01.

Text 1: The usual harmonious teatime…?

Text 2:
Art – Katagiri Ikumi
Story – Ninomiya Ai

02.

Box: I thought things had calmed down, but…

Text 1: As usual,

Text 2: you’re an unlucky man.

Mad Hatter: Whaaaat?! You met the dormouse?!

03.

sfx: thud

Alice: Ahhh!

sfx: flap flap

Alice: Whoa!!

sfx: worn out

Alice: Stop messing around!

Mad Hatter: I should be the one saying that! When and where did you meet him?! / Tell me the hour, the minute and the second!

04.

Alice: I’m surprised you’re saying that when your time has stopped… // It was when you left me behind. // But he didn’t give me his name, so I couldn’t be sure. / He helped me when I got stuck.

Text: Unfortunately, it’s against the rules in Wonderland to give away your name so easily.

Mad Hatter: Only a few people can open the path that leads to Caterpillar Lane. / That includes the guy who made a fool of me.

Mad Hatter: Damn it. So you just missed him? // If only you’d caught him at the entrance. // Ah…

05.

Mad Hatter: You really are useless.

Alice: You’re saying it’s my fault?! I didn’t do anything wrong! // Anyway, if we chase him now, we’ll find him soon!

Mad Hatter: You idiot. / You can only say that because you don’t know anything.

Alice: Then explain properly!

06.

Mad Hatter: Tch… / The key disappeared too.

Alice: The key? // Ah…

Mad Hatter: The Dormouse entered Caterpillar Lane. // He ran away while yawning. [It caused a fuss all over the country.] // Ah…

Alice: Still…

07.

Alice: I’m surprised to see them having fun like that when something bad just happened to me…

Duchess: You mustn’t say it’s stupid. / They’re having a welcome parade for you.

Alice: Ah… / Oh well…

Text: When everything’s over, I’ll go and have tea with her again.

08.

Text: Alice’s story too…

Mad Hatter: Alright. // You’ll dress up as a woman, Alice.

Alice: …What?

09.

Woman: Cheshire Cat, Cheshire Cat.

Cheshire Cat: Yes, yes! I’m here, Mistress.

Woman: Hey, look at this. / Is this one better?

Cheshire Cat: Do you prefer light colours, Duchess? // You look good in whatever you wear. / But it might be better if you didn’t wear white.

Woman: Why?

Cheshire Cat: Because it’ll get dirty.

10.

Woman: Eh?

Cheshire Cat: Is it alright if I go out for a while? / I don’t want to get in your way.

Woman: Thank you, Cheshire Cat. You’re a good boy. // I’m glad I have a pet like you.

Cheshire Cat: I’m already fed up of my new mistress.

11.

sfx: drag

Duke: A… / lice…

sfx: drag

Duke: Where is… / Alice…?

Cheshire Cat: Welcome home, Master. / Alice is in the inner room.

Duke: Alice… // Alice…

Cheshire Cat: You’ve brought another amazing person this time, White Rabbit. // Well…

sfx: tap

12.

Cheshire Cat: Where shall I go home to today?

13.

sfx: smile

Mad Hatter: It suits you unexpectedly well.

sfx: hehe

Alice: Shut up! It doesn’t suit me at all! What is this?! Why do I have to dress like a woman?!

sfx: flump

Mad Hatter: There are various conditions for entering Caterpillar Lane.

Alice: Various conditions?

14.

Alice: Don’t act like explaining is too much trouble!

Mad Hatter: Shut up!

sfx: bang bang

sfx: kyaaa

Woman: Don’t fire a gun inside the shop!

Mad Hatter: Anyway… / You have no charm, so I’m sure it’s impossible for you. // At least try and look charming on the outside.

Women: Please come this way, Sir! // Oh my, Alice! You have beautiful skin! // It seems like you’ll look good with makeup!

Alice: Gyaaa! Stop that!

15.

Alice: Don’t mess around with me anymore!

sfx: stop

Cheshire Cat: Ah. // Hatter. // Hey, hey! / Hatter ☆

sfx: click

Cheshire Cat: Hey, Hatter ☆

sfx: drop

sfx: fssh

16.

Mad Hatter: Don’t talk to me again. / Do you want to get killed?

Cheshire Cat: Maybe being killed by you is what I want…

sfx: bang

sfx: tap

Cheshire Cat: So where’s little Alice? // You’re unable to see me, / so it’s okay for us to talk, isn’t it?

17.

Mad Hatter: …So what about your mistress?

Cheshire Cat: My new master and mistress arrived today. / The White Rabbit is doing pretty well too.

Text 1: His body must already be at its limit

Text 2: from bringing a new master to this good for nothing place, Wonderland…

Mad Hatter: I see… / She died then.

18.

Cheshire Cat: Ah. / Don’t tell little Alice though.

Mad Hatter: There’s no need to tell him every single thing. / I don’t care about it.

Cheshire Cat: I’m glad you’re a cold person, Hatter.

Mad Hatter: Cheshire Cat. // The 89th Alice said he came to Wonderland of his own will, didn’t he?

Cheshire Cat: Little Rabbit was reeeallly angry~~~ / For some reason he took it out on me.

Mad Hatter: But the White Rabbit saved him from his “abandoned past”.

19.

Mad Hatter: Well, saved isn’t the right word. / It would be more correct to say that he forced him out of his dream. // As if that dream contained something he mustn’t see.

20.

Mad Hatter: Who on earth is the current Alice?

21.

Cheshire Cat: Hmm? / He’s Alice, right? // He said so himself.

Mad Hatter: …Never mind. It was stupid of me to ask you. / Get out of my sight already.

Cheshire Cat: I thought you couldn’t see me~~? / It’s not good to ignore the settings.

sfx: click

Mad Hatter: I’m going to blow a hole right through you.

sfx bubble: rattle

22.

sfx: creak

Cheshire Cat: Oh, little Alice?

Alice: Whoa! / What are you doing here, Cheshire Cat?!

Cheshire Cat: Ahaha! You look good in a skirt, little Alice.

Alice: Shuuuut uuuup!

23.

Alice: Hatter, get him out of here!

Mad Hatter: I can’t see him.

Alice: You can see him!

Cheshire Cat: I see, you two are going to Caterpillar Lane.

Alice: Huh? How do you know…?

Cheshire Cat: Only people who are loyal to the Queen can enter Caterpillar Lane. [It's completely impossible for me.]

24.

Alice: Loyalty…

Dormouse: You’ll die a quick death if you’re too proud. // If you want to enter Caterpillar Lane, then you must show loyalty to the Queen.

Alice: …to the Queen?

Mad Hatter: Now that the key is lost, this is the only way. // I’ve given my time to the Queen, but you haven’t done anything.

25.

Mad Hatter: So go and do something about it.

In panel text: You had no right to refuse

In panel text: from the beginning.

Cheshire Cat: Try your best, little Alice.

In panel text: If you’re saying that,

In panel text: then you won’t listen to my orders…

26.

Alice: No way…

Box: Fight, little Alice ☆

01.

Text 1 (page centre) Everything’s ready, let’s charge!!

Text 2:
Art: Katagiri Ikumi
Story: Ninomiya Ai

02.

Box: The Mad Hatter’s past…

White Rabbit: Have you forgotten your name? // In that case, I’ll tell you.

White Rabbit: Your name is… // “Mad Hatter” // Hatter…

03.

White Rabbit: Isn’t it perfect for you?

sfx: clatter

Queen of Hearts: “The Mad Hatter is the only one who can kill those hostile towards Alice.” // Only you can become Alice’s strength, Hatter.

Mad Hatter: Ridiculous. Why do I have to kill for someone I don’t even know? // I don’t even know who I am.

Queen of Hearts: You will listen to my orders, whether you like it or not.

04.

Queen of Hearts: In Wonderland, it is only your time that is accurate. // If you ever want to stop it moving, then come to me anytime, Hatter. // I’m counting on you.

Text: This game won’t be over until the real Alice is found.

05.

Text 1: What is Alice?

Text 2: Where is the real Alice?

Mad Hatter: Please stop // my time.

sfx: click

06.

Duchess: Are you alright, Cheshire Cat?

Cheshire Cat: Yes.

Text: “Do what you want with him.”

sfx: clink

Mad Hatter: If this guy / isn’t Alice… // Then where is the real Alice now?

07.

sfx bubble: sigh

Alice: Ah…

Fish: Glub.

Alice: Glub…

sfx: gyaaaaa

sfx: crash

08.

Alice: D-D-Don’t s-s-scare me!!

sfx: punch

Fish: It was rude of you to try and punch me all of a sudden. / Glub.

Duchess: Alice!

Alice: You…

Duchess: I’m glad you’re awake!

sfx: flump

Duchess: I’m glad…

09.

Alice: Ah…what about that guy?

Cheshire Cat: If you’re talking about my master, he was dealt with by the White Rabbit.

Alice: White / Rabbit?

Cheshire Cat: By the way, the Hatter is

In panel:
downstairs
drinking tea.

sfx: clink

Cheshire Cat: I’ve got an appointment, so I’ll be leaving. // Take care, little Alice.

Alice: Ah… / Hey…

Duchess: Alice.

10.

Duchess: It’s okay, let him go.

Alice: …

Duchess: …Bye bye, / Cheshire Cat.

sfx: slam

11.

Cheshire Cat: Goodbye, / Mistress.

sfx: ting-a-ling

Duchess: Alice. / Thank you for this. [I made sure to clean it.]

Alice: A-Ah. [Thanks.]

Duchess: …I’ll tie it for you.

sfx: creak

12.

Duchess: You’re feeling better now? / Tell me if you feel any pain.

Alice: No, I’m not hurt at all… // Anyway…what on earth happened? // Did I… / do something?

Duchess: You don’t / remember?

Alice: …Oh. // Oh? // So the White Rabbit dealt with him…

Duchess: Yes. / He cut him to pieces with a big sword.

Alice: Why…?

Duchess: Because he wasn’t useful anymore, / I suppose.

sfx: tighten

13.

Alice: …Then you don’t have to be the replacement anymore.

Duchess: That’s right.

Alice: So you can live happily in Wonderland.

Duchess: …Yes.

Alice: …I see. / That’s great.

Duchess: Hey, Alice. I asked you this, didn’t I?

14.

Duchess: Do you still want to become Alice?

Duchess: If you can live without looking back at the past… / If you want to become Alice, // you’ve got to keep moving forward. // No matter what.

15.

Alice: …Yeah, I know. / I will // become Alice // so that my name won’t be taken away again.

16.

Duchess: ….Okay.

sfx: clink

sfx: slurp

Mad Hatter: This has no flavour. // This is why I don’t like other people pouring me tea. / It’s not sweet at all. // Sugar, sugar…

17.

Text: In my house, there’s no sugar for anyone who won’t pour tea for Alice.
By the Duchess

Mad Hatter: I’ll / make / that kid / cry one day!

Alice: What are you doing?

Mad Hatter: Alice…

Alice: Is it really the time for you to be relaxing and having tea? // You’re going to / kill the White Rabbit, aren’t you?

18.

Duchess: You don’t need to go to this trouble.

sfx bubble: bow

sfx: pat pat

Duchess: Don’t apologise. // Useless people shouldn’t be in Wonderland. // It would be no good if I got in the way of Alice / reaching the goal…

19.

Duchess: So my turn is already over.

sfx: tap

Duchess: A new Duchess will become Alice’s replacement.

Text 1:
89th Alice.
Will you be able to end this story?

Text 2:
Cheshire Cat.
Please help Alice.
Only you can help Alice.

20.

Text:
…I know your regrets that want to forget Alice.
I know your nightmare that cannot forget Alice.

Duchess: Could you / tell that to my lovely pet?

21.

Queen of Hearts: Even if he is unnecessarily tormented by that?

Duchess: …Well. // I wasn’t / able to become Alice. // I didn’t want to trouble him like Alice did. // So I kept on enduring it… / But…

Duchess: I should have let myself be jealous. // I should have acted like a spoilt child. // Those are / my regrets.

22.

Queen of Hearts: I’ll make sure / to tell him.

Duchess: Thank you very much. / Your Majesty.

Duchess: Cheshire Cat.

23.

Text: I love you.

Woman: …What’s wrong?

Cheshire Cat: Nothing… / I just felt a little lonely.

24.

Cheshire Cat: Where will I go home to now?

25.

Duchess: Hey. // There’s something I’d like you to tell me before I disappear. // You were the only one whose figure I didn’t see inside of the pitch black ink. // Your regrets. // Your past.

26.

Duchess: Mad Hatter. / Why are you in Wonderland?

Box: Will the question be answered?

======
Extras
======

07.

Rinka: Pleased to meet you, / my name is Kusu Rinka. // I’m happy but shy about having my first volume published. / Thank you very much! // I’m actually a shy person. I’m so excited!

Box 1: I’m glad to be drawing Monokuro Kitan now / and I thought I’d write about its beginnings.

Text 1: At first, I had been putting all my efforts into a completely different story…

Text 2: But I suddenly made it into a school setting… (A few weeks before my deadline actually…)

Box 2: A revolution in my mind.

Text 3: From then on was a long process…

Text 4: Malice existed from the very beginning…

Text 5: But now, everything, including the Malice seems like it’s from a completely different world…

Box 3: Especially Shirou and Kurokichi.

Rinka: Well…

Text 6: They were actually good friends.

Rinka: Now that I think about it, that’s scary.

Shirou: Impossible!

Kurokichi: We’re still good friends now. [Right?]

08.

Box 1: Shirou was eccentric / and Kurokichi was more distant.

Ririko: Who are they…?

Box 2: Isn’t it like their personalities switched?

Text 1: At first, Ririko had only one ponytail instead of two.

Text 2: I planned for her to fight as well.

Text 3: As for the black and white in the title…

Text 4: These don’t necessarily refer to Shirou and Kurokichi.

Text 5: “Many different instances of black and white form part of this story…” *twinkle*

Text 6: That’s the idea I had!

Text 7: Anyway!

Text 8: I was grateful for my manager’s constant suggestions and continued changing the series for more than six months…

Text 9: and so the series finally ended up in its current form.

Text 10: Well, the idea of Pierrot’s toy box and so on does seem ridiculous at first, but we’re moving onto the second volume having had many things revealed…

Text 11: Next time, the three main characters will become much closer ♥ I think there may also be a change in the flow of the story~

09.

Shirou: Impossible…

Rinka: I ended up talking for a while… // Having so many subjects to deal with is a new experience for me, / but together with them, I’ll try my best to concentrate everyday.

Scan by kurokichii.

00.

Text 1: Monokuro Kitan Characters

Text 2:
Shirou Otori
Owns a Malice which has the power of the Holy Lance, Aeon. An extreme clean freak.

Text 3:
Ririko Benibana
The owner of Toybox, the Malice sent to her by her father, who died a mysterious death.

Text 4:
Kurokichi Kagenui
Uses a Malice that resembles shadows melting into darkness. What’s his real reason for trying to become friends with Shirou?

Text 5:
Raiya Hisumi
A member of Akemikado Academy. He is able to give other people the power to control a huge puppet.

Text 6:
Hachizou Momo-oka
He works together with Raiya and plays with his opponents using his Malice, Trick the Trick.

Text 7:
Itsuru Magakumo
Uses a Malice that allows him to control a pair of swords. He was pierced through the heart by Kurokichi’s Malice…

Text 8:
~The story so far~
Ririko had gone to Akemikado Academy to find out about the card left to her by her father. Near the black clocktower feared by the townspeople, she met Shirou and they decided to work together. The two of them were separated by Hachizou Momo-oka’s Malice, Trick the Trick, then Ririko was confronted by Hachizou and Raiya. Ririko was told that her Malice did not belong to her father, but to Pierrot, the father of Raiya and the others. Meanwhile, another Malice user, Itsuru Magakumo appeared before Shirou. Shirou faced a difficult battle against Itsuru, who possessed the ability to control a pair of swords. Just as Itsuru was about to destroy Aeon’s card, a dark shadow pierced his heart. Kurokichi Kagenui appeared together with Ririko. Unable to deal with the situation, Ririko watched as Itsuru, who was presumed to be dead, stood up in front of her eyes…

01.

Text 1: Monokuro Kitan

Text 2: Kusu Rinka

Box: Itsuru reappears…!!

Text 3: Volume 1 is already on its second printing!!

02.

Text 1: Malice itself…?

Text 2: I had a feeling he wasn’t human that time…

03.

[sfx bubble] reach

Kurokichi: Wait. / Please don’t release your lance.

Itsuru: Kurokichi… / Kagenui…? // Hehe… // What is… / this? // Hehehe! // Or are you a death god?!

04.

Itsuru: Hehehe! / It makes me laugh! // What is this…? / What is this?! // Ahahahaha!!

Kurokichi: You’re full of motivation, aren’t you?

05.

Itsuru: Be quiet… // Sword Dancer.

Kurokichi: I don’t want to fight…

06.

Kurokichi: and you don’t actually want to fight either.

07.

Kurokichi: Please give up…

Itsuru: Hehehehe…

08.

Shirou: Why did you let him escape?

09.

Kurokichi: We’ve got to light him fulfill his duty.

[sfx bubbles] sob

Ririko: What is Malice…? // This… / I don’t understand what it means…

10.

Ririko: Dad… / Why didn’t you tell me anything? // Dad…!

Kurokichi: Benibana-san.

11.

Kurokichi: Are you afraid of them? // They…

12.

Kurokichi: only look like humans… / They are Malice itself…

Shirou: It seems like they go in and out of the clocktower… // What are they doing?

Ririko: Ahhh?!

13.

Ririko: This… / It’s from the music box shaped like the clocktower…

Kurokichi: Yes. / They are gravekeepers…

Ririko: Grave…?

Kurokichi: They are toy soldiers.

14.

Kurokichi: Otori-kun. // What happens when you use your Malice? / When you take out your lance, I mean. // You give your flesh and blood to the Malice, don’t you?

Shirou: That’s right, but…

Kurokichi: The lance is made from your flesh and blood.

15.

Kurokichi: In other words…

Boy: Eh… // Ah…

Kurokichi: In order for those who are Malice itself to remain human… // they eat the flesh and blood of humans.

16.

Kurokichi: It’s like mealtime for them. // And…when they lose a lot of blood like Magakumo-kun did… / it becomes difficult for them to use their Malice ability.

[sfx bubble] huff

[sfx bubbles] crunch

Kurokichi: Most importantly… / Their hunger is so great that they can’t remain human. / They can’t deny the instincts of Malice…

17.

Kurokichi: A starved wild animal… // The monster known as Malice.

[sfx bubbles] huff [x3]

Itsuru: Heh.

Ririko: A monster…

18.

Kurokichi: My intention is to destroy all the Malice. // Of course… // That means the Toybox too.

19.

Text: Monokuro Kitan

Kurokichi: I think you’ll find out what you want to know if you come with me. // Maybe…

Ririko: Destroy… / this Malice?

Kurokichi: You might think of it as a memento… // But as its name suggests, / it is a toybox. // It might be easier to say that // the Malice are the toys.

20.

Ririko: A box of Malice…

Kurokichi: I’m sleepy… // Tomorrow… // Tell me what you intend to do. / I’ll talk to you again then…

21.

Kurokichi: Otori-kun. / I’d like to have the assistance of your Malice too. // I haven’t changed my mind about wanting to be your friend. // It seems that you’ve been visiting the area around the tower for a while… // But you probably now understand how dangerous it is. // I can’t keep saving you all the time.

22.

Kurokichi: Well…

[sfx bubble] smack

23.

Ririko: I wonder if he’s okay…

24.

Girl: Ahh! / Itsuru still isn’t here?! // I’m bored of these dolls!!

25.

Hachizou: Huh? // No way.

Raiya: Me neither.

Girl: Hmph! // I hate Raiya and Hachi!

Hachizou: Don’t call me Hachi.

Itsuru: Raiya…

26.

Girl: Itsuru!

Hachizou: Ah…

Girl: What’s wrong? / You’re a mess… // And…

27.

Girl: You ate someone, didn’t you? // Hey… / But… // Can I do // that thing I always do? / I can’t wait any longer.

Itsuru: Hehe… // Do what you want… // I’ve told you many times. // If I can be useful to you, then I don’t mind… / Hehehe…

28.

Girl: Hehe… // I love you, Itsuru.

Itsuru: Hehe… // Hehehehe…

Raiya: Well… // Itsuru… / How did it go?

29.

Itsuru: I met him… // Kurokichi Kagenui.

30.

Raiya: Are you telling the truth?

Itsuru: Why would I lie about that? / Hehe…

Girl: Kurokichi…! // He survived…!!

31.

Raiya: Kagenui-kun…

Itsuru: Hehehe… / His Malice is dangerous… // for a moment, I thought it was the power of shadows… / But it’s not like that… // A strange Malice…

32.

Itsuru: Hehehehe!! // Ahahahaha!! // Well… / I ended up in this mess, but my wish didn’t even come true… // Hehehe… // Being miserable suits you… / Hehehe… // Miserable! / Miserable! / Hehehehehe!!

33.

Itsuru: I’ll make sure to kill death…! // Hehehe…

Raiya: For a while, we’ll wait and see how things go…

34.

Raiya: Everything will begin moving…

Box: Continues in the June issue (On sale 18th of May).

Scan by kurokichii.

01.

Box 1: A summer evening, 7 years ago…

Text 1: Monokuro Kitan

Text 2: Kusu Rinka

Box 2: The orphanage we were raised in was dyed red in the blink of an eye…the dark shadow of the monster that did it…

Text 3: Volume 1 on sale January the 27th!

Text 4: “Death God”

02.

Box 1: The 13th and final Malice was later given that name.

Box 2: Even now that we know it was a Malice,

Girl: Ah… / Ah…

Box 3: we think it is a terrible creature.

03.

Box 1: Powerful hatred

Box 2: and a murderous spirit…

Raiya: The orphanage we were raised in was burned to the ground… // Later on…

04.

Raiya: The clocktower was built in its place. // A gravestone… / mourning the cruel death of all those children who were killed that night… // That’s what the townspeople think it is.

Raiya: Well, they’re not mistaken in thinking that it’s a gravestone. // Even now, strange corpses are often found near the tower. // That’s why the townspeople are afraid…

05.

Raiya: “There are death gods living in the tower” is what they say.

Text: Monokuro Kitan

Raiya: We’re the only ones to survive after seeing the death god. // The existence of death gods still remains in the memories of the townspeople, / like a superstitious rumour.

06.

Raiya: The Malice we saw that night…death…belonged to someone… / I’m sure it belongs to someone now… // Just like the Malice we own…

Raiya: When I used Maya Sonomachi to get Toybox back… // Shirou Otori, a Malice user, appeared…

07.

Raiya: The 12 Malice… // The only one who owns a Malice apart from us, the owners of the numbered cards, is Otori-kun. // It’s inevitable that Otori-kun is the owner of the 13th Malice, death… // But…

Hachizou: It’s a very different Malice from the death that we know… // It seems like the complete opposite. // That white lance…

[sfx bubble] clatter

08.

Raiya: I used Itsuru, the one who was most attached to death / to find out whether Otori-kun’s Malice was death or something different…

Hachizou: Huh? / Does Itsuru know about // your true intention?

Raiya: No. // I haven’t told him. // I just said to him “I’ve found death, so I’ll leave it to you”. // He was happy, you know?

Raiya: Even if he can’t kill Otori-kun, / Itsuru takes abuse from other people. // It’s okay… // Because…

09.

Raiya: Itsuru is / a masochist. // He’ll keep quiet and accept his punishment.

[sfx bubble] tap

Hachizou: Sorry, Itsuru…

Raiya: Death…? // The cause of the rumours was the Malice called Death we saw that night… // But now we are the death gods in the rumour feared by the townspeople…

10.

Raiya: We’re no different from death gods. // We are impressive monsters too…

11.

Shirou: Kagenui…

Ririko: Did you…kill him…? // But…his blood… // is black…

12.

Shirou: What’s the meaning of this?

13.

Shirou: Why are you here? / What did you come for?

Kurokichi: Ah~ // I came to save you.

14.

Kurokichi: I also made sure to save Benibana, who was in the tower. / She called me mean names like “monster” and “pervert”…I felt kind of hurt.

Shirou: I don’t remember asking you to save us.

Kurokichi: If you’re friends with someone, / then wouldn’t you want to save them?

Shirou: How unpleasant.

15.

Text: Monokuro Kitan

Kurokichi: That hurt my feelings…

Shirou: Hmph…

Kurokichi: Anyway…

16.

Itsuru: Heh…hehehehehehe…! // Hehe… // Hehehe…

Text: That injury should have killed him instantly…

17.

Itsuru: Hehehe!

Ririko: …..

18.

Kurokichi: As long as their Malice isn’t destroyed, / they’re indestructible. // They’re only disguising themselves as humans…

19.

Kurokichi: They are the Malice itself.

Box: Itsuru stood up after Kurokichi pierced his heart! What on earth is going on?!

Scan by kurokichii.

00.

Text 1: Monokuro Kitan Characters

Text 2:
Ririko Benibana
The owner of Toybox, the Malice sent to her by her father, who died a mysterious death.

Text 3:
Shirou Otori
Owns a Malice which has the power of the Holy Lance, Aeon. Is a clean freak.

Text 4:
Kurokichi Kagenui
Uses a Malice that resembles shadows melting into darkness. Loves milk.

Text 5:
Raiya Hisumi
Has the ability to grant other people the power to control puppets. He seems like a doll too.

Text 6:
Hachizou Momo-oka
Plays with his opponents using Trick the Trick, his power which resembles that of a magician.

Text 7:
The story so far:
Ririko went to Akemikado Academy, Raiya Hisumi’s school in order to find some information about the card left to her by her father. Strangely enough, she met Shirou near the dark tower and they were separated by the power of Hachizou’s Malice. Raiya told Ririko that Toybox, the card her father had given her did not originally belong to him, but that it belonged to Pierrot, the father of Raiya and the others…

01.

Text 1: Monokuro Kitan

Text 2:
Shirou encounters a new Malice.
The dance of death begins.

Text 3: Kusu Rinka

02.

Text 1: Shirou was separated from Ririko by Hachizou’s Malice…

Text 2: That ridiculous guy, Momo-oka…

Text 3: Just as I thought, he’s after Benibana’s Malice…

Shirou: Tch…

[sfx bubble] crunch

03.

Itsuru: Hehe… / He’s treating you well too…Raiya’s a good guy… // But… // No one really needs you.

Itsuru: Hey, you understand you’re just / being used, right? // But he’s expecting something of you…you might be some use… // Then… / Then…?

Itsuru: Ahaha… // Ahahaha!! // It makes me laugh… // I’m such an idiot… / Hehehe…

Text 1: He’s been like this the whole time…

Text 2: Is there a reason I was locked up in here with this guy…?

04.

Shirou: You’re Itsuru Magakumo…

Itsuru: Hehe…

Shirou: Aren’t you? // You’re one of the people going in and out of the tower too, right?

Itsuru: Hehe… / Ah… // That’s right. / Hehe.

Itsuru: But don’t look at me in the same way as the others. / Hehehe… // How unfortunate for them / to be put together with me… // Hehe…

05.

Shirou: Then you should know this. // The corpses found around the tower… // They were murdered by you, weren’t they?

Itsuru: Hehehe… // So what? // Ah… // That’s right… // The people killed by me are unfortunate… / Tears were pouring from their eyes…

06.

Itsuru: I also… // cry when I remember them… // Hehe…what am I crying for? // It’s disgusting… / Disgusting!

07.

Itsuru: You’ve been… // annoying me for a while…

Itsuru: You think it’s funny? // That I’m such / pathetic, foolish and ugly trash! // Hehe… / Haha…

08.

Shirou: Listen up… // “The death gods living in the tower.” / That’s you and the others, isn’t it?

Itsuru: Death gods? // Heh… // Hehehehe!

09.

[sfx bubbles] beep

Itsuru: Sword Dancer.

10.

Shirou: Tch…

Itsuru: Death gods… // We’re death gods…? / Hehehe…

Itsuru: What a coincidence… // that you’re thinking the same thing as I am… // Hehe…

11.

Itsuru: I also have some business with the death gods…

Ririko: Pierrot’s… / Toybox?

12.

Ririko: What kind of person is Pierrot? / You said he was your dad, right?

Raiya: Yeah… // He’s a bit different from what you think a father is though.

Ririko: Who… / is he?

Raiya: We don’t know who he is either.

In panel: Huh?

13.

Raiya: But we know he exists. / Pierrot… // That’s why we exist.

Ririko: Don’t… // Don’t mess around! // You know he exists, / but you don’t know who your father is?! / That’s just weird!

Raiya: Which means… / You don’t believe me.

14.

Ririko: I mean I don’t understand what you’re saying. // Are you trying to protect Pierrot? // Anyway, it’s strange that you answered my question so willingly…

Raiya: It’s up to you whether you believe me or not. // Well… // Let’s get down to business. // The Toybox / that you’ve got… // How about you give it back?

15.

Raiya: It’s an order from Pierrot. // Give it back, okay?

Ririko: Don’t be stupid! // I said I don’t believe you. / And it was something my dad gave me… // It doesn’t matter where it came from.

16.

Ririko: It’s mine now! // Tell Pierrot // to come and get it if he wants it!

Raiya: Wait. // Let her go.

17.

Hachizou: Got it.

Raiya: Anyway, / how is Itsuru doing?

Hachizou: Ah… // Wait a minute.

18.

Hachizou: Well… / He’s doing pretty well, considering it’s him.

Raiya: Right…

19.

Ririko: Who is Pierrot? / Toybox…the Malice my dad left me…what is it? // Was dad killed because of this Malice?

[sfx bubbles] huff

Ririko: Why did dad keep visiting this town?

[sfx bubble] huff

Text: Dad…

20.

Text 1: Now where am I…?

[sfx bubble] shiver

Text 2: It feels kind of cold…

Text 3: Come to think of it, what happened to Otori-kun…?

[sfx bubble] hmph

Text 4: Even though he said he’d look out for me…

21.

Ririko: A music box…? I wonder if it’s broken…it keeps repeating the same part…

22.

Ririko: Wha…? // A black clocktower…?!

23.

[sfx bubble] shut

Text 1: What is this doing here?

Text 2: Could this be…the inside of the clocktower?

Text 3: Death gods live inside the clocktower…

24.

[No text]

25.

Shirou: Tch…

Itsuru: You don’t like that melody? / In that case…

26.

Itsuru: How about this melody?

27.

Itsuru: Hehe… // Great…it seems like you’re a little more pleased… // If I increase the number of sounds, it’ll be even more fun. / Hehe…

Shirou: What are you talking about?

Itsuru: Huh?

28.

Shirou: Earlier… / You said that you had some business with the death gods.

Itsuru: Hehehe… // You thought that we were the death gods. // But we’re not death gods… // It’s you. // Hehehe…

29.

Shirou: Why do you think that…?

Itsuru: Why, you ask? // Anyone owning a Malice that isn’t one of us is a death god…we destroy them… // What’s written on your Malice?

30.

Itsuru: The number. // Tell me which number is written on it… / Hehe…

Text 1: What…?

Text 2: My Malice doesn’t have a number like that.

Text 3: It’s only Aeon that is different from the other Malice…?

Itsuru: Ah… / You don’t want to tell me? // I understand. / I understand… // Your Malice doesn’t have a number written on it!

31.

Shirou: …!!

32.

Itsuru: Hehehehe…!!

Text: Black blood…!!

33.

Itsuru: Hehehe… ♪ // Mr Death God’s pure white Malice~ ♪ // Dirty~ / Dirty, dirty, dirty! // I stained it black with my blood~♪

Shirou: Let go!

[sfx bubble] scratch

Itsuru: Hehe… // Heh

34.

Itsuru: Joker Death ♪

35.

Text: I’ve got no choice, I’ll bring it back for now…

[sfx bubble] beep

Itsuru: Well ♪ / What will be your dance for the next melody?

36.

Itsuru: Hehehe… // Mr Death God~ I’ve caught you~ ♪

37.

Itsuru: Look Mr Death God~ // You don’t // have a number ♪ // Hehehe!

38-39.

[No text]

40.

Shirou: Wha…?

Text: Is he dead…?

41.

Kurokichi: Looks like you’re okay.

Text: Continues in February’s issue (On sale January 18th).

Shirou: Kagenui…

Box: To be continued.

Scan by Samy Simon

01.

Text 1:
Monokuro Kitan
Plot and Characters

Text 2:
Ririko Benibana
She is trying to solve the mystery of her father’s death. The card left to her by her father was postmarked Kaminoshiro. She chose not to live with her relatives and pretend as if nothing happened. She is curious, active and has a big appetite.

Text 3:
Shirou Otori
A student at Kaminoshiro Private High School. He doesn’t get involved with the other students and anything else about him is a mystery.

Text 4:
Ririko’s father suddenly dies and the cause of his death is unknown. The disappointed Ririko receives an envelope from one of her father’s colleagues. The envelope sent to Ririko before her father’s death contained a card. Investigations by the police hadn’t turned up anything. Her father had been investigating the town of Kaminoshiro and she no longer had any family left. Ririko transferred to Kaminoshiro High School and quickly made friends because of her kind and positive personality. However, one day after school, Ririko’s friend Maya suddenly started acting strangely and attacked Ririko with a monster that came from a card, saying that she was doing it “for the person she loved”. Ririko was unable to react to this strange occurrence and her classmate Shirou Otori appeared before her. Using a card, he pulled a strange lance from his body and killed the monster. All the unusual events that began from her father’s death were brought about by the cards known as Malice. Ririko headed towards the dark tower…

02.

Text:
The land where the dark tower is.
Shirou offers to lend a hand…
What will Ririko do…?!

Ririko: Eh…?

03.

Ririko: What’s the matter, all of a sudden? / You completely ignored me, so why this again? // Are you planning something? // I won’t let you destroy the Malice I’ve got.

Text 1: A Malice with something unknown written on it…

Text 2: I’m sure she thinks that I would want to destroy it, but…

Shirou: I won’t do that. / I’m using you because there’s something I want to know.

04.

Shirou: All I’m saying is that I’ll help you if it’s necessary for me to achieve that.

Ririko: What do you want to know?

Text 1: Anyway…

Text 2: I’d like to see her acting on her father’s behalf…

Shirou: It’s got nothing to do with you.

Ririko: Hmph… // You’re using me without any explanation?

Shirou: I only said I’d help you in return…

05.

Ririko: In other words… / You’ll make sure to protect me if a monster attacks like it did yesterday?

[sfx bubble] nod

Ririko: Well… / If you will, that’s fine… // Well? // Why are you here? // No one comes near this place, right?

Shirou: It’s got nothing to do with you.

06.

Ririko: Hmm… // Well… // Now I’m thinking of going to Akemikado Academy to investigate Malice…

Shirou: Hmm…

Ririko: If you’re going to be using me… // then you’ll come with me, right?

07.

Ririko: Wow… // Just like I heard, it feels like a strict place.

Shirou: You’re looking for someone called Hisumi?

Ririko: Yeah…anyway, I think I’ll go around and ask… // Ah! / Excuse me!

08.

Ririko: Eh… / She ignored me? // Umm… / Have you got a moment?

Guy: Sorry. / I’m in a hurry.

Ririko: Umm…!

09.

Ririko: ….. // They’re not even looking… // It seems like they’re feeling nervous and awkward…? // No one’s talking to me…

Ririko: What should I do…? / People are leaving… // Ah…

Hachizou: What are you doing?

Ririko: No one will talk to me, you see…

Hachizou: Haha…give them a break… / They had end of week tests today.

[sfx bubble] tap

10.

Hachizou: Good day. / Lovely young lady.

11.

Text:
He seems completely different to the other Akemikado students…
What a showy guy…

Hachizou: That guy next to you… / Is he your boyfriend? // Ah… / Excuse me. // My name is Hachizou Momo-oka.

12.

Hachizou: Nice to meet you ♥

[sfx bubble] reach

Ririko: Thank you…

Hachizou: It’s a black rose. // One for you too, Mr Boyfriend!

Text: Who is this guy…?

Hachizou: Eh…what? / Why are you staring at me? // Kyaa~~~ ♥ Don’t stare too much!

Ririko: Ah…there’s something I’d like to ask! / May I?

Hachizou: Mmm… / I don’t mind ♥ / Anyway, you don’t have to speak so politely.

Ririko: Really? / Well…

13.

Ririko: I’m looking for Raiya Hisumi-kun…do you know him? // I’d like to meet him now, if that’s possible…

Hachizou: Ah…okay then. // I’ll take you to him ♥

In panel: Really?!

14-15.

[No text]

16.

Ririko: Eh?! // Huh?!

17.

Ririko: Kyaa?! // Uh~~ / I hurt my back… // What happened…?

18.

Ririko: Dolls…?

Text 1: There are so many…

Text 2: Why…here…?

Text 3: Where’s Otori-kun…?

Text 4: Did we get separated…?

Text 5: A hat…

Text 6: Come to think of it, it came from above me…

Hachizou: Hey, hey!

Ririko: Ahh?!

19.

Hachizou: Long time, no see ♥ / Sorry! Is your back okay?

Ririko: Ah… / You! // What on earth did you do?! / Anyway, let go of me!

Hachizou: A magic show full of tricks…

[sfx bubble] gulp

20.

Hachizou: Trick the Trick.

Text: A Malice…!!

Hachizou: Did you enjoy that?

21.

Hachizou: You wanted to meet Raiya Hisumi-kun, right? // Raiya wants / to meet you too.

[sfx bubble] tap

Hachizou: So…

[sfx bubble] gulp

Hachizou: I went to meet you, just like Raiya asked me to ♥

[sfx bubble] tap

Raiya: Thank you… / Hachizou.

Hachizou: No problem.

22.

Raiya: Welcome to the Puppet Master’s Room. // Welcome, / Lily.

Text 1: There was someone else here…?

Text 2: Anyway…

Text 3: Lily…that’s me?

Raiya: Pleased to meet you. // I finally got to meet you.

23.

Text 1: Him…?

Text 2: But he’s also kind of…

Raiya: Like a doll?

24.

Raiya: I get / told that a lot. // “Creepy, just like a walking mannequin.” / Stuff like that… // I’m already / used to it…

Ririko: Ah… / Anyway… // I knew it, you’re…

Raiya: Just sit down for now. / We’ll talk then.

Hachizou: Well, young lady. / This way ♥

25.

Hachizou: Here you go ♥

Ririko: Thank you…

Raiya: Ah, that’s right! / Tea! // It’s black tea though, / you don’t mind, do you?

Ririko: Eh… / No… // Tea??

In panel: I don’t know where I should start…

Hachizou: Hey…you… / That’s no good…

Raiya: I knew it…strange, isn’t it? / It was my first time making tea, so I didn’t know what to do…

Hachizou: Ah…jeez! / I’ll make some more, you just stay there.

Raiya: Ah…sorry.

26.

Raiya: Well… // Please continue.

Ririko: It was you who gave Maya the Malice, wasn’t it?

Raiya: You mean Maya Sonomachi? / That’s right, I did. // Puppeteer.

27.

[sfx bubble] reach

Raiya: The puppet she made / was extremely devoted to me. // Thanks to that, it was quite a powerful pawn, / but not only did it turn out of be wasted effort, you were also put into danger. // You were scared, right? / I’m sorry…

Hachizou: Ugh!!

Ririko: Well…

28.

Ririko: I want to… / ask about my dad, Magatsu Benibana’s death.

Raiya: Ah…

Ririko: My dad often visited this town while he was alive… / My dad was a police officer and I heard about his visits to this town from one of his colleagues. // Then… / A few days before he died… // He left me this Malice…

[sfx bubble] reach

Ririko: The one that you’re trying to get…

Raiya: So what you’re trying to say is that we murdered your father?

Ririko: That’s right.

29.

Ririko: My dad’s death was considered an accident… // But when I actually arrived in this town / my suspicion that he had been murdered grew stronger. // Something unknown that resembles the card my dad left me exists…

Raiya: The card your father left you…? // It seems that you aren’t aware why we were looking for that card. // This is just speculation…

30.

Raiya: But your father probably stole that card from its owner. // We were told to get the toybox back. // The toybox that / you are holding right now.

31.

Ririko: Toybox…? // Get it back…?

Raiya: That’s right. // That is our father’s… // Pierrot’s toybox.

32.

Driver: Hey, you! // Hey! / I’m telling you to wake up!

Kurokichi: Mmm?

Driver: He finally woke up… // We’re already at the last stop, North Kaminoshiro. // It’d be a bit of a problem if you didn’t get off…

33.

Kurokichi: Take me to Akemikado Academy…

Text: Why is Kurokichi trying to get to Akemikado, the school near the black tower?!

Kurokichi: Please…

Driver: Huh?! / I said I’m going to the bus station now! / I’m not going back!

In panel: Wake up!

01

Box: A sudden reunion…

Alice: Big… / sis…

[sfx] hehe

Girl: Alice, that’s no good. // You shouldn’t be taking a nap here. [Your back is covered in leaves.]

02

Yellow text: Wonderland’s mysterious fate…?

Blue text:
Art – Katagiri Ikumi
Story – Ninomiya Ai

03

Girl: You’ve got leaves all over your back.

Alice: A-Ah… [Sorry…]

[sfx] pat

Alice: That’s right… // I was…

Girl: You had another dream, didn’t you? / Alice

04

[sfx] riing

05

[sfx] rooooar

[sfx] click

Duchess: So why are / you doing that?! // You can’t shoot, Alice is in there!

Cheshire Cat: I didn’t think he’d actually get eaten.

In panel: Or perhaps I should say he was literally eaten!

06

Duchess: Cheshire Cat

Cheshire Cat: I’m okay.

Mad Hatter: He probably really didn’t look like Alice…

Duchess: …I don’t think so. // When I stopped him from going berserk… / many different thoughts entered my mind. // Those were the past and the regrets that had been abandoned by the people of this country…

07

Text 1: Sad and painful…

Text 2: “Nightmares”

Duchess: Everyone’s…feelings towards Alice. / “The Real Alice” should understand those more than I do. // I’m just a replacement.

08

Girl: Ta-da!

09

Girl: Ta-da!

Alice: Umm…I get it already! // What is this?

Girl: If there’s no bread, eat cake!

Alice: You made way too much again… / Your teacher loves sweet things, doesn’t he…

Girl: T-That’s not it! / I wanted Alice to eat them too. // Anyway, he’s / out today…

10

Alice: I’ll eat it, so give me a fork.

Girl: Okay!

[sfx] clink

Alice: I don’t need that many!

11

Alice: Anyway, you shouldn’t walk around outside by yourself.

Girl: Why not?

Alice: You mustn’t, no matter what.

Girl: But Dinah is with me, / I’m not alone.

Alice: So what if you got into a lot of trouble?

Girl: Like what kind?

Alice: Don’t keep interrupting!

Girl: But it’s bothering me…

Alice: Okay. // Well, for example…

12

Alice: You were // about to be killed by someone. // She probably wouldn’t be any use then.

Girl: …It’s not like that.

13

Girl: The Cheshire Cat always saves me when I’m in trouble.

Alice: …Cheshire Cat?

Girl: Yes // Wonderland’s Cheshire Cat. // He always looks like he’s having fun teasing people, // but the Cheshire Cat offers a lot of advice in order for Alice to reach the end of the story.

Alice: …He helps you?

Girl: That’s right.

Alice: But… / I’m Alice.

14

Girl: Hey, Alice… // Give me back my name.

15

Alice: Big sis…?

Girl: I’m Alice, you see. / I’m Alice in Wonderland. // Not you.

Alice: Hey / Wait, big sis! // I… // I won’t give that name to anyone. One Alice is enough and I’m that Alice.

16

Alice: I… / I’ve had enough of no one calling my name…no one acknowledging my existence… // I don’t want to live like / a piece of scrap paper anymore… // Didn’t you promise to / give me a name…big sis?

Alice [thoughts] No…I…! / Huh…? I can’t…

Text: speak properly!

17

Alice [thoughts] My body is moving by itself…

Alice: You’ve lived happily enough, right? / It’s my turn now.

[sfx bubbles] scratch

Alice: I’m…

Text: Wait…stop!

Alice: going to become Alice!

18-19

Text 1: Stop!!

[sfx] scratch

[sfx] thud

[sfx bubbles] scratch

Box 1: The man shot Alice and took away everything that belonged to her.

Box 2: Her happiness, her name

Box 3: And…

Text 2: even the story of Alice in Wonderland, whose fate it was to be happy.

Alice: Wha… / Huh… // Why… // Why…

20

Alice: This is / wrong… // I didn’t kill // Alice here… // It always rains / in the world // where I was born…

[sfx] shaaa

21

[sfx] shaaa

Alice: That’s right. // This is the right “story”…

22-23

White Rabbit: No, it’s not.

[sfx] slash

[sfx] crumble

24

[sfx] splash

[sfx bubble] tap

Mad Hatter: White Rabbit…

25

[sfx] thud

Duchess: Alice!

White Rabbit: …He’s not Alice.

26

White Rabbit: Hurry up and admit that!

Cheshire Cat: How unusual for you to meet us here, Little Rabbit. // I’ll come round to eat again soon.

[sfx] clank

Cheshire Cat: Ah! / He ignored me.

White Rabbit: I’ve got to hurry up and find a replacement… // I don’t have anymore time…

27

[sfx] sigh

Mad Hatter: He’s not Alice…? // What is he talking about? // He was the one who brought him here!

Cheshire Cat: The 89th Alice came to Wonderland of his own will.

Mad Hatter: Huh? // You’re keeping important things from me again…!

Cheshire Cat: Oh, I didn’t tell you?

Mad Hatter: The Queen of Hearts doesn’t know either…

Cheshire Cat: Of course not.

28

Cheshire Cat: You can do what you want with him. / Hatter

Duchess: It’s okay, he’s breathing. / Can you carry him to my house?

Cheshire Cat: Of course, mistress.

Mad Hatter: Hey! Don’t just do whatever you want!

29

Duchess: No one would get better in your dusty house!

Mad Hatter: Alice…

White Rabbit: Ah, I’m so very busy!

30

[sfx] tap

White Rabbit: Just how many pawns have died today? / If I don’t hurry up and bring my mistress…

[sfx] tap

White Rabbit: If I don’t complete the story, // Wonderland will disappear. // That’s right, I’ve got to find a replacement for the Duke. / The past and the regrets aren’t necessary in Wonderland, you see. // I’ve really got to hurry…

[sfx] tap

31

[sfx] shock

White Rabbit: *huff* / *huff* // Damn… / it…

[sfx] drip

White Rabbit: I’ve / got to // find Alice soon…

[sfx bubble] thud

White Rabbit: Don’t cry, Mary Anne… // You don’t have to worry about anything…

32

White Rabbit: The story where you continue to be killed… / I’ll… // put an / end to it… // I’ll… / save // you…

Text: Alice…

Box: Where is the real Alice…?

Alice: Number 47 of Wonderland’s 100 carefully selected famous views, The Pool of Tears. Ride the boat of tears that melts from the passionate power of your love and experience an unbroken view of the misty scenery that reflects your future. It’s the perfect date spot for a happy couple. Apparently, my darling…

Mad Hatter: If you don’t want me to kill you, then keep quiet until you’re dead, my honey.

Alice: Hey…could it be that he’s really angry, but he’s just not showing it?
See, you pointed that gun when we passed by.

Mad Hatter: Why me?

Alice: What if a more gentlemanly encounter was expected?
I think you should take your hat and bow, like a man would.

Mad Hatter: So why does it have to be me?
Anyway, I can’t take this hat off.
It doesn’t belong to me.

Alice: Is that an order too?

Mad Hatter: You idiot! This is meant for sale.
I’m a hatter, but it’s not my policy to own my own hat.

Alice: He doesn’t talk, does he?

Mad Hatter: Don’t ignore me so casually! I’ll make you sing!

Alice: Why doesn’t he talk?

Cheshire Cat: Isn’t that because he’s a bird?
Alice, have you ever seen a talking dodo?

Alice: Why don’t you stop appearing like that all of a sudden?

Cheshire Cat: Don’t worry, I’ll disappear of my own will.
Anyway, I was curious what you two were doing in this place so early in the morning.
There’s a rumour that The Pool of Tears is a famous place for farewells, made from the tears of regrets.

Alice: I see, so that’s the best place for a date.

Cheshire Cat: Are you having a farewell party?

Alice: He’s an ally of the White Rabbit.

Cheshire Cat: Ah…he’s pretty impressive for a bird.
I wonder how he signed the contract.

Alice: That probably has nothing to do with this.
Anyway, is it okay for a contract with the White Rabbit to be so practical?

Cheshire Cat: It’s not about good or bad. There are times when you need something to prove it, right?

Alice: I’m sure that’s true, but…

Mad Hatter: Be quiet for a while, you two.
You’re not the ones who I want to hear talking.

Cheshire Cat: Hey, Alice…could it be that the Hatter’s angry?

Alice: Who knows? He always looks angry to me…

Cheshire Cat: You see…he didn’t react at all when I suddenly appeared.
He always says “I’ll shoot!”, “I’ll kill you!” or “I’ll destroy you until you’re nothing but cells!”
Even though he uses insults that make me distrust humans…

Alice: You really do get on well though…
Well, that’s understandable.
He seems to be the nocturnal type and it doesn’t look like he’s going to say anything either.

Cheshire Cat: Well, he’s a bird, you see.
Birds can’t talk after all.

Alice: They do talk. Like parrots and parakeets… Canaries sing pretty well too.

Cheshire Cat: Is that so? That one looks tasty…

Mad Hatter: I’ll make you unable to talk again!

Alice: Don’t shoot as if you’re serious about hitting!
Can’t you follow the things you say for once?!

Mad Hatter: Shut up! It doesn’t matter about me! I’ll destroy anyone who doesn’t listen!

Alice: You really are an awful person!

Mad Hatter: You too! Why don’t you learn from them and say something?!
If you keep looking down on us like that, I’ll make you into cat food!

Cheshire Cat: No thanks, I’m quite a gourmet.

Bird: I’ll kill you in the Caucus Race.

Alice: Ah, it spoke.

Cheshire Cat: It did.

Mad Hatter: Of course it speaks, it’s a bird.
What’s the Caucus Race anyway?

Cheshire Cat: Who knows?

Alice: Same as him.

Bird: I’ll kill you in the Caucus Race.

Alice: Ah, it spoke again.

Cheshire Cat: Hmm…it really can talk, even though it is a bird.

Mad Hatter: We know it can talk! The problem is what’s ahead of that. We’re asking about how to be in a fight to the death that’ll satisfy you?! You game loving betrayer!

Bird: I’ll kill you in the Caucus Race.

Mad Hatter: Is he a parrot or something?

Alice: Are you sure that informant wasn’t lying to you?

Mad Hatter: If that’s the case, then the mouse will be first to be cat food!

Cheshire Cat: No thanks, I’m quite a gourmet.

[SCENE CHANGE]

Mad Hatter: The Pool of Tears? That’s another difficult place.

Dormouse: There’s no use in complaining. It hasn’t been long since Alice came to this country. Don’t blame me for the shortage of information.

Mad Hatter: Okay, I get it. Sorry for asking too much.

Dormouse: The current target is a game loving betrayer. It might not be in your nature, but I recommend listening carefully to what he says and request a fight to the death in a gentlemanly manner. Well, try your best.

Mad Hatter: Game loving?

Alice: Okay! It’s okay to shoot him, right?

Mad Hatter: It’s not okay! I said not to shoot. Let’s listen to what he says first.

Dormouse: Hahaha…the current Alice is quite enthusiastic.
As expected of someone who made a deal with the Queen.
You might be able to find it unexpectedly easily.
The way out of Wonderland, that is.

Alice: Way out? What’s that?
I thought that didn’t exist here.

Dormouse: Hatter, didn’t you explain that to him?

Mad Hatter: Who knows?
I intend to tell him about everything I remember.
Anyway, this game has too many complicated rules.
I’m trying my best to remember all the rules related to me.

Dormouse: Haha, you haven’t changed.
Listen up, Alice. Just like every race has a finish line, there’s a way out of this country.
If you can find the key to open the door, that is.

Alice: The key? Could it be…?

Dormouse: That’s right. The guy you’re chasing…the White Rabbit. His boss has the key. The Queen and those who made a contract with the White Rabbit are all aiming at that. The only ones who know where the White Rabbit is are the ones who made a contract with him as his allies, you see. However, you mustn’t be impatient. When they can see the finish line, humans start to speed up. They become unable to be careful, just like the weak hearted ones. If all you think about is your aim, you’ll forget your limit. That’s why you won’t notice the simple traps set before the finish line. Without realising that is the greatest trap in the race.

Alice: Trap?

Mad Hatter: You don’t say! Isn’t setting foot in this country the greatest trap of all for us?

Dormouse: Yeah, you’re right. In short, when you’re staying a long time, doing nothing is most important. I’m the careful type, so I’ll have a rest while I’m waiting. All that’s left is to wish you luck.

[SCENE CHANGE]

Mad Hatter: How ridiculous!

Alice: Huh?

Mad Hatter: Hey, it’s okay for him to shoot you now.

Alice: Umm…you were the one who said not to shoot before listening to what he had to say. He might have information about the White Rabbit, right?

Mad Hatter: You idiot! How are you going to find where the White Rabbit is from someone who can’t talk because of the game’s rules? Anyway, I noticed now, got a problem with that? It’s a waste of time, kill him already! I want to go home too, the 6 o’clock tea party is waiting for me!

Alice: Don’t say all those things at once!

Cheshire Cat: Hahaha…it’s quite unusual for the Hatter to talk about time!
Alice, what will you do?

Alice: What will I do?
Hey…will he really die if I shoot him?

Mad Hatter: Wouldn’t a bird normally die?
In the country you lived in before, birds didn’t die if you shot them?

Alice: I wonder…I haven’t tried it out.

Mad Hatter: Then what’s holding you back?

Alice: I don’t have one.

Mad Hatter: Eh?

Alice: There’s no reason for me to shoot him.
He’s not my enemy yet.

Mad Hatter: That’s another bothersome reason.
I told you that it’s easier for you to follow orders, just like we do.
Shoot him, never mind whether he’s your enemy or your ally.
I don’t care if you’re worrying, just shoot him already.
You’re cutting down on my time with the dear Queen.

Alice: Queen?

Mad Hatter: Yeah, when the contract between the White Rabbit and his allies comes to an end…
Couldn’t you have shot after listening to what I said?
Anyone you shoot must be beheaded by the Queen! Otherwise…

Cheshire Cat: Wait a minute, Hatter. Something’s wrong.

Mad Hatter: What is it?
Something like we’ve got this far and can’t kill him…

Alice: I couldn’t kill him…

Mad Hatter: Eh?

Alice: Why didn’t he die?!

Bird: I’ll kill you in the Caucus Race.

[SCENE CHANGE]

Dormouse: The rules of the Caucus race are simple. You start from the position you like and start running when you want too. Then all you have to do is stop your heart beating when you want to. It doesn’t need a precise form. Who wins isn’t important.
Hey…such simple rules are necessary for a game, right? However, you mustn’t be impatient. The easier the game is, the more careful we have to be. If we don’t, we’ll soon be caught in a trap and die. In the race’s greatest trap, that is.
Well, perhaps I should start soon?
Hatter, can you keep up with me?

[SCENE CHANGE]

Cheshire Cat: His contract has already come to an end, hasn’t it?
Alice, it’s not your fault that you can’t kill him. It’s because he’s not one of the White Rabbit’s allies anymore. This means that someone else apart from the White Rabbit forced the contract to be broken.

Alice: Someone else apart from the White Rabbit?

Cheshire Cat: The White Rabbit wouldn’t break his own contract just to force someone into a trap. If he did that, then there wouldn’t be people he could trust when he needed them, right? Loneliness symbolises the death of a rabbit. I think that betraying their allies has its risks and isn’t something that’s allowed to be desired.

Alice: Wait! So that’s…

Mad Hatter: A game loving betrayer.

Alice: Hey…where are you going?!

Mad Hatter: Alice, you stay there.

Alice: You…it can’t be…

Cheshire Cat: Hatter! Is it okay to leave me alone with Alice?

Mad Hatter: I’ll leave him to you.

Cheshire Cat: Got it.

Alice: Hatter! Answer me! Who’s your enemy? Isn’t he your ally?!

Mad Hatter: The greatest trap in the race. Not being able to act carefully, just like the weak hearted ones. Hahaha…I’m glad I held back. I was able to remain a weak hearted person.

Alice: You idiot!

White Rabbit: Who’s your enemy?
Who’s your ally?
Who’s the one in a hurry?

1.

Text 1: You won’t get anywhere just by following the rules…

Text 2:
Artist: Katagiri Ikumi
Author: Ninomiya Ai

2.

Text: The wounded Cheshire Cat…

Duchess: Che / shire // Cat… // Cheshire Cat!!

Cheshire Cat: I’m sorry, mistress. // I got / your clothes dirty.

3.

Duchess: Don’t // apologise…

Text 1: “Why is my lovely pet so dirty?”

Text 2: My pet loves being alone and is hated in Wonderland.

Box: His name is “Cheshire Cat”.

Text 3: It’s a very unlovely name.

4.

Text 1: There should actually be many names that suit you.

Text 2: You mustn’t name a pet.

Text 3: You mustn’t put a collar on a pet.

Text 4: Those are Wonderland’s dull rules.

Text 5: You are the Duchess’ pet cat and my lovely pet.

Text 6: That’s our insignificant position

Box: and an absolute relationship that can’t be opposed.

Duchess: Come home with me. // I’ll treat your wounds.

5.

Box 1: Ah, Cheshire Cat. When I first found you

Box 2: I couldn’t think of you as my pet.

Box 3: I didn’t want to.

Text: But…

Duchess: Why // did you do that? // Even though I’m not Alice…

6.

Duchess: Don’t do // unnecessary things… // I’ve got to be Alice’s replacement… / Because… / I’ll lose my reason to be here… // I won’t be able to // be your mistress anymore!

7.

Duchess: Uh…

Cheshire Cat: Good girl, good girl

Text: But if you are my pet…

8-9.

Text: Then I’ll never hurt you.

Duchess: You silly cat…

Monster: …ce / Alice // Alice…

Mad Hatter: The replacement was no use at all. / Just great. // The parade will stop tomorrow… // I’ll be glad to be able to drink tea in peace, but…

Cheshire Cat: Hatter, what about Alice?

Mad Hatter: I left him behind. / Of course he’ll do something unnecessary again.

Cheshire Cat: That’s right.

10.

Mad Hatter: But what is Her Majesty doing about this serious matter?

Cheshire Cat: Mistress? / Where are you going…?

Duchess: That… // If you take it, you might be able to buy some time.

11.

Duchess: It’s my fault that Alice… // I can’t keep quiet / and watch everyone get hurt.

Cheshire Cat: Wa… / Wait… // …..

sfx: grab

Duchess: Kyaa…

12.

Duchess: Hey, you…that was a rude thing

In panel: to do to a lady!

Mad Hatter: Honestly / You really are a useless Alice. // You should just be quiet and go along with the story… // Not like the other Alice.

Duchess: Hatter…?

Mad Hatter: One shot should be enough. // All I have to do is shoot it down.

13.

Duchess: It’s so small… / At this distance…

Cheshire Cat: The Hatter is good at this.

Mad Hatter: Of course. // If I were to miss the target, the world would end…

14.

Alice: Hey, stop!

sfx: bang

sfx: ping

Duchess: Ah…

Cheshire Cat: He missed.

Mad Hatter: Ah… / You… / idiot!!

15.

Monster: A… // Alice…?

Alice: Yeah // I’m Alice.

Text: A few minutes before.

Dormouse: Are you afraid of the Hatter?

16.

Dormouse: Yaawn… // [Ah…] I almost overslept. / To think that the Hatter would make his move this soon…

sfx: splish

Dormouse: The current Alice has been treated quite well.

Alice: Treated well? / Hey… // Like that?

sfx: bang

Dormouse: Well, that was probably the right reaction. // His likes, dislikes and things he is particular about are quite intense, but he never shows what’s essential. / He’s a typical rebel.

Alice: You know quite a lot… [You’re right too.]

17.

Alice: Ah, that’s right. / Could it be that you’re the one the Hatter talked about…

Dormouse: Ah / It’s come this far.

Alice: Huh… // What / is this?

sfx: ooze

Dormouse: What? Didn’t you know? / The Duke went out of control in the square just now.

18.

Alice: The Duke?

Dormouse: After all, it’s natural that useless scraps of paper would be thrown away. / That’s about it…

Alice: What? I don’t understand… // Why on earth…

Dormouse: Well… // The cause that I can think of, is that the replacement didn’t fulfil their duty completely.

Alice: Replacement…? // ….. // Her…!

19.

Dormouse: The Duke is crazy about Alice. // If you’re the real Alice, then you might be able to stop him. / But… // There’s no need for Alice to go as far as getting in danger. // It’s more suitable for the princess to hide somewhere and keep quiet, right?

Alice: You must be kidding!

sfx: yawn

Dormouse: Well, just do what you want. / I’ll be leaving soon.

20.

Dormouse: If you want to get out to the square, then just go up.

Alice: Hey… / Are you running away?

Dormouse: Running away? Don’t say things like that. // I’m the careful type, you see. / I just choose the best option.

In panel: Ah, I see…

Dormouse: Ah, if you see the Hatter, tell him this

21.

Dormouse: “As usual, the Hatter / has bad timing.”

Duchess: Alice…

Alice: I’m glad / you’re safe…

Duchess: I’m sorry, it’s my fault that…

22.

sfx: ooze

Mad Hatter: … / Hey! Run away, Alice!

sfx: ooze

Alice: Even if you say that, I’m the only one who can stop this thing, right?

sfx: ooze

Alice: There’s no way that I can’t be a replacement.

sfx: ooze

Alice: That’s because // I’m Alice in Wonderland.

23.

Cheshire Cat: Alice…

Mad Hatter: … / You idiot! // That’s enough chat! / Hurry up and…

sfx: thump

24.

Bubble 1: …!

Bubble 2: Alice!!

25.

Alice: Amazing… // You eat anything…

Box: The mass of distortions created by Wonderland.

26.

Alice: Well… / How on earth should I get you to calm down?

sfx: thump

Alice: … // What is it?

27.

sfx: crack

Alice: Ah / …! // …

28.

Alice: Uwaaaah!

29.

Alice: …

sfx: huff

Alice: Just now…

sfx: huff

sfx: chirp

Girl: Alice?

30.

Text: The girl who appeared in front of Alice is…?

Alice: Big / sister…