Are you sure you want to?” He set out an excuse. Maybe if he ran to a bridge and fell headfirst to the bottom of the lake he could be happy. He could eat some chemicals in a lab or inject a lethal injection into himself when no one was around. He could maybe even burn himself to death while he was out. He went to the door thinking of why he had those thoughts of hurting himself.

“Wait up I’m going to get my coat.” Shiria ran into her room.

“Dammit.” He whispered to himself. He had to be alone and leave her alone. He should’ve just told her he was going alone. She was persistent for hating him…

They walked down the street and into the elevator in silence. For him he ignored the dark feelings being set off by him that made Shiria unsettled. She knew she struck a nail in his side. She should’ve just had stayed in her room last night. She felt dizzy and unsteady. Was she running a fever? She panicked.

“Your quiet.” Proto looked at her his voice seemed to calm down. His eyes were lighter and not as cold as before. He took a step toward her leaning slowly over.

“Eep!” She backed into the far wall in surprise. Then went black. Her body fell and Proto leaped into action. He grunted as he bent over so fast to keep her from falling to the ground full force.

“Shiria? Shiria!” He panicked he felt her forehead lifting her up. She was so warm that it was no doubt she had a fever. He called Tadashi and immediately rushed her to the hospital.

Shiria awoke in a room almost like a fancy old castle. She looked at the marble white and black flooring and walls with a window porch. The door was open and some wind blew the french door curtains around gently. She looked back at the french closet doors as a figure stood in it. A tail reddish-pink flicked back and forth. The figure was crouching over wrapping itself in bandages.

“Who are you?” She panicked. “Where am I!”

The figured turned around gold eyes flashing in the darkness.

“Proto? Is that you?” Shiria asked.

“My name is Cheshire, Cheshire Cat. You’re in the White Queen’s castle. I found you in the woods and brought you here. You need to rest I won’t take much more of your time.” He tied the end of the bandage across his chest. When he stood he grabbed a piece of clothing and appeared to have more than one bandage on. When he stepped into the moonlight his hair glimmered and red markings of blood touching his pale skin and bandages gave an eerie appeal.

“Proto.” She let out again.

“I told you my name already and it’s not Proto.” The look-a-like said. He even wore a bell collar like Proto’s.

“Quit joking Proto! This is stupid tell me where we are!” She yelled. He walked over to her and forced her into the bed.

“Calm down girl. Others are asleep in the castle too you know. Now either you’ve gone completely mad or this fever has really gotten to you.” Cheshier looked down at her. He gently let off of her. He went to the other side of the bed and held out a pill and a glass. “Here this should help with your fever.”

Shiria glanced at him through the dark; his eyes showed no recognition of her or a treat. They seemed sharp as always but his gentle side was showing. She could tell something was wrong.

“There quiet down now and get some rest the White Queen will come to check on you in the morning.” He said laying her back down placing the glass back down on the side desk. He stood up grunting.

“Where did you get those wounds?” Shiria asked.

“Worry about yourself not me. Besides its better of to think about yourself in this twisted world.” He walked to the doors of the porch.

“Who’s the White Queen?” She asked.

“You are helpless aren’t you?” He sighed. He sat back down at the end of the bed. “For someone to not know the queen you must have memory loss.”

“Where am I?” Shiria asked again.

“Look you’re safe than out in the middle of the forest. The White Queen is a nice woman and she’ll take care of you. You don’t have to worry about anything.” Cheshire looked down at her.

She felt her eyes growing heavy and her head getting lighter. The next day she heard a woman humming softly. She opened her eyes. A woman in white with long blonde hair sat cleaning the floor from blood. “Who are you?” Shiria asked.

“You're awake.” The woman looked up a little startled. She then stood up and sat down gently brushing Shiria’s hair too the side and touched her forehead. “Looks like your fever broke; how do you feel?” The woman smiled.

“Fine. Who are you?” Shiria repeated.

“Right sorry I’m the White Queen, Airi. What about you what’s your name?” The Queen smiled.

“Shiria. But if you’re the Queen why don’t you have a maid clean the blood up for you and where’s your crown?” Shiria poked around.

“I took my crown off to clean up Cheshire’s mess. He sometimes come to the castle through this room. He was the one who brought you here.” The Queen explained.

“You still could’ve had a maid clean it up.” Shiria looked at her.

“I didn’t want them to wake you and I don’t work my maids over something like this.”

“Aren’t you suppose to be dead?”

“What are you talking about? I’m very healthy.”

“But I met you before and you were dead.” Shiria proclaimed.

“Well I’m very much alive. Now we should get you dressed so I can show you around the castle.”

“Where is this place? Proto kept telling me I was in your castle.”

“Proto? I don’t know him. Do you mean Cheshire? He may remind you of someone you know but his name is Cheshire. And you’re here in Wonderland.” The Queen explained.

“Wonderland?”

“That’s right wonderland.” Airi repeated with a smile. “You can call me by my name Airi if you’d like Shiria.”

“Okay.” Shiria looked around. The door to the french doors seemed to open by the wind sweeping in a few pink petals from a cherry blossom. Shiria could now see she wasn’t at home since it was winter where she lived. She could see a beautiful garden in the background and a large marble fence with city roofs and a larger marble wall farther in the back. She sat up.

“Cheshire if you're going to come in at least knock.” Airi looked back to the closet. A purple fabric swirled revealing the bloodied neko boy. It almost manifested from his short hoodie that went up to his chest. It was gray and purple with a black undershirt that was almost a little too tight for him. A purple belt-pack slanted across his waist and some grey pants with black ankle boots were almost too much like Proto’s normal wear.

He didn’t hardly move. He coughed swinging the closet belongings wildly. A pool of blood started to form under him.

“Cheshire you need to lay down!” Airi tapped his shoulder.

“Get back!” He choked, “I’m going mad!” He turned around. His eyes were dull with reddish rings going through them. Airi didn’t budge. “Airi!” He held his hands to his head. Letting a laugh start to form he clutched his head.

“What’s going on? Why is he laughing?” Shiria panicked.

“Don’t worry Shiria. Cheshire, listen to me.” Airi kneeled over.

“Get back…” He cried out a tear of blood rolled down his cheek. He raked his claws against his face scratching himself.

“You know I won’t do that Cheshire. Calm down.” She placed a kiss against his head and as if magic a light flashed and he was a little child. He still was curled in a ball with his hands to his head. She started to sing placing the boy in her lap. Blood got on her dress but she didn’t care. Shiria watched as she lulled him to sleep. She quickly got to work stripping his clothes off and looking at his wounds. She got out some concoctions from the closet in a basket and rubbed some from a blue jar on top of his chest wounds. They looked familiar to Shiria, much like the wounds from the time he or Proto tried to protect her from the viruses.

Airi quickly got to work stitching his wounds and then rubbing a green liquid on the closed ones. Shiria looked at the boy with red hair. His cat ears were much larger than before. His eyes were still closed but he looked in pain. His tail stirred a little every once in a while. He had to be a third of his original height.

“There there little one rest.” Airi hushed as he moved in her lap. His fingers grabbed her dress and he nuzzled his way to warmth. She sighed and brushed some hair aside. “My little warrior needs to take better care of himself before he goes mad.”

Shiria went to closed the doors to the porch. She sat back down next to Airi to study Cheshire’s new form. He was very cute. His hair was longer, about to his shoulders that gave him a girlish look and his eyelashes were perfectly long and curled. He shivered in Airi’s lap.

“Can you go to the dresser and open the bottom drawer. There should be some clothes for him.” Airi asked. She pointed to the dresser by the door.

Shiria opened the drawer as told and found small clothing for his size she found a cute little white gown that looked as though from the early 1900’s. A small white bow in the middle. It had frilly lining with yellow trimming. “This?” Shiria couldn’t help but blush imagining Proto wearing something so girly and cute.

“Yes that’s the one. He looks so adorable in it!” Airi smiled.

“Can you tell me what was happening to him?” Shiria sat back down handing the adorable gown over.

“Well he was going mad. It’s like a disease of sorts. If you get seriously injured over time and have no help it can lead to madness. And that can lead to power and doom to not only yourself but others around you.” Airi slipped the gown upon the the smaller Cheshire.

He started to squirm in his sleep. His eyes fluttered open slowly. He whined as he sat up and looked around. His ears twitched every way they could showing off just how oversized to his head they were. “Mmmmh…” He let out. He shivered and curled back up in Airi’s lap.

“Do you feel better?” Airi rubbed an ear of his. He let out a soft pur.

“Cold.” He whispered looking at Shiria. He was turning a soft pink. Was he blushing? Shiria wondered.

“It’s okay Cheshire she’s Shiria she won’t hurt you.” Airi forced him to stand up. Shiria could now see he would be up to her waist. He looked much like a girl in the gown. The bow on the chest made a cute, innocent look to him. She probably would’ve guessed he was one of those cutesy type of boys later on in life. Not the tall, scary but kind people.

“Hi.” He managed to let out in a soft voice. He walked over to shiria and sat down. He looked as though he was studying her. He was very pink in the face. His eyes were adorable how big they were.

“Hi.” Shiria looked to Airi wondering if he acted like a kid in this form.

The boy shivered some more. “Cold.” He repeated. He turned to Airi as if begging to snuggle again.

“Do you want to lay down or walk around the castle?” Airi asked, “You should probably rest while your heeling.”

“Stay?” He cocked his head.

Did he only know how to say a word at a time? Shiria wondered. Maybe it was because he was exhausted from the injuries he obtained. Shiria tickled his chin out of curiosity. He purred and let out a big smile. His canines were still flat and not sharp like they were when he was older. He had baby teeth so he probably didn’t remember.

“You must have a talent for befriending people. He doesn’t let too many people touch him so quickly. He’ll start talking now.” Airi laughed and scratched behind his ears. His tail was more dog like and wagged.

“He’s so cute.” Shiria giggled.

“Cute?” He asked looking up out of breath from his enjoyment.

“Yes you are.” She hugged him. He was like a little rag doll. Airi decided he could walk around with them to show Shiria around the palace. He wore a little yellow button sleeve long sleeve shirt. A grey vest and pants and black shoes. Yellow and grey really worked with him and his hair. The grey focused more on his eyes and shirt. His hair was the point of difference for him Shiria noticed as Airi finished putting his hair up into a ponytail. He hadn’t fussed once.

Shiria had a blue dress that was close the the Alice in wonderland dress to her surprise. Cheshire held onto Airi’s hand the whole time he seemed relaxed.

“Cheshire what do you like to do?” Shiria asked.

“Stay with Airi.” He smiled.

“Well if it isn’t short stuff.” A male voice came from the hall.

“Who’s that?” Shiria asked. Cheshire seemed scared and distressed.

“Call me Blackcat.” Wind from the large window in the hall across from the group blew the curtains revealing a black figure. His red eyes glowed in the light. He jumped off and walked toward the group. “Whimp.” He sneered at Cheshire.

“Blackcat don’t be rude he’s hurt.” Airi ordered.

“What? he’s standing.” He pushed down firmly on the boys head. Cheshire whined and frantically tried to get away. Shiria pulled cheshire away and had him in a bear hug. His heart was running wildly and he gripped Shiria tightly.

“Leave him alone! You’re scaring him!” Shiria yelled.

“So who’s this?” He asked with a grin.

“Shiria and I told you to leave Cheshire alone.” Airi frowned.