I do not own Alice in Wonderland

After Sven's announcement a few things had to happen before we could proceed to business itself. Honestly, it was amazing how absolutely chaotic these people could be.

First, the passage we entered through had to be closed and locked, then Dee and Dum had to sweep away the broken glass from the shattered lamp. Next, Amory was lifted by the super-humanly strong twins and moved to a small couch in the corner of the room. Finally, the rest of the company took seats in a circle on the floor. I was going to question the lack of chairs but was certain that I'd get some half-assed answer from Sven on how he had made a decision on a whim that chairs were so last year.

I really didn't know what to think of Sven. Or really anyone here for that matter. I was still hoping somewhere deep down that this was all an elaborate hoax. It was all just too...impossible. Charles was obviously as amazed with his surroundings as I was. I wondered absently if the poor thing would ever lose the awe he had for this place. If he stayed as excited as he was now, there was a chance he would give himself a heart attack.

He turned to me, a wide grin on his face. "Are you sure I'm not dreaming? I mean this is all too amazing! Is any of this real? Are you real?"

I let out a laugh and nodded. "I'm real, trust me. So, then this place is too."

Sven raised a light eyebrow and his lips quirked into a crooked smile. "Quite." He glanced around as the noise level began to climb steadily. I became clear to me that this was quite a volatile combination of people.

Vincent was still dead set in glaring at Sven for the rest of the day, possibly his natural life, and Sven took absolutely no notice except for when he shot Vincent a cruel smirk now and then. Theodore was complaining that I shouldn't have to sit on the floor despite my protests that I was perfectly comfortable, Etta was telling him not to baby me, That I was a queen, not a china doll and it was all rather awkward. The twins were arguing about which one of them was Dum and which one was Dee. I think they knew, they just wanted to be part of the commotion. The only one conscious that wasn't causing a fuss somehow was Quinn. This was quite a surprise, knowing Quinn. He was actually focusing his large blue eyes on my face, unblinkingly. Being stared at always made me nervous.

"Erm…Quinn…?"

He tilted his head slowly, still not blinking. "Yeah, Princess?"

My face flushed with anger and embarrassment. "Why are you staring at me, you creepy animal?"

He grinned big, seeing the jest behind my insult. "Oh I'm just waiting for everyone to shut up and get to business. I stare at pretty things to pass the time, you see!"

I blinked in shock and looked around blushing even more furiously than before, praying that someone would speak up. Vincent glanced over and took the hint. "Silence! Business, remember?"

Everyone fell silent and looked at Vincent expectantly. "Alright." He flicked his wrist sharply and light gray smoke seeped from his pale skin. It converged over the floor like a sheet. As it settled, it formed a complex design in the form of a blueprint. "This is a copy of the layout of the castle of hearts. It has every entrance. Every exit. Every door way in the entire place."

Sven scowled. "How on earth do you have this, Worm? There's no way a shut in like you could have taken this."

Vincent glared sharply. "It's nothing that you need to know, you mercury maddened son of a-"

Sven raised his hands in exasperated defense. "fine, fine! Forget I asked!"

"As I was saying! We're going to use this to plan out our entrance, emergency escapes and paths to the throne room. Those routes need to be as safe as possible. We are not going to risk getting Alice killed unless we all want to be beheaded for treason and condemn all of Wonderland to live a life in fear under her rule! Is that clear? Does anyone think that would be a good idea? No? Okay, then."

I grimaced at the thought of being beheaded and watched as Charles' hands flew to his neck. Vincent frowned and continued. "I say that we should split into two groups. One to concentrate on fending off cards and the other to get Alice to the crown at any cost. Once that group enters the throne room, everyone but Alice must remain at the door. Alice must face the Queen of Hearts alone."

Theodore scowled. "What do you mean? Why does she have to face that monster alone?"

Vincent looked away. "That is the way it must be...That is how it is written. We could enter from the back which may give us the advantage. Then we could split up from there and as Alice's group moves along the other group can clear…obstacles."

I inspected the map curiously, trying my best to be involved. I noticed a small square marked rose passage out in the garden. It had a line connecting it to a room just beside the library. This room was unmarked. "Hey…This kinda reminds me of the tunnel we had to go through to get here."
"Why shouldn't it?" Amory's voice spoke up sleepily from the couch. "After all, Hatter designed both the castle and this mansion."

My eyes widened. "Really? That's amazing! It's a good thing Sven's around then."

Vincent grumbled something that sounded suspiciously like. 'So I can push him into the river, maybe.'

Sven, as I thought, simply ignored Vincent with a smirk and an arrogant wave of his hand. "Indeed. It's quite useful to have one like me around. But really, my designs aren't as incredible as people give them credit for."

"Nonsense." Etta patted his shoulder affectionately. "Your being modest."

He smiled at her happily. "Thank you, Etta, but this isn't just about my architecture."

Etta raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Your right. I second Vincent's plan."

I struggled not to laugh out loud when I saw Sven's face fall drastically into pure devastation. I clapped a hand over my mouth to stifle a giggle. "but-!" he started.

Etta shot him a look. "What? Do you have a better plan?"

Sven's face reddened and he shook his head very slightly. Etta laughed a little and Vincent gave a satisfactory smirk. Even Amory giggled a little but stopped immediately when Sven glared daggers at him.

Sven looked away, shutting his eyes and letting out a sigh. "Well, changing the subject, what exactly happened in the Tulgey Wood?"

Vincent's smile vanished. "The cards attacked...Spade was with them."

Sven's eyes widened in shock. "Spade?! She already knows Alice is here, then. She's pulling out all the stops."

Vincent grimaced. "It would appear so. Before we do anything, we'll have to teach Alice to fight. Willpower won't be enough against so great an enemy."

I looked around at the group we had formed. There was unmistakable doubt in most faces. I couldn't really blame them for not believing in me. But everywhere I looked, there was hope. A hope that against unfathomable odds, we would rise victorious.

I stood up and met the eyes of each of these strange, impossible people. My gaze finally fell on Charles. I was so glad that he had come along. That he was alright. He was my link to our world. The only proof I had that I was still sane. I smiled softly before I began to speak. I had never been one for speeches but something inside of me just had to be heard.

"I understand if you all doubt me. Under these circumstances, I would doubt me too. What am I? I'm just some girl from the upside. I've never fought any wars. I've never ruled any countries, and I've never saved anyone like this. I would doubt me if it weren't for one thing. You all have hope. Hope for a better tomorrow, hope for happiness and peace. Each one of you deserves that, and if I'm the only one who can provide it, I will, by any means, or I will fall. Failure is not an option. You will be free or I'll gladly meet my death. So you can doubt all you like, but keep your hope. Above all else, keep your hope." I looked down at my feet. "I'll fight for it. And for Wonderland, too."

AN:

SOOOOOOO. I got no reviews on the last chapter and I really hope people still care about this. I'm not going to stop writing it so GET USED TO IT!

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Much Love,

Evan