A/N: Merely the start of a fresh story; a sequel, actually, to both Ruins of the Heart and Dynasty Chaos. This does not have a 'Return to..' in the title, because what is there to return to when one is already there? If you enjoyed my previous stories of my take on Alice's Adventure's in Wonderland/Through the Looking-glass, then hopefully you'll enjoy this one.

Based on the results taken on my poll, the sequel got the most votes. Now, I haven't jumped blindly into this one. I've been planning it before I finished Dynasty Chaos, which may explain why I was so late to update it. My writer's block is fading as I'm coming out with various ideas for this Fanfiction series, and for the others too. I'm interested myself in exploring this take I've done on one of the most mesmerising stories I have read. A bit too high-fantasy orientated, perhaps, but this is Fanfiction: isn't this where people are allowed to express their own visions of their devoted fictions into their own?

Again, another prologue with a vague outline of the story that is to happen (that's me... I like being vague). This story will be more centered on Hatter/Alice which many of you loved in Ruins of the Heart, but was quite neglected in Dynasty Chaos (or perhaps it was just another view of this strange relationship). I won't give too much away, but this may either be the finale to a trilogy, or another installment in a working series. We'll see where it goes.

Also, the gaps between chapter uploading will most likely be vast. Who knows, it might be til Christmas when I finish this. Be patient. :P

Now, my fellow Alice fans, fall back down the rabbit hole into this universe of Wonderland, and I hope you enjoy it. :)


. . .

PROLOGUE

Time and time again…

Commitment… dedication… attachment. Perhaps this may be the life cycle of our inmost wishes. Only one who wished to let it blossom with the nursing of these three words, would see it evolve as the child they nurtured since the beginning of their days. Imagination is such a phenomenal gift that many take for granted. It is an entire universe incarcerated within our minds, letting only our inner eye project these creative and extraordinary worlds. If only one could find a way to tear down the barrier between these two planes of existence – dreams and truth – the world that we abide could become something much superior, or, on the other hand, chaotic.

Do you allow little worlds to build an empire within your mind, and yet never take the chance to release it? And even if you did, how would you: through speech? Illustrations? Novels? Or would you forever confine them and permit the creations to eat away at your soul – too many visions to bear… too much inventiveness to control…

But this is not a tale of how to make dreams a reality, no; this is a tale of how it happened. An ordinary girl, so innocent and naïve slumbered deep into a realm of peculiar wonders and curious creatures. Being so preoccupied with the false world she did not come to acknowledge a titanic power she held within her. She did not come to realise that this world would become a reality.

Many years later, she found it again. She regained her willpower to return. But it was not a dream, she deemed. Somehow, she managed to break down the barrier. Somehow, Wonderland was accessible and breathing life. Only it was after much learning that it was she that controlled the fate of this world; after all, she was the creator, it would only be comprehensible that she was the judge.

But what is Wonderland? Why does it exist? What is its purpose? Oh, we philosophise this every waking minute within this plane of reality. Clearly, this girl had a good reason to create it? Or was it just a malfunction of the mind, and unluckily it altered into actuality? We have come to realise that the undergoing schematics of the mind modify the land of dreams. We have come to acknowledge that the heart flourishes the living into being. We have come to accept that the soul is the lifeline of her humanity. Emotions make it interesting, and aptitude makes it conceivable. Now, it is only for this girl to understand entirely the ways of this world, passing obstacles and even letting agony inflict them on the way to saving it.

This time, however, it is different. This time, instead of saving it yet again, it is time to delve deep into the core of this world and rummage through the heart, mind and soul that keeps this existence alive. What wonders will she find down there? What adversaries will hinder her along the way? And will friendship remain intact throughout this journey?

Only this time… this time… it is not her life on the line, but another's. The question now is what is dearer to her: this world or her beloved? Only time will tell in the form of words, and the sequel to another story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

. . .

'Life in bloom; so earnest now,

A shadow in thy soul.

Listen well; let me tell,

When the bells shall toll.

I cannot be; the dreamer here,

A memory haunting deep.

Release me now; I shan't bow,

Blood like waters weep.

Hold me not; thy dearest friend,

The sun hides her face.

Hope's amiss; an elusive kiss,

Before a lasting embrace.

Creator not; Destroyer be,

The mourning wisps of time,

Locked inside; a world that died,

Within a grieving rhyme.'