WONDER ( Twisted Forbidden Tales ) Book Three

Familar Stranger Part Three

“As tantalizing as it looks, it is best that we don’t give in to temptation. Trust me when I say do not get ensnared by the dream forest.” Haku’s words were directed at me, still in Alissa’s arms. It seemed both of us were curious about the other and knew well enough that we were both more than what we appeared in the service.

We hurriedly passed the glaring tree of buttery deliciousness. Continuing, I soon encountered a surreal sight bringing another familiar set of feelings coursing through me as I looked ahead: strange city lights that shimmered in the distance, resembling the bustling nightlife of New York City. The lights pulsed and flickered in the darkness, casting an enticing glow that beckoned me forward. Letting out a low yet audible meow, I jumped down my paws, landing on the soft and fluffy feeling grass.

This gave Alissa space to move about in the ditch along the clearing away from the guards near the border close by, as she took off her packsack and squatted down to retrieve a few things from it. It escaped my attention that Haku had joined her as well, removing items from his small pack, but, I wasn’t paying too close attention at the moment because I was trying to figure out how I knew this place, let alone the city that had prospered within it.

I went to famous New York City years ago on a mission with my brother Danny (Doc). The memories of that time are foggy at best and I couldn’t recall all the happenings there as it took a month to resolve the issues riddling that city. It still didn’t make sense to me why this city was sitting in this wacky place. However, the feelings surging in me only urged me to keep moving forward to find the answer to my questions. We had to cross the borders, but due to Haku’s royal allegiance and Alissa’s mysterious identity, they needed disguises to move forward.

Things will get more complicated and dangerous from here on out. I couldn’t deny I was excited because, even if that were so, something in me felt that I would also find a way to turn back to my original body. Being a cat was one thing, but I felt less vulnerable when I could fend for myself without help from Alissa.

After clearing my thoughts, I sauntered over to the ditch Haku and Alissa were in and came face to face with a surprising scene. As Haku stepped into view from a secluded clearing, the air seemed to bend around him, charged with the anticipation of his presence.

His stature was tall and commanding, his form cloaked in a garment unlike any other. The time cape cloak he wears is a marvel of both style and function, a blend of ancient magic and modern design. Crafted from a supple yet durable material, the cloak drapes around his shoulders with an air of authority, its deep black hue contrasting sharply with the stark white of his rabbit ears.

The hood attached to the cloak was no mere accessory; I could tell it served as both protection and intimidation. Fashioned to resemble the visage of a deadly biker, it features sleek lines and fierce angles, giving the wearer an aura of danger and unpredictability. The material of the hood is reinforced with arcane runes, imbuing it with a sense of otherworldly power. Atop this imposing hood, his two rabbit ears stand tall and alert, twitching with an awareness that seems almost supernatural.

A fitted mask, crafted from supple leather, conceals the lower half of his face, obscuring his features while leaving his piercing gaze obscured. Through the veil of the mask, his eyes gleamed with an intensity, betraying the depths of his arcane prowess.

I let out a mellow meow in approval that this disguise was in contrast with Haku’s original royal attire. It told a lot about the place we would be entering soon, just like Dream Forest where we were headed next and could not be underestimated either.

Alissa appeared soon after, leaving my mind completely blown by her appearance. A mist came from nowhere, subtly adding to Alissa’s already spellbound allure. The air crackles with anticipation as she steps into view, her presence commanding attention like a flickering flame in the darkness. Her cape cloak billows behind her, a magnificent display of eccentricity.

It cascades down her slender frame in layers of deep violet, emerald green, and midnight black. The edges are adorned with intricate patterns reminiscent of swirling vortexes, each swirl a portal to the fantastical world of her imagination. Yet, despite its opulent appearance, the fabric holds a subtle sheen that hints at its modern, high-tech construction, designed for both style and functionality.

As a tech nerd myself, I wanted to dive into the makings of that cape when I got a chance. Now was not a good time, obviously, as the suspicion from before that Alissa was in deed the Mad Bandit had been confirmed a while ago by the packsack, but I hadn't wanted to believe it at first and the days that I had spent with her in this cat form had let me see another side of her that I didn’t want to tarnish with any misguided prejudices I may have had against the Mad Bandit before now.

As I studied the Mad Bandit’s cape, the more I felt that Alissa’s appearances in Happy Town weren’t just coincidences either. Alissa moved with reason, and it made me wonder what her reasons for being on my turf during those times could be.

Atop her head perches a top hat like no other, a sleek, modern marvel crafted from fine black leather and accented with gleaming brass gear and cogs.

A tool of disguise, equipped with a fitted mask that veils her features in an air of mystique. The mask covers her face and nose, leaving her mouth free to speak, yet the magic woven into the fabric alters her voice, distorting it into an intriguing blend of mystery and allure.

“We should head across soon. We should arrive at the club right on time to meet them.” Alissa’s now distorted voice said. She picked me up from the ground and held me in her arms again. Strangely, I felt a bit of nervousness about her, so I let out a low-hummed purr to comfort her. This city we were headed to was a place she didn’t like but for the sake of finding Haku’s friend and the whereabouts of the other missing people.

Her gloves, an extension of her ensemble, match the cape cloak in both style and substance. Crafted from supple leather dyed in shades of midnight blue and emerald green, they bear intricate patterns reminiscent of arcane symbols and alchemist's equations. Each finger is adorned with intricate brass rings embedded with shimmering gemstones. It was a strange yet calming experience as she quietly stroked my fur in return to my purring in subsiding her obvious unease.

“No matter how many times I see you all dolled up like this, I can't help being more surprised and awed by you, Issa. But you are right. There should be a shift change in guards now. Let’s get to where we fit in before time runs out,” said Haku

Alissa moves with graceful purpose, along with Haku through the remainder of the Dream Forest Trail, Beneath the hem of her cloak, her boots leave fleeting impressions of vibrant colors and hidden compartments. My fascination peaked once more at the similarity to my device belt. Multicolored leather panels weave together in a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of hues, while concealed pockets and pouches nestle within the folds. How interesting? I thought, as I couldn’t wait to see how she utilized these items.

Though I hoped we didn’t run into trouble here, I knew that was just wishful thinking. The deceptive appearance of Dream Forest, however, more tempting, was a silent warning to beware all who entered there. I knew Alissa was more than just a mere bandit; she was a force of nature, a harbinger of chaos and change once a cloak cape was put on. With a twirl of her cloak and a mischievous glint in her eye, the three of us disappeared into the shadows once more, arriving at the border on a journey to help Haku and solve this mystery.