entrancelogs | + The Time Has Come, the Time Is Now +

Entry tags:

+ The Time Has Come, the Time Is Now +

Who: Everyone in Wonderland!
Where: The chessboard hills
When: Monday, June 11, all day starting at 10:00 AM
Rating: R for (sometimes excessive) violence
Summary: The Queen of Hearts has declared war and the time for battle has come.
The Story:
♥ ICly, the Real Things who will act as pieces volunteered and are led by the Red Queen. The Mirrors were chosen by the Queen of Hearts without being given a choice. The Queen of Hearts announced her choices to her Mirrors very directly, with an order to show up at 10:00 AM on the chessboard, ready to fight. The Red Queen announced her choices more politely, but just as firmly, with a text message sent out over the network listing her pieces and requesting their assistance to protect their fellow Real Things. Characters were not ICly able to respond to this message.

♥ Those pieces who choose to obey the summons will have time to gather any items or weapons they might want to have with them, within reason. Those who don't heed the summons will find themselves suddenly and instantly transported to their square on the chessboard when 10:00 AM rolls around. They will arrive with anything that was on their person at the time, as well as one weapon (whatever it would be normal for them to use). Likewise, any spectators who are not in or around the stands by 10:00 AM will find themselves transported there.

♥ Each player sports an armband, white for the Real Things and Black for the Mirrors, with the shape of their assigned chess piece embroidered in the opposite color. Royalty pieces wear crowns indicative of their status. Should a pawn be promoted to queen, a crown will appear on their head.

♥ Pieces will find that they can't leave their assigned spots until they're told what square to move to by either the Queen of Hearts or the Red Queen. And if they refuse to move, after a couple of moments, an unseen force will scoot them along to their new space.

♥ When threading moves on the board, please find the appropriate top-level under which to comment! It might be helpful to label your thread with which move/encounter you're playing out.

♥ Players on the board can not communicate with those in the stands and vice versa (other than by jumping around and flailing, I guess). However, players on the board can communicate directly with those in squares adjacent to them or with any challenger whose square they share. Since some pieces have a lot of down time, feel free to have them chat with others on the board while they're waiting around.

♥ Directions from the Queens can be assumed. Go ahead and play out moves without waiting for a comment to officially announce them.

♥ The plotting and info post for this log is here.

♥ For your convenience, here are links to the thread headers:

The Donation Box

Pre-Game

The Game - Moves 1-20

The Game - Moves 21-40

The Game - Moves 41-60

The Game - Moves 61-80

The Game - Moves 81-100

The Game - Moves 101-117

The Holding Area

The Stands

Have fun!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Jessica looks up from biting her nails and lowers her hand when she sees who it is. She smiles at her, then glances back out at the field. ]

Yeah. Don't seem so sunshiney no more.

[ Haha, sunshine. She's constantly resisting the urge to tuck herself into a ball. Even with some unseen force keeping her safe, she felt extremely vulnerable. The second this was over, she was hightailing it to the Mansion. ]

I mean, I ain't all that scared, but like...on the scale of one to fucked, how fucked is this for Wonderland?

Honestly, I'd put this at about a six or low seven. It's gotten much more fucked just in the year since I've been here.

[ She reaches over and squeezes Jessica's hand gently. ]

You can always come escape with me back to the medical tent. It's not quite as busy as I prepared for, which is a good outcome, I suppose.

[ Jessica's eyebrows go up. Whoa. She didn't think Miss Claire was one to cuss. It makes her like her more, if anything. ]

Least I got fair warnin', I guess.

[ Hell if she'll admit it, but this all was maybe just a little teenie bit scary. If someone could stick her in the sun without even thinking about it, who knows what else could happen?

She gladly takes the comforting gesture. Sad how foreign that feeling is, being cared about. ]

I'd prolly feel way safer in there, honestly. I keep spectin' to burn up any second.

[ Sweet summer child. Just wait. ]

You won't burst into flames, I promise. Wonderland has a way of...doing things for people with special needs. We spoke a little about that, do you remember? But come with me; I'd rather you be comfortable.

[ Standing, she reaches for Jessica's hand to help her up, intending to do as she promised and take her to the tent. ]

[ Jessica can't help a snort. "Special needs." It was a funny way to describe her predicament for sure.

God, what was it about this woman that was so comforting? Even with taking her hand and standing, looking like a little girl getting pulled up by her mama--something that would've normally embarrassed her--she couldn't bring herself to care. Maybe she was more starved for affection than she realized.

She follows along, smiling to herself. She's going to choose to enjoy it. ]

Yeah. Can't say I'm too upset, honestly. Last thing I'd want is for someone to hafta go and clean up the gross shit I'd leave behind. I swear half the shit that comes with bein' a vampire is fuckin' gross.

[ She's a mom, she always wanted to be a mother, and she lost too much getting there. So now, she's everyone's mom in the wake of leaving her own daughter behind forever. Congratulations, Jessica.

Once they're down on solid ground (Claire would never admit that holding onto Jessica was also to be sure she didn't eat bleacher in her skirts.) she lets go of Jessica and walks with her toward the tent. ]

I wouldn't know, only that there is quite a bit of blood involved. I was...

[ Hmm, should she tell this story now? Why not. ]

I was dying, bleeding to death, actually. A vampire found me and told me to drink his blood. So, I did and it healed my wound. It was, as you say, fucking gross, but I had nothing to lose except my life either way.

[ Jessica ducks into the tent as soon as they're nearby. It's still too bright for her tastes, but she immediately feels better. With that worry off her mind, she can focus on Miss Claire's story more. ]

My blood can do that! It...does some other weird stuff too, but whatever.

[ Like. She's not sure why she's so excited to share that, but it might be from feeling some faint kinship to this unknown vampire. She'd spent so much of her nascent undead life feeling like a complete weirdo, so at least there was someone else out there that made it seem not so weird. ]

Real sorry you had to go through that, though. Least you were okay. [ She frowns, brow furrowed. ] Did somebody try and hurt you 'fore the vampire helped you?

I'd be interested to know what else your blood can do, if you don't mind telling me sometime.

[ As a doctor, she's completely fascinated, but she clears her throat a little, nodding. ]

It was a Wonderland event. The entire mansion turned into a completely different place. I was trying to find my way back to my husband, but at every level there was some sort of creature waiting to kill. I was, unfortunately...

[ How to put this delicately. ]

Cut open, across my mid-section. Klaus, was his name, he came to my rescue and while I would have come back as per Wonderland's own 'rules' it was still a relief not to die.

Oh, sure, Miss Claire! Anytime you want. I owe you a lot for helpin' me.

[ Jessica sinks down onto one of the cots and looks around. Yep, definitely not busy in here. She's thankful for that, really...

As she listens to the story, her face falls. Then it falls some more. Eventually, she comes up with one of her usual witty comments: ]

Wonderland is fucked up.

[ She blows out a sigh, briefly holding her head. At that moment, she is really glad to be a vampire. Not that she knows how to fight a lick, but she's sure it'd come easy enough.

Jessica pushes her hair back and glances over. ]

I guess he's not here no more? Would've been nice to meet 'im, and like...tell 'im thanks.

You owe me nothing.

[ She insists that gently, squeezing her arm before sitting down across from her. ]

Indeed it is. And no, he's not here any longer. We'd only just started speaking more frequently when he disappeared. Most everyone from his world did, actually. What would you want to thank him for?

[ She's asking out of curiosity, head tilted to the side a bit. ]

Yeah I do! I owe you lots!

[ Like, nothing's gonna stamp out her Southern hospitality. She will make sure she owes Miss Claire, even if she doesn't want it! ]

And, like... [ She smiles a bit. ] I'd wanna thank 'im for savin' you. I didn't know many vampires back home, but I know there's lots of 'em who wouldn't be so nice. Not to a human. I...don't wanna be like them.

[ Oh, bless her heart.

Claire's features all seem to soften at once at the explanation, at her own declaration. ]

Don't let anyone ever tell you that you are. And if anyone does, send them to me. I'll set them straight.

[ She takes a drink of water, trying to stay hydrated, herself, which reminds her: ]

I do have a freezer full of blood now, both in the clinic and on our floor in my room should anything happen.

[ She's done the same for Liv with brains. ]

[ She knows she's about to be dramatic. She knows she's probably overreacting. But a sniffle becomes a full on sob and she covers her face, bursting into tears. ]

God, you're so nice to me. I feel like I don't deserve it.

[ She lowers her hands to wipe her cheeks, allowing her small, quivery smile to show. ]

I know it's weird, but I wish my mama'd been like you.

[ Claire quietly gets up to grab a linen that's cut into a strip for bandaging but can be used as a tissue in a pinch. Sitting beside Jessica now, she wraps an arm around her shoulders after handing her the cloth. ]

Everyone deserves kindness. And if you've had a severe lack of it, then all the more reason. It's not weird, Jessica. It's normal, to want to feel loved by someone who cares about you.

[ And it makes her angrier than she'll say, that a child couldn't get that from her own mother. ]

[ Jessica startles at the contact. Her mama had held her like this sometimes, sure, but it seemed more like she was going through the motions, doing what was expected of her. This, though--this feels entirely different. There's something behind it, something warm and real with no feeling of an invisible wall keeping them apart.

She bites her lip and wipes away the blood as best she can, taking a moment to calm down. When she does, she gradually allows herself to enjoy the comfort. ]

I don't expect it from anybody. [ She scoffs. ] And even when I get it, I go and fuck it up somehow. Feels like it's easier to expect things to go to shit than try and bother lettin' people in.

[ That's devasating to Claire, and she wonders, for a second, if she made Brianna feel that way. She certainly didn't make as much time for her own daughter as she could have, not until after Frank died and truths unraveled. But those are her own shortcomings, and if she can never make it up with her own child, maybe she can be there for someone else who desperately needs it. ]

Listen to me, Jessica. It's always easier for bad things to happen than good. But the people who want good to happen don't stop fighting for it. People screw up, that's what we do. It's what we'll always do. But you don't deserve to be treated as any less because of it. I promise, whatever you didn't have at home, whatever led to you thinking that way, won't happen as long as I'm here. All right?

[ Jessica gives a trembling smile then suddenly wraps her up in a tight hug. She may not be in the sun right now, but it feels like it's bathing her in warmth.

When she pulls back, her smile's stronger. She hasn't felt this cared for since she was in Dallas a few months ago. Not that she wants to think about that. ]

Thanks, Miss Claire. Like, so much. You're gonna make bein' here so much easier. I'm glad you found me when I first came. I'd prolly be goin' nuts by now if you hadn't.

It's, uh... [ It feels weird saying this, but whatever. ] It feels nice havin' somebody around like you. Somebody that's a real lady.

[ An adult, she's trying to say, but not really say because that'd be uncool. ]

[ Claire's hug in return is welcome and warm, and she rests a head on the back of Jessica's until she pulls back. Smiling, she pats her hand. ]

You've nothing to thank me for. Someone helped me when I arrived, and I couldn't ignore that someone new needed help when you showed up. That I consider you a friend now is a bonus.

[ She understands what Jessica's saying, oddly the men who respected her at sea and on the battlefield had the same way of speaking. Like she's a mother to them, but somehow not willing to say as much out loud. ]

As long as I'm in Wonderland, you can spend as much time with me as you'd like.

Then I promise I'm gonna pay it forward if I see someone new. It's only right.

But don't worry! I won't take up all your time like that. [ That would also be majorly uncool. She'd lose all her nonexistent street cred! (She'll probably be hanging with Miss Claire way more than necessary, regardless.) ] 'Sides, I wouldn't wanna go messin' up your sleep, since...y'know.

[ There's a short pause. ]

Can I ask you somethin' kinda personal?

[ Claire's not worried about her time being wasted, and she looks at Jessica with a nod. ]

Of course, ask me anything you'd like.

[ She hesitates again, but eventually the words come. ]

What's it like? Bein' a mom?

[ The idea of it had haunted her since Hoyt's mother stabbed her with the cold truth that she'd never be one. It wasn't until that moment that she realized how upsetting it was. Before she was turned, part of her imagined she'd be able to have her own family and raise them right, make up for the shit her own parents put her through. Maybe she'd even be able to take her little sister with her and help her escape that hell. Now...none of that was possible. ]

[ It's really no the question she thought she would be facing, and Claire takes a breath, letting it out slowly. ]

Well. It can be terrifying. It's like...having your heart walking around outside of your body and you can only do so much to protect it. You always wonder if you're doing the right things, if you're imparting the right lessons. But for as hard and daunting as it is, to be responsible for this one life, far beyond eighteen years, it's a lot of love and laughter and beautiful memories.

[ She has all of that. She still thinks she could have had more, been a better parent. But talks of Brianna aren't what Jessica needs right now, and Claire reaches out, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. ]

Sometimes parental figures aren't your actual parents, you know? Mine died when I was very young.

[ It takes her a while to digest all that, but once she does, she lets out a few sad laughs and nods. It was so absurdly far from the experiences she'd had with her mother--hell, both her parents--that she can't help it. But even if the idea of all that was foreign and always would be, it's crazy how much it synced up to what she thought motherhood was. At least it's nice to have the confirmation.

She rests a hand on Claire's. In this moment, she feels a little human again. ]

Yeah. I'm learnin' that real fast. Like...I think my Maker could be that way, if he'd actually spend some time with me. [ Snort. ] Not that it matters much right now.

[ She glances over with a smile. ] Least I got you here. Hope it's not all weird to say that, but...I can tell you got a good heart, Miss Claire. Your daughter had to've loved you somethin' fierce.

[ It sounds more and more like Jessica's truly felt alone for both parts of her life, and Claire vows, right then, it can't be the same any longer. But at the mention of Bree, her smile wavers a little, though she doesn't pull away from Jessica, not wanting her to believe she said anything wrong. ]

She loves me quite a lot, I think.

[ Enough to urge her mother to go back in time to the man she loved, effectively making it so that they'd never see one another again. But Claire hasn't told Jessica all of that yet, and today isn't the day to, either. ]

And I love her quite a lot as well. I miss her; a part of me wishes she'd arrive here and then I realize what, exactly, that would mean and that she'd be subject to the same things we all are in Wonderland.

[ Her smile fades. ] Yeah, I kinda know what you mean. I think 'bout that a lot with my lil sister, Eden. Just imaginin' I could show her what life's really like outside that house? It'd be nice to make up for all the years I treated her like shit.

[ She drops her gaze to the ground, shrugging a bit. ] But then it'd be like you said. I wouldn't want her dealin' with this place. She probably wouldn't even remember me, anyway. Can't really fix a relationship that doesn't exist anymore, can you?

+ The Time Has Come, the Time Is Now +

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