Chapter 20: From Sorrow to Resolve
Chapter 20: From Sorrow to Resolve
"It took some time, but John eventually worked through his pain with Alice's unwavering support. As time passed, their journey proved arduous, punctuated by numerous fights and tribulations that Alice thoroughly enjoyed. Through these trials, their bond grew stronger. Her presence gradually filled the void in his heart, aiding his healing process. After a prolonged period of bloodshed and struggle, they finally unravelled the root cause of the transformed world.
A colossal monster, adorned with tentacles and an inexplicable fondness for Japanese adult content, stood as the orchestrator of the calamity. This creature thrived on the pleasures of the gods who reshaped the world and subsequently devoured the realms when these deities moved on. The battle against this monstrosity was gruelling and fierce, yet through the power of their unyielding friendship, fu- I mean mana transfers, and mutual support, John and Alice emerged victorious. With the monster's reign of terror quelled, they seized the vacant throne and assumed dominion over all dimensions and realities, transcending even the divine hierarchy. They settled into their new roles as rulers, fostering their power as a formidable couple. Over time, they established their own family to inherit their legacy, allowing them to retire from their godly responsibilities. These newfound positions bestowed immortality upon them, ensuring they'd never lack excitement as they reality-hopped in search of fresh adventures."
John paused his carving, nearly nicking himself in the process, as he noticed Alice's presence in the doorway. She sported a broad grin as she extended a plate holding a peanut butter sandwich toward him. He responded with a blank expression, and Alice's spirited tone fell somewhat flat. "Come on, I fetched this from your kitchen cupboard. Didn't you like it? Or is it my storytelling that's bothering you?" she asked, prodding him with the plate. John accepted it, placing the sandwich beside him and carefully brushing wood shavings off his almost-finished carving, now placed alongside four completed ones.
"I'm not hungry, and it's not about you bothering me. But what in the world were you blabbering about? A tentacle monster and us getting together? Is this really the time for such nonsense?" he snapped at her; his frustration evident. In response, he received a slap from Alice. "You've been brooding here for hours, not eating a thing, lost in your own world, shedding tears and carving wood. It's time to snap out of it! I told you to channel this energy and keep moving forward! Honestly, they probably wouldn't have been much help in this transformed world and would've hindered your progress. So pull yourself together, wake up, and go back to how you used to be!" she admonished.
However, her words only fuelled John's anger, and he snapped. He grabbed Alice by the neck, hoisting her up and slamming her against a wall. "Shut up! That was my family you were talking about! My parents! Didn't I make my feelings clear about this?" he roared, releasing her and leaving her staring at him defiantly from the floor.
With her hand on her throat, she retorted, "There's nothing holding you back anymore. You're free to do whatever you want without any constraints. What's the big deal? Why are you reacting so strongly, even to the point of attacking me? That's not something I'll let slide again, unless it's a certain situation, hehe." She added, only to be interrupted as John grabbed her by the neck once more, pushing her against the wall. "You're completely heartless! Can't you muster even a hint of empathy? What if you walked in and found your own family like that?" he snapped, his frustration boiling over.
Alice tilted her head, seemingly unperturbed, as she got up and stood her ground. "Well, let me share a bit of my own story. My parents were overbearing achievers who pushed and prodded. They had grand dreams for their little girl, moulding me into the next big star. They imposed their ideals on me, often being harsh, even when they weren't intoxicated. They forced me into activities I loathed, all in pursuit of their notion of a better future for me. Then, one day during a forced performance of 'Alice in Wonderland,' everything changed. I was granted an opportunity to change my path. I chose the class cosplayer. The more I embody the characters, the stronger I become – leveling up and improving with each transformation. At least, that's what the god person told me. Upon returning, I became Mad Alice, and the world around me began to morph as well. My parents tried to call me over and make me go with them, but I'd had enough. I confronted them with a large knife, proving just how futile it was to try and control me from that point forward. From there, I fought against other changed people and even those who tried to run, revelling in newfound freedom. I surrendered myself to madness and relished every moment. While many escaped or proved too powerful for me which causing me to avoid them. my new life took shape from there and I've been loving it." she recounted, her grin growing as she spoke, clearly pleased with her tale.
"And you don't feel any remorse? No regrets for taking the lives of your own family and others?" John asked, his unease deepening after hearing her story. Alice's cheerful response unsettled him further. "Not a shred! It was liberating, and I'm thankful for what I did. Finally, I'm truly unshackled. So quit letting this eat at you and move forward!" she urged, her enthusiasm undiminished as she practically vibrated with excitement, her eyes reflecting her madness.
"You're nothing short of a psychopath!" John's voice trembled as he edged away from her. "Nope! I'm YOUR psycho, to be precise. At least for now, whether you're fond of the idea or not." She playfully draped an arm around him, inching uncomfortably close. "So shake off this funk, do what you must, and then plan and strive to make those responsible for this world's changes pay for it. Or would you prefer I assist you in overcoming your distress?" Her words took on a lower, huskier tone as a wicked grin formed on her lips. A cold shiver raced down his spine, and he instinctively shook his head.
"Listen, Alice, please stop. Don't push me like this. I'll find my own way to cope, but I'm asking you nicely to cease. I understand your relationship with your family was far from ideal, but mine was different. Unlike you, I don't have the luxury of embracing madness to carry me through. I feel the weight of everything," he reasoned, hoping to make her see his perspective. However, confusion replaced her prior expression. "If you'd like, I could try to drive you mad like me. I'm not sure how, but I suppose anything's possible, or we could seek someone to reanimate their bodies! Then they'd return, improved and better than ever, as puppets under your control!" she suggested, evidently pleased with her ideas, yet John could only sigh.
"Are you any good at digging?" John's question cut through the air, earning a delighted grin and an eager nod from Alice. "Absolutely! I can dig really deep holes, well, not me per se, but I might have something in this dress that can do it. Glad to see you're willing to go mad!" she exclaimed, nearly vibrating with anticipation as she followed him outside.
"Then, please, dig a deep hole here, and another one over there," John instructed, indicating two spots. "Yes, sir!" Alice responded with a mock salute, withdrawing a peculiar plant from her dress. The flower's roots sprang into action, burrowing deep into the ground, while the flower itself expelled soil to the sides. Rapidly, it created a substantial hole and piled soil beside it before repeating the process with the second spot.
Satisfied with the holes, John brought over his parents' bodies, placing them carefully into each hole he had prepared. He adorned each grave with a carving he had crafted earlier, a smiling depiction of his father beside his mother's grave and vice versa. Slowly, he filled the holes with soil, using the mounds of earth to create makeshift gravestones. A small prayer followed, and he then retreated to the kitchen, grabbing a pen and paper as he went. He had plans to craft, and while he desired time to grieve and reconcile, he recognized that Alice was unlikely to allow him that luxury. This world may be even less forgiving, a truth emphasized by Alice's animated presence as she bounced up behind him humming a tune.