Author's Note: For some reason, the star and squiggly don't appear so I'm just going to have to right out "Iracebeth" and then "Alice". Mer. Anyways, I hope you guys are enjoying the story. Sorry for the late update, I got swamped with homework (though most of it I did not do).

I just realized that I haven't been doing disclaimers. Oh well, I hope this makes up for it. I don't own Alice in Wonderland though I wish I did. I hope you guys enjoy.

Chapter III

Alice

Alec was the most amazing boy. He was oh so understanding. He was just like me. He had ludicrous ideas, like me. I bet Hatter would enjoy all of his crazy ideas. Mallymkun would praise him for him determination for standing up for what's right. He was simply amazing. Too amazing for words. Look at me, I sound like a petty school girl with a crush.

"But who is madder? March Hare or Hatter?" Alec asked. I giggled for it rhymed without his knowing. We were at my apartment now. It's actually been a week since we first met. I felt horrible for blowing them off like that. It was a selfish thing to do but I was going to make it up to them. I informed Absolem that I was going to through a ball.

'Stupid girl. It won't matter. They're upset regardless,' Absolem had said to me. I paid no mind to his arrogance. They will rejoice in my return! And they'll absolutely love Alec.

"Hatter for sure but Hare has a bit of a…twitch you might say," I answered.

"And?"

"And he can't…function properly," I said cautiously. I felt like a little girl again, unable to find the correct words to explain something. Alec chortled.

"When am I going to meet all of them?" he asked. I sighed. He looked at me, awaiting my answer.

"Well, I scheduled a ball today. You could come; though I suppose you wouldn't dare come underdressed to a ball," I explained. He smirked in return.

"You obviously don't know me then," he said rather smugly. I lightly punched his arm. He laughed. I began to walk towards my room.

"I guess I have something decent for you to wear," I said finally, thinking. Alec raised his eyebrows with interest. He slowly brought his hands behind his head.

"Oh you're a cross dresser now, love?"

I picked up a pillow off the couch as I passed. I twirled, throwing the pillow at him. I had amazing aim. I've been practicing my aiming and fighting skills ever since I killed the Jabberwock. It was quite exhilarating. From my bedroom, I could hear him exclaimed that the pillow hurt. I laughed.

In my bedroom, I moved towards the chest in front of my bed. I entered the code on the padlock and opened it. Inside the chest contained various things. Things my father had made me, things my father had bought for me and things that my father had given to me as a hand-me-down. On top were three, hand-made, embroider pillows. One read 'Alice Eleanor Kingsleigh' with rabbit décor. Another said 'Daddy's Mad Princess'. The last was more of a message really. It said 'Never forget me' with a heart. I kept them in the chest at all times for I dare not ever tarnish them. I've had them since I was a little girl. I carefully moved them aside so I could continue to rummage through the trunk. I had pictures of my father, his rings, and postcards he sent when he went abroad. Also, I had all the teddy bears I had received from him.

'Ah, here it is,' I thought to myself. I held it up, tears slightly blurring my vision. It was my father's celebratory tie. His favorite tie in fact. He only wore it for special events. It was mainly because I had gotten the tie for him on his birthday when I was nine. I left my room to take the tie out to Alec. He had a face that I easily read. It said 'is that all?' He obviously was expecting a full outfit perhaps.

"It's an exquisite tie," he said as he examined it. He didn't say it as mockery. It was a heartfelt compliment. I smiled a bit.

"It was my father's. I bought it for him when I was very little. I would like you to wear it," I said as I held it out for him. His eyes widened. He knew very well of my father's passing. He held up his hands.

"Oh no. I couldn't. I can't wear your father's tie,' he objected.

"I trust that you'll take care of it," I insisted. He took it from me slowly, as if to see if I would take it back from him as an afterthought.

"I must be special huh?" he asked. I blushed.

"I guess so."

"Why is it that you only gave me a tie?" he wondered as he began to tie it around his neck. It suited him well. I smiled up at him.

"You look amazingly handsome already," I said boldly. Normally, I would never say such a thing. Yet, there is something about Alec that I just liked- loved even.

"And you look immensely beautiful," he complimented. He leaned close to me. I began to blush furiously.

"How beautiful?" I breathed. He leaned in closer. He was so close, our lips brushed when he answered me.

"So beautiful that even the word beautiful is an understatement."

He kissed me. Softly yet fierce. It was delightful. I never wanted it to end. I've never been kissed so passionately before in my life. Just sweet bliss that kiss was. He pulled away and gazed into my eyes.

"Alice Kingsleigh, will you be my girlfriend?"

In a brief second, I thought back a year ago, before Griblig Day, when I was at the Ascot's garden. Hamish was the man I was to be engaged with. I refused to be married to him so I left. After that, I've had a bit of a problem with relationships. Not with Alec. I was going to stay with him. I answered him with a kiss. When we pulled away, I couldn't help but giggle though nothing in particular was funny.

"Ready for the Underland ball?" I asked him. He nodded.

"Are you?" he asked in return.

"Not quite," I said. I dashed into my room to change into the dress Hatter made for me.

Iracebeth

Iracebeth looked nothing like herself. It was as if she transformed to a hideous monster. Her carefully done makeup was smeared; her hair that was usually piled on her bulbous head had gone limp. It now hung mid-back, a bit stringy, and unruly. Due to the lack of food, her head had begun to shrink. It was still rather large but it was only a bit bigger than a normal person's. Her dress was now tattered and torn. Truly, it was no way the future overlord of Underland should look like.

Over the months she built a tree house far up in the trees. It was so high; the dim-witted lazy wankers that guarded the kingdom's borders didn't know she was there. Just for fun, Iracebeth would throw acorns and shindropberries* on the guards. She'd always get a good giggle out of that.

The crazy woman wasn't alone however. She had friends: Um (the real Um), Tyla, Sage, and Lar. They were great companions for the lonely woman. Lar and Sage often fought each other for Iracebeth. This wasn't surprising one bit. She was the most gorgeous after all! Sadly, they weren't even real. They were mere illusions, hallucinations made up by her mind. She truly went crazy though she still had her devious mind.

She had a plan. Well, a little one. For now, all she needed was an insider. Someone they'd never suspect. Once she had that, she could continue with the rest of her revenge plan. For now, she'd befriend the talking animals and find out information that way.

According to her sources, Alice hasn't come to visit in over a year. To any other person planning revenge on Alice, that would be wondrous news but to Iracebeth, it was devastating news.

"What am I to do? Huh Tyla?" she raged one day. Tyla sat cross legged on the canopy bed. She didn't answer for a while, which angered the hot-headed woman.

"Damn you! Where is Sage?" the former queen of Crims roared. Tyla merely shrugged. She wasn't very fond of Sage.

"Ask Um," Tyla answered. Of course! Um! She was quite fond of Sage. She'd undoubtedly know where Sage is.

"UM!"

"Yes your majesty?" Um called, walking into the room. Ah, Um was the most loyal persona of them all. She'd never dare betray anyone. She even bowed when Iracebeth called for it.

"Where is Sage? Tell me now!" she demanded. It sounded more fearsome then she intended. Um looked visibly frightened. She always hated it when the Red Queen raised her voice. It would literally shake the tree house. Her voice was like a sonic boom. To Um, it was a wonder the guards never found them. Were they really that dim-witted?

"In the forest your majesty. With Lar," Um answered with a gulp. Iracebeth's face slowly turned red. Um shrunk into the corner. Tyla, still on the bed, rolled her eyes. They knew better than to do that! They could have easily been discovered.

"SAAAGE! LAAAR!" Iracebeth screamed. Um shrieked and hid behind Tyla who just rolled her eyes once more. Birds perched on the window of the house flew away quickly in fear. The guards below looked around in confusion.

All the way in the palace, Mirana felt a disturbance. She was in the throne room with the Tweedles and Mallymkun. She blinked a few times. She gingerly held her head. It was starting to pound.

"Are you alright?" the Tweedles asked in unison. Mallymkun drew out her tiny needle that she used as a dagger. The one Hatter gave to her. She had a fierce look on her face. She was ready to stab anyone who dare hurt the Queen…or Hatter.

"Who's botherin' ya? Just let me know and I'll slay them!"

Mirana gave a light hearted laugh. She loved Mally's dexterity and strength. "It shan't be need my dear Dormouse."

The White Queen smiled at Mally to reassure her further. Mally put away her needle, nodding. They wouldn't be needing any protecting now but soon, so painstakingly soon. While trying not to look disturbed, Mirana dismissed them.

"Let's get ready for the ball!"