Gather around, boys and girls, and put your hands together for this heartfelt tragedy that is about to begin.
This is the world of Hateful Wonderland, a place where dreams come true and butterflies lull you to sleep.
A bizarre and surrealistic world of anthropomorphic animals living in late 19th-century England.
This world is a wondrous and colorful place where hate and love derive.
In this story, we will follow a cast of characters, each with their own aspirations.
Will these characters stand resiliently and face the problem that awaits them, or will the shadows of fear and grief cast a veil over their hearts, plunging them into darkness?
Well, my lovely readers, the retelling of their stories is a journey that we shall embark on together.
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As I am undergoing the most stressful moment of my life, a midnight storm ravages the English countryside of Lancashire. Thunderous clouds cover the usual starry night. Trees and branches are shaking violently, blown by the howling wind. And I can hear the rain, hitting the earth with a relentless force.
My carriage is being pulled by my two horses, Charlie and Winston Sterlinghoof. Speeding through the muddy roads of Lancashire, the faint light of the oil lamp that I gave them provided little visibility for the road, but still, they remained resilient and moved onward, their hooves creating a rhythmic defiance against the storm.
“FASTER, DAMMIT!" My voice roared as I put my head out of the carriage window, the raindrops and howling winds hitting my face. The two horses began to pull and fought harder against the storm, despite their limited visibility.
One of them speaks out, his voice distorted by the wind and rain but loud enough for me to hear, “WE ARE TRYING OUR HARDEST MASTER JAMES."
With little closure, I close the carriage window and return my attention to my wife, who is currently lying on the carriage seat. Every time the carriage jostles, I can see her beautiful face illuminated by an oil lamp twitch, and shutters form from the pain.Doing everything I could, I sat beside her, grabbing her trembling hand. “Just a little bit longer, my love, please," I said soothingly, trying to distract her from the pain. The only response I get is her ragged and unsteady breathing.
The carriage continued to toss and jostle as we sped towards Lancashire General Infirmary. I sat alongside her, whispering reassurance into her ears. I continue to comfort her, feeling that eternity has passed me when I notice the carriage is slowing down. I know there are only two possibilities, either Charlie and Winston have slowed from exhaustion or we have arrived. I lean against her and close my eyes, holding her hand a little tighter, hoping for the latter.
My eyes are opended at the sound of Charlie and Winston bagging an iron gate and shouting, “OPEN UP LADY BUNNY IS IN LABOR.''
I turned my attention to my wife. “Hear that, Delliah.” My voice is trembling. “We have arrived.” I try to be strong for her by smiling, even though my body feels weak.
From inside the carriage, I can hear the panicked movement and shouting of the gate watchmen outside, drowned by the storm. In the midst of it, I heard the piercing sound of a rusty gate being opened.
With haste, the carriage began moving again, entering the infirmary courtyard and stopping at the front door. I can hear Charlie and Winston trying their hardest to quickly discard their straps before I hear them burst through the front door and enter the infirmary, shouting for help.
Looking at my wife, I can see her face writhing in agony. I can't imagine the pain she is going through. "Delilah, the doctor is coming, please endure it a little longer." She looks at me with tears streaming down her face. "I'm trying," she whispers to me through her pained breaths. "I swear to God, I'm trying." I embrace her trembling body. "I'm sorry, Delliah," I whispered to her. My voice wavered as I spoke. I can feel tears begin to form as the feeling of helplessness hits me hard. Knowing there is nothing I can do to ease her pain.
Suddenly, the carriage door opened, and I saw Charlie Sterlinghoof, hunched and gasping for breath. His mane is messy, and his clothes are soaked. He stood for a moment, catching his breath, before addressing me, "Lord Bunny." Struggling to speak between huffs and puffs, he said, "The head doctor, Hawthorne, is ready."
Waves of hope surged within me, filling me with renewed hope as I gazed at her with determination. "Can you walk, my dear?" I ask her, helping her sit up and swiftly draping my cloak over her. "I can try." Despite her weak response, I sense a glimmer of determination in her voice.
I stand and lend both of my hands to her. “Let me help you, love." Slowly, Delilah grabs both of my arms as I try to help her stand up. I face Charlie Sterlinghoof, still standing at the carriage entrance. I ordered him, “Go tell the head doctor to be ready, we will be there shortly." Charlie nods at my command and turns away back into the pruning rain before entering the infirmary.
Delilah is now standing, using me for support as we carefully walk toward the carriage entrance. As we approached the carriage entrance, I could feel the rain pouring in into the inside of the carriage. "Hold steady, love,” I said as we were standing at the carriage entrance, the harsh rain making my fur and clothes wet. I hoped my cloak would protect her body from the rain, even just a little.
We slowly descended the carriage step, her hand holding mine tightly with every step down. When our feet finally touched the ground, we slowly moved toward the opened infirmary door.
As we slowly moved in the storm, I felt my fur and clothes were now completely soaked. Glancing at Delilah, I saw that my cloak provided her body with some protection from the rain, but it was still not enough to cover her face and legs. I saw her determined face as the rain left its mark.
When we safely made it inside the infirmary, the head doctor shouted commands to the nurses and moved quickly, removing the wet cloak and gently putting her on a stretcher before rushing further into the infirmary.
As my adrenaline began slowly fading away, I let out a breath I did not realized I was holding. I fumbled into my pockets, searching for my pipe and tobacco, and found them damp. “Bloody hell," I muttered to myself. Irritation started to set in, and after a big sigh, I gave up on the thought of a comforting smoke.
I glanced around the dimly lit waiting room, water still dripping off my soaked clothes. I see Charlie and Winston Sterlinghoof both sat leaning against a wall on the side of the infirmary, their exhaustion seen on their faces and ragged breaths escaping from their mouths. Their messy manes clung to their faces, and their soaked clothes were already creating puddles beneath them.
“I'm going to find where they're taking my grace,” I said urgently. “You two, don't wander and stay here.” Their tired nods acknowledged my command. Leaving them in the dimly lit waiting area, I ventured into the hall where I saw them take my wife, determination echoing in my footsteps, guided solely by the hope of finding her.
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As I walk through the dimly lit infirmary hall, the sound of rain and occasional thunder continues outside. Approaching a window, I paused my walk and took a look outside. I saw the storm still raging on, raindrops racing down the glass, and a violent wind causing the trees to shake.
I couldn't help but think this was a reflection of my inner turmoil. ‘What if Delilah didn't survive her labor? What if the jostle of the carriage harmed our child?" I continued to stare into the storm outside, each raindrop echoing countless 'what ifs' through my mind.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear the approaching sound of footsteps until a voice startled me. “Good evening, Lord Bunny,” said a voice behind me.
My body jerks as I turn my head to see an old Collie watchman looking at me with concern. “Your servant made quite the ruckus when they barged in shouting for help." He said while gazing at me sympathetically, “Thank goodness the head doctor is still on the premises,” he added while looking down the hall.
I'm about to ask the old Collie what his business with me is before he changes the topic. “You are looking where the head doctor has taken your wife, correct?" surprised, I slowly nodded at his question. "Yes, I'm not quite familiar with the layout of this infirmary."
The old collie smiled once more before speaking, “Then please let me be of assistance, Lord Bunny, and follow me.” He began walking down the hall. “I'll make sure you reach Lady Bunny promptly." He said this as he led me through the infirmary. As I followed him close behind through every turn of the halls, my heart began to race with each step I took. Each step became a blur, as now the only thing on my mind was reaching her.
We slowed our pace as a wooden door on the side of the hall came into view. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the door was embedded with a round glass insert. And a wooden sign above, spelled ‘birthing room’.
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The old Collie watchman turned his back and faced me. “Lady Bunny is certainly inside this room, Lord Bunny,” he added. "I suggest you wait outside until a nurse lets you in so as not to disturb the head doctor.” A mixture of anxiety and anticipation filled me as I thanked the old Collie with a smile. “Now, if you would, please allow me some privacy.” I requested. The watchman politely nodded his head and said, “Of course, Lord Bunny,” before walking away and retreating back to his duties.
Alone once more, my only companions were the distant echoing sound of thunder and rain outside and the worry for my wife swirling in my mind. I leaned against the wall, taking some deep breaths to calm myself amidst my worries.
When I suddenly heard a shrill scream coming from the door, I recognized that voice. Panic surged within me as I was tempted to barge into the room and see what had happened. With my shaking hand, I reach for my wet pipe and a small, soaked pouch of tobacco. Placing the pipe into my mouth, my trembling hand struggled to prepare it. Each terrible noise coming out of the room intensified my worries.
After finally finishing preparing the pipe, I tied back the soaked tobacco pouch before placing it back into my pocket, my shaking hand barely managing to avoid dropping it in the process. With my pipe ready and both of my hands free, I retrieved a soaked matchbox from my vest pocket. “Come on, come on,” I grumbled as I tried to light the wet matches with a trembling hand before it broke. “Fuck !” I tried again desperately, trying to light just one match.
After numerous attempts and many broken matches, I finally successfully lit one. The bright orange glow promises me a sense of relief from my troubled thoughts. Swiftly, before the flames died out, I ignited my pipe. The wet tobacco posed challenges for the flames to start. But against all odds, the tobacco began to burn. With the pipe finally lit, I took a deep inhale. I felt the tobacco burning in my throat as my anxiety and worry began to numb. Each shout and scream coming from that room caused another deep inhale from my pipe. Providing me a brief relief from my troubled thoughts.
Lost in the haze of the smoke, I lost track of time, realizing there was no more commotion coming from that room. My thoughts were running wild, and questions about my wife's well being raced through my mind. All of my worries were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Seeing a white rabbit in a nurse outfit walk out, I instantly hurried towards her.
With the pipe clutched in my hand, I anxiously asked the nurse, “Did my wife survive her labor?” My voice trembled with concern. The nurse responded in a gentle and reassuring tone, "Yes, Lord Bunny, Lady Bunny had survived the process and had birthed a healthy baby boy.”
As soon as I heard those words, euphoria started flooding through me. I felt my knees shaking with relief. “T-thank God." I stammered, barely containing my overflowing joy. I walked towards the door and was interrupted by the nurse. She extended her hand, blocking the door, and with a gentle yet firm tone, she explained, “My apologies, Lord Bunny, but before you enter, I must confiscate your pipe." She informed me as she lent out her hands.
Irritation flared within me. “W-what, why?" I demanded. Avoiding my irritated gaze, the nurse replied, "It's not my decision, Lord Bunny. Lady Bunny has requested that no pipe or tobacco near the baby." Hearing the word ‘baby' makes my heart soar as I try to hide my excitement from the nurse. "Fine." I handed my pipe to the nurse before saying, "I expected it to be returned to me when I left the premises."
The nurse nodded. “Of course, Lord Bunny." satisfied, I handed her my pipe and tobacco pouch from my pocket. As the nurse took possession of my items, she nodded and began to walk away, disappearing into the dimly lit hallway. With no one stopping me, I gently pushed the door open and slowly entered the room. My nose twitched as the strong scent of medicine entered my nose. The dimly lit oil lamps revealed rows of empty beds.
My attention was drawn to one occupied bed where Delilah conversed with the head doctor, cradling a small bundle wrapped in blankets. As both of them notice my presence in the room, the head doctor says something to Delliah before making his way towards me. Standing before me, he says, "Congratulations, Lord Bunny. Despite some dificulty during the process, Lady Bunny has birthed a young, healthy boy."
Glancing at the paper on his clipboard, the doctor continued. “Lord Bunny, I advise that Lady Bunny stay in our care for several days to ensure her wellbeing and that of the baby." I nodded, acknowledging his advice. “Of course, doctor.”
With my agreement, the doctor nodded in return. “Then I will take my leave and give you and Lady Bunny some privacy. I'll be in the room down the hall if you need anything,” the bunny said before making his way towards the door. With that, the doctor leaves the two of us in the dimly lit room. I hurriedly approached my wife, who is currently sitting upright, cradling a bundle of blankets close to her chest.
I caressed her cheek before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. Pulling back, I asked her, “How do you feel, love?” Before Delliah could respond, her nose twitched. "James, have you been smoking your pipe?" sheepishly, I admitted. “Love, you know I smoke when I am stressed."
Her teasing smile made me chuckle nervously. “Ah, James, this smell still brings back memories of our first kiss.” She says it playfully. “Remind me, was it the tobacco or your natural breath that left such an impression?" Her teasing brought back memories of our disastrous first kiss. Causing me to blush and rub my face in embarrassment. “Please don't remind me of that day, love." I pleaded. Delilah only giggled in response, “I try not to, darling." Her smug expression only added to my embarrassment.
Suddenly, she was overcome with a fit of coughing, and I immediately grew concerned. “Love, are you alright?” I asked anxiously. Delilah reassured me with a tired smile. “I'm fine, James, my throat is a little sore at the moment,” she assured me before reaching for a glass of water on the nightstand. After taking a slow sip, she placed the glass back on the stand, signaling that she was okay.
And with that, a comfortable silence settled in the room as I quietly observed the bundle Delilah held in her arms. Suddenly, she broke the silence with a question “Do you want to hold the baby?” This was the moment I had been eagerly anticipating. Steadying myself, I looked at her directly and replied with a heartfelt "Yes."Delilah's face lit up with a warm smile as she gently handed me the white bundle. Carefully, I cradled the precious bundle in my arms.
Unfolding it and peeking beneath the layers of white blankets, I saw a sleeping baby bunny with thin, soft, blonde fur, the same as Delilah and me. Holding the slumbering infant close, a surge of happiness overwhelmed me. The baby appeared utterly angelic in the gentle glow of the oil lamp.
“My son,” I said as I slowly rocked the baby side to side. However, a change in his position woke him from his slumber, and he began to cry. Shocked, I began to stammer. "D-don't cry, my son.". I attempted to soothe him, but my effort proved useless as he began to cry louder. Looking at Delilah with a pleading expression, that asked, ‘What should I do?’ She could only giggle at the scene unfolding before her. "Okay, that's enough, dear. Let me handle it.”
Delilah extended both hands, signaling for me to pass the baby to her. I handed the crying infant back to her, and Delilah began to rock the baby while softly cooing. With the familiar embrace of his mother, the baby's cries gradually subsided. I watched as the infant calmed down, comforted by his mother's gentle cooing. Seeing this, I smirked and crossed my arms playfully. "Already playing favorites, huh, you little shit?” Delilah lightly chuckled at my remark, gently holding the now peacefully sleeping baby in her arms.
As I watched my wife gently hold the baby, a question lingered in my mind “So, what name should we give to our son?" I smiled, asking her “Or do you already have something in mind?"
Delilah gazed softly as she looked down at the infant bunny. But a fleeting shadow crossed her face briefly. Shaking it off, she refocused on the peacefully sleeping baby. Delilah promised herself she wouldn’t be like her mother. Ill-mannered, cross-headed, and having a great distaste for children.
Using her finger to trace his soft, fluffy golden fur, illuminated by the oil lamp, Delilah spoke softly, "Stephan." Her eyes fixed on the sleeping baby as she continued, “Stephan Sage Bunny.” A smile crossed my face. "A Sage, huh? I can sense you will do great things, son," I said as I gazed affectionately at our newborn son with a small, proud smile.
As the night wore on, I continued to stand by Delilah's side, watching her tireless efforts to comfort our newborn. Gradually, the exhaustion of tonight took hold, and Delilah drifted into a well deserved sleep, still cradling the baby. Once I was certain she was asleep, I carefully checked and adjusted the baby in her arms to ensure it was secured.
With the baby safely secured in her arms, I stood up and surveyed the quiet infirmary. Making use of nearby pillows and blankets from vacant beds and being mindful of her rest, I carefully arranged a makeshift, comfortable backrest for Delilah against the headboard.
When I'm sure Delilah is as comfortable as she can be, I admire my handiwork before grabbing two pillows and two blankets and returning to the waiting room. When I arrived at the waiting room, I found the two brothers asleep on the floor, leaning against the wall in an upright position.
"Ahem.” I clear my throat, trying to wake both of them. It seems that the two brothers do not hear me. “AHEM !” I tried harder this time. Suddenly, Winston Sterling's body jerks before he slowly opens his eyes. Realizing that I'm standing before him, he quickly stands up and tries to look as presentable as he can, despite his disheveled mane and damp clothes.
“L-lord Bunny, what is Lady Bunny's condition? Did Lady Bunny survive?" I could see Winston's eyes were filled with genuine concern. Smiling, I nodded reassuringly at his question "Yes, Delilah survived her labor and is resting for a few days in the labor room with my newborn son.”
Winston places his hand on his chest, expressing genuine joy. "Congratulations, Lord Bunny." I acknowledged his words with a nod. “I appreciate your well wishes, Winston.” our conversation was abruptly interrupted by a distant sound of thunder. I frowned.
“It seems that the storm outside still rages on." As I handed him the blankets and pillow, I suggested, “Our best course of action is to wait it out here until morning.” Winston accepted the pillow and blankets, nodding in agreement. “Of course, Lord Bunny," he responded as he draped a blanket over his sleeping brother and placed a pillow under his head.
Before leaving them to rest, I gave them an order, “Sleeping in damp clothes might be uncomfortable, but I'm asking you to endure it.” I walked away, hearing the shuffling of pillows and blankets behind me.
Once more, I navigate the dimly lit empty halls towards the birthing room, with the knowledge that my wife and son are safe. The sound of rain and thunder outside now feels more bearable.
I gently opened the birthing room door so as not to disturb the only two residents sleeping there. I approach my peacefully sleeping wife and baby. Bathed in the warm glow of the oil lamp, they both look gorgeous.
With a final, undisturbed kiss On her cheek, I lay in the vacant, empty bed next to her and finally allowed myself to rest. Despite the dampness of my clothes, it was the best sleep of my life. I sleep undisturbed, knowing that on this night all is fine at Lancashire General Infirmary.
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As the sun's rays peek through the horizon, a carriage moves slowly along the muddy road heading toward a manor, drawn by two bickering brothers and containing only one passenger. Thoughts fill his mind about Stephan's future, his personality, marriage, career path, and all the good that he will do.