Thank you for the reviews :)

-.-

Alice found that Boris' directions were right and when the sight of the large castle had been in sight she had gone sprinting up the hill as quickly as she could.

The ascent was a bit steep at some points but the happiness of finally meeting her destination kept her going strongly.

At one point she came upon a maze that apparently separated her from the large building ahead and the only thing she could do was shoot out a quick prayer that she'd make it through without much difficulty. The maze held her back in terms of time, but with some kind of brightening luck she made it through.

Now, the Castle entrance was right above her. She just had some more steps to go up and the entrance would be right there before her eyes.

Her mind was already formulating different strategies on how to get Peter White to take her home. If violence didn't work, she supposed she could try some sort of Psychology mind tricks. Lorina used to talk to her about those kinds of things but she never really listened. To say she regretted zoning out during those times now was a huge understatement.

Huffing for a breath as she began walking forward, she found her eyes widening when her gaze landed on the two guards up ahead.

Both of them didn't have eyes like the people at the Amusement Park and they appeared to be dressed as soldiers and the closer she approached, she came to see they both their outfits were designed similarly to the front of a card from a deck.

When her steps were that much closer to getting inside of the building, the two men dropped their large golden spears that held red hearts toward the end right in front of her face.

Smiling, she tried to give off as nonthreatening a vibe as she could, "U-uh… Did I do something wrong…?"

"State your business here." The one with the six on his chest stated firmly and his companion nodded and Alice came to notice their appearances were strangely similar.

Alice took a step back, hoping it'd make their serious expression lessen before she cleared her throat, "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude or anything!" Biting her bottom lip she placed her arms behind her back, "I'm just here to see Peter White, the Prime Minister? I actually have business to discuss with him."

Her explanation made the men exchange at one another and Alice hoped they weren't planning on killing her with their spears or anything.

They both looked human really, unlike those from the Amusement Park with their obvious animal features or the Hatters that were all pale and strangely attractive… These people looked as normal as her.

What was it that the Castle of Hearts territory had?

Elementals?

She didn't even know what those were… Her world didn't have those as far as she knew.

"Should we let her through?"

"Lord White hasn't said anything about receiving a visitor, has he?"

"I can't remember."

"It's best we play it safe. If we give him an unexpected guest, it won't be pretty for any of us."

Alice blankly watched as the two dark haired men turned their attention back to her seriously.

"Sorry, ma'am, Master White hasn't informed us that he's expecting a guest." The one with the eight on his chest told her firmly and Alice grunted, her eyebrows furrowing, "You literally just said you couldn't remember!"

"Did he invite you here?"

"Well, no, but—"

The one with the six hearts to his uniform moved his spear and Alice felt the ground beneath her rumble a bit before the land she stood on slid back suddenly, nearly knocking her off of her feet.

Surprised, she caught herself and looked up at them cautiously and as she did, she found the spear pointed in her direction steadily.

"Ma'am, its best you leave before we're forced to take action."

Eyes widening in surprise, Alice shook her head, "No, wait, please! You don't understand! Peter didn't invite me here but it's really important that I speak with him! Please, I— AH!"

Her words ended in a shriek as she found the ground she stood on abruptly moving once more, this time sliding her back toward the steps that she had just ascended to get up there. Unable to find balance, she fell on her bottom and she could only inwardly thank her poofy dress for absorbing most of the fall.

Wincing, she watched ahead at the two men as one of them put his hand back down to his side and from there Alice was able to put it all together.

He'd just moved the earth...

"Leave now." They commanded and the brunette couldn't help but notice how their similar voices worked in such a complete unison that it was nearly impossible to notice two people were speaking instead of one.

Alice frowned though she quickly rose to her feet and obeyed, her steps taking her back down the numerous steps she had just climbed.

She didn't want to anger them. It was obvious that the power difference between them was great and she didn't want to have a repeat of what happened with her and Julius when they first met.

Sighing as she made it about midway to the bottom of the plateau, she found herself taking a seat on the ground tiredly.

Honestly, she'd been so close to getting to Peter…

But she should have known getting inside of a Castle to see a Prime Minister wouldn't be that easy… She was a nobody here; of course just showing up out of nowhere and getting an easy way in would be basically impossible. Not only that, if she tried sneaking in she'd probably be seen as an assassin or something if she got caught and they'd probably kill her.

Elementals… Going by that name and how the guards at the door had moved the earth under her feet, she could assume that meant they could literally control the elements of nature.

That certainly wasn't good for her.

Groaning, she placed her face into her hands.

She was never going to get home at this rate.

"Why me?" She moaned lowly and right after she finished her sentence, she found something moving at the side of her eye that nearly made her jump in surprise.

Turning her head, she blinked at the sight of what appeared to be flower slowly growing beside her.

A low cracking noise accompanied it as the thing continued to sprout, but aside from the rapid speed that it was blooming it, the strangest thing was that it was near transparent…

Eyes widening, she watched at it cautiously as it ceased its movement, now easily identifiable as a single daisy.

Unable to fight the curious side of her, her hand reached out to touch it and the instant she did, she recoiled in surprise at how cold it was.

It felt like ice?

Alice glanced around herself in confusion.

Maybe that was normal in this world? But there was no other flower but this one around, so what was it?

Her thoughts came to a stop when she made eye contact with a brown haired man now walking up the slope toward her.

"The flower's for you! Don't be shy, pick it!" He smiled at her warmly with a wave.

It now came to her attention that he had eyes, not only that but they were a bright red color that seemingly matched the large coat he had on.

Dumbly, she sat and watched up at him in silence as he approached.

"There's no need for you to cry. I'm sure whatever has you down will be solved eventually… Maybe, haha." He chuckled out while leaning down to peer at her in amusement.

Now catching herself, Alice felt her cheeks flush in slight embarrassment, "I wasn't crying!"

The man snickered, his hand reaching downward to pick up the flower and with how it was made entirely of ice, Alice half expected the stem to break under his grasp but it remained steady as he moved his hand outward as though to offer it to her.

He gave her a charming smile, "It was pretty obvious even from a distance that you were sulking. Don't worry; it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Just wipe your tears and smile, you're a strong girl." One of his eyes winked and Alice groaned.

Stubbornly, she turned her face to the side.

She wasn't in the mood to argue with a stranger, there was no point in even retorting.

When he seemed to sense that she wasn't going to accept his flower, he quickly crushed it in his gloved hands, "Ahh, so you're the cold type, I see. Perhaps too cold even for my daisy. Harsh."

"I'm not cold." Alice mumbled before returning her eyes to him reluctantly, she pursed her lips, "Sorry for being rude, I'm just really stressed out because nothing seems to be going my way…"

He smiled at her kindly, "Don't worry, it's fine!"

Alice gave him an apologetic gaze with a sigh before she stuck out her hand in offering to shake politely, "Let's start over. My name's Alice Liddell and I guess I should say I'm a human because that little fact seems to be important to everyone I introduce myself to."

The male's eyes immediately grew wide, "Wait, seriously!? A human!?"

The girl gave a yelp of surprise when suddenly both of his hands grasped over hers strongly and when he did so, she felt a bit of static shock run through her body. Her eyes looked up into his disbelieving red irises that were easily shimmering with a plethora of emotions.

"Y-yeah."

"That's insane! I knew you had a weird aura about you, but I thought you were some kind of witch or something! This is so cool! My first human!" He exclaimed in exhilaration and Alice couldn't help but laugh at how childishly excited he seemed.

At least she didn't have to worry about him drinking her blood or eating her leg…

Maybe Elementals were the safer bunch when it came to Underland.

"I'm really not cool. I can't do anything except smell good apparently." She attempted to reason though he shook his head, "You don't understand how amazing you are! Wow, my name's Ace!" He introduced, finally releasing her hands.

Alice smiled at him, "It's nice to meet you, Ace."

"I'm Knight of Hearts here at the Castle!" He explained cheerfully and Alice found her eyes sparkling as he continued, "I was supposed to be going back, but hanging with you seems way more fun."

"No, no! Going back to the Castle is great!" Alice flailed her hands in front of her body rapidly causing Ace to watch at her curiously, "Please help me! I was trying to get into the Castle earlier, but since I'm basically a no one, the guards wouldn't let me in… Would you be able to get me inside?"

The brunet tilted his head to the side, "Why would you want to go inside the Castle?"

Sighing, Alice found her inner frustrations beginning to manifest slowly, "I have a bone to pick with the Prime Minister."

After her words Ace blinked his eyes before placing a hand to his chin thoughtfully and Alice held her breath in anticipation for his answer.

"Hm… Well, I don't see any reason not to help! Come on, Alice!"

Unable to hide her grin, Alice found herself brightening as she began going back up the steep slope beside the taller man, a new sense of excitement in her stomach.

The whole time they walked, Ace was questioning her on her humanity and she couldn't help but be a bit amused at how interested he seemed. It reminded her vaguely of a little puppy trying to chase a light on a wall from a flashlight.

Not only that, but he appeared so normal compared to everyone else she'd met so far and considering how he was an Elemental, she didn't exactly have to be constantly fearful for her life around him.

When they passed the front guards again, she couldn't help but notice how both sent her apologetic looks when she walked in with Ace and she simply smiled and nodded at them.

She couldn't exactly be angry at them for only doing their job after all.

The interior of the Castle was like that of a fairy tale… True to its name, there were hearts wherever you looked and Alice couldn't help but become the slightest bit captivated by it all.

They turned a corner and Alice found her eyes widening a little at the sight of a crowd of people up ahead.

Even with the distance between them it was very easy to see that there was some form of commotion occurring.

Her steps came to a stop and she found herself watching ahead with wide eyes.

There were a couple of maids that seemed to be scattering about in an attempt to pick up papers that were scattered about on the floor.

Ace allowed his steps to halt when he noticed Alice had paused and he looked back at her curiously, "What's wrong?"

Alice anxiously moved her gaze over to Ace, "Is something happening up there?"

"Huh?" He questioned with raised brows and Alice automatically raised her hand to point down the hallway silently. Ace's crimson irises trailed in the direction of her digits and when he came upon the sight of all the faceless up ahead scurrying he scratched the back of his head, "Oooh. That doesn't look pretty."

"Ah, should we help them? It looks like they could use an extra hand."

The brunet turned to look at her and when Alice felt his stare she returned her eyes to him and in that instant that she caught his gaze, his smile seemed to broaden before he nodded, "Sure! That sounds like fun!"

Not exactly sure how that could be considered fun, Alice slowly nodded her head before she began an awkward little jog-run in the direction of the little chaos.

When she made it over she quickly stooped down to pick up some of the stray papers and she turned to one of the maids with a kind smile, "I hope it isn't a bother that I'm helping."

The raven haired woman brightened up instantly, "Not at all, not at all! Thank you, thank you!"

"If you don't mind me asking, what happened? There are papers everywhere!" She exclaimed, her hands still attempting to collect as many of the white sheets as she could without giving them wrinkles.

Vaguely, as she worked, her eyes glanced over some of the text on it and she couldn't help but realize that it all sounded to be really official, political agendas.

"These are the documents the Castle of Hearts is to turn in for the next territory meeting!" Another maid beside her frantically answered, her expression despite her lack of eyes was clearly seen as fearful while she continued to diligently neaten the papers in her grasp.

"We were meant to turn it in to His and Her Majesty, but now this will make us late!"

"Her Majesty will not be pleased!"

"Heads will roll if Her Majesty sees this!"

Alice blinked her eyes as the four maids all began to worriedly speak at once about the repercussions that were sure to come from their clumsy blunder.

Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and when she glanced up she found her eyes meeting with Ace's.

"You look busy and I've got some stuff to do. I guess I'll catch you later?" He questioned curiously.

The brunette smiled and nodded, "Yeah! Thank you again for helping me, Ace! It means a lot! I'm in debt to you, I suppose." She lightly remarked causing him to grin widely before he clenched one of his hands into a fist and put it to his chest over his heart and gave a bow.

"I am a Knight, it's what I do. I couldn't leave a girl out there crying."

"I wasn't crying!"

He raised his head and sent her a wink, "Anyways, let's meet up sometime later and play!"

As he began walking away, Alice couldn't help but silently laugh despite the slightly exasperated look she held.

He had to be in his early twenties or so, why was he using the word play like that? Unless he meant a board game or something similar…

Did Underland even have board games?

She couldn't imagine a bunch of monsters gathered around a board playing Candyland or Monopoly that was for sure.

"Oh, you're friends with Sir Ace?" One of the maids questioned her curiously as they all managed to collect all of the papers together.

Alice's blinked as she moved to transfer her stack onto the dark haired woman's, "Well, I just met him not too long ago outside of the Castle… He was nice enough to help me in my desperate time of need, so I suppose you can say so?"

She didn't want to go ahead considering herself as buddy-buddy with someone she just barely met. Though really, in this place she presumed having some kind of friend or ally was important lest she end up in someone's stomach or in a body bag.

Though really, out of everyone in Underland she had the pleasure—or displeasure, depending on how you looked at it, of meeting thus far, Ace was definitely her number one at the moment.

The only reason for that was probably because he wasn't a pervert and he didn't seem to have any species instinct to try to kill her.

"Incompetent! We cannot deal with such inept staff!"

A large 'boom' sound accompanied the shout and Alice's steps came to a stop anxiously when she noticed the maids ahead of her cease their walk.

"Where are the Territory documents!? They were meant to arrive ages ago!"

Alice winced as another loud thud seemingly echoed throughout the halls and the sound of footsteps approaching filled the air.

Visibly, she could see the four women she was travelling with begin to grow increasingly fearful as evident from their trembles did nothing to help her own qualms as she grunted in the pit of her throat, her eyes trained in the direction of the hallway that all the women appeared to be facing.

She wanted to ask what was about to happen, but she found herself entirely tongue tied as a new set of people turned down into the hallway they were standing in.

The brunette's teal eyes grew considerably as she was now faced with the sight of a couple of soldiers, all faceless and identical in appearance to the same ones that had been outside and a new woman, who basically captivated her completely.

Dark purple hair that was pulled into ringlets, a large and frilly red and black gown, and on top of her head was a small little golden crown that was encrusted with what she could only assume to be jewels.

Even with the angry scowl on her lips, the woman ahead of her was the picture perfect definition of beautiful.

"We swear, we are the only one in this bloody Castle that has an ounce of intelligence to get work done. Hmph." She angrily barked over her shoulder as the soldiers stayed a few steps behind her with fretful expressions to their eyeless faces.

Alice wordlessly watched as the woman averted her attention back up ahead and her lavender saturated landed on the group of them down the hallway, her eyebrows seemed to knit downward in frustration, "So that's where the documents were."

"Y-yes, Your Majesty! We were on our way to deliver them to you!" The one that held the papers lightly squeaked out, an uneasy smile on her face while she nodded.

Her companions all appeared to share her composure as they all sweated lightly.

The woman frowned, "You made us wait far too long for these things. What could you all have possibly been doing?" The irritation in her tone was far too evident and it seemed as though all the maids standing around her were going to collapse under their quivers.

Alice apprehensively stood toward the back, her eyes unable to leave the older female up ahead that now seemed to notice her presence.

"What is this?"

The brunette found herself immediately straightening up beneath the woman's analytical gaze and she couldn't help the tense wave that entered her body as she did so.

She was obviously the Queen of the Castle and not only that, she didn't appear to be in her best mood.

"I… Uh…" She inwardly kicked herself for stumbling on her words at such a time as she watched at the woman who approached her so gracefully, "Hello!" She exclaimed in a pitch a bit higher than she would have liked.

The woman's red polished and manicured hand slid beneath her chin to raise it upward and Alice found her face heating up while she locked eyes with her.

Even up close there didn't seem to be a single flaw in her face. She was stunningly beautiful, nearly similar to the vampires except her beauty appeared more natural, for the lack of a better word. She supposed it made sense if she was Queen of the Elemental territory…

"You have a face and yet, we are positive we have not seen you before. Are you a new role holder?" She inquired with a brow arched upward.

Alice gulped down a growing lump in her throat while she attempted to find her words as she shook her head lightly, "I'm a human!" She explained, "I'm also sorry for intruding into your Castle, Your Majesty, I was just looking for Peter White and—"

"A human?"

The typical reaction that she had been getting from everyone all day seemed to strike the woman that watched down at her, nothing but fascination seen in her eyes while she placed one of her lightly tanned hands to her face skeptically.

Alice nodded her head causing the woman to let out a hum, "That should explain the aura you carry. This is interesting… Tell us, what is your name?"

"Um… Alice Liddell, Your Majesty." She respectfully answered.

"We see… Very well, Miss Liddell, we are the Queen of Hearts, Vivaldi. It is wonderful to meet your acquaintance."

Vivaldi… It sounded French? Either way it was pretty and suited her immensely.

Alice's face flushed even more while she tried her hardest not to break eye contact, "You can just call me Alice… I mean, if you want… I mean, I'm not telling you what to do or anything, it's just that Miss Liddell sounds so formal, my tutor used to call me that and ahh… I'm blabbing, aren't I? Sorry."

She half expected the woman to throw her into a dungeon for being disrespectful, but instead she received laughter.

Vivaldi's laugh was soft, completely different from how maximized her voice had been not too long ago and Alice curiously watched up at her as she turned her head over her shoulder to the maids with a new pleasant smile on her face, "Prepare the tea party table outside at once!"

Instantly at her command all of the workers immediately began running about with a 'Yes, Your Majesty.'

Alice blinked her eyes while the woman turned back to her with a glint in her eyes, "We must speak to one another over a short dinner, Alice. We are aware it is all on short notice, however, we are positive you will enjoy what our chef prepares for you regardless."

The brunette prepared herself to protest, her mind remembering her original mission to find Peter White, but she stopped herself when she felt a dull pain execute throughout her stomach.

She hadn't thought about it up until then, but she hadn't eaten anything since dinner time back in her world which had been over 24 hours ago. All day she had been on her trip around the land trying to get to the Castle.

Smiling broadly, she gripped the edge of her skirt before performing a small curtsey, "Your Majesty, it would be an honor if I could dine with you."

Vivaldi watched at her curiously, her lavender eyes shimmering in an emotion that Alice could only hope to perceive as interest. It took only a couple more seconds before she allowed one of her slender hands to make its way to her mouth and she released a gentle laugh once more, "Oh ho! How nice! You are adorable! We are quite pleased with this. Come along now, Alice. We will make sure your first Castle of Hearts meal is the finest meal yet."

Knowing that for the time being she at least one the favorable side of the Queen, Alice brightened up before taking in a deep breath and immediately going to follow after the regal woman at as much of a decent pace as she could manage, her stomach now apparently becoming fully awakened and growling lowly.

-.-

"So tell us, Alice, what possessed you to visit Underland?" Vivaldi questioned with a smile.

Alice didn't really catch the look, her focus instead mostly pinpointed on the sandwiches on her plate.

Vivaldi had said everything would be short noticed so Alice had honestly followed after her not expecting much, but when they arrived to the table out near the maze, she was stunned speechless by the amount of food there.

Everything looked so good, it made her stomach threaten to cry out like a dying seal, she nearly cried.

She couldn't believe she neglected her most basic human need her whole time there.

"Ah… I wasn't exactly looking to visit. I didn't even know this place existed until I was kidnapped." She put emphasis on the word right before she took a bite of her sandwich.

She could recall Lorina's way of eating the finger food, and she tried her hardest to replicate it, not at all wanting to appear like some uncultured barbarian in front of royalty. Though it was all so difficult because with her hunger she just wanted to stuff her face, lady etiquette and manners be damned, she was starving.

When she had first sat down and started eating she had admittedly been a bit cautious. It wasn't that she thought Vivaldi would poison her, but she didn't know if she'd end up eating something strange like someone's brain or kidney or something like that.

Though really, all the food was as identical to the food in her world, although it was obvious the meal in front of her was made for royalty with how everything had been prepared.

As she swallowed, she gave Vivaldi a tired look, "Basically, Peter White came out of nowhere and snatched me here."

"The White Rabbit kidnapped you? Why is that?" The Queen looked genuinely taken off guard and Alice sighed, her hand reaching out to take a sip of her tea.

The liquid burned her tongue and she tried her hardest to remain composed while she shrugged her shoulders, "I honestly don't know… That's why I came here, actually. To find him and get answers because he's the Prime Minister, right?"

Vivaldi nodded, "That's rather peculiar. Never would we have thought he would be the one to break the rules." She smirked slightly, "How amusing that the Caterpillar assisted him…"

Putting her tea cup back down, Alice smiled the elder woman's way kindly, "If you don't mind me asking, is there a way for me to request to speak to him at some point? I really need to try and get home."

Looking up at the sky it was sunset.

If she could get home right at that moment, it'd all be so great. She'd be able to head out trick-or-treating with both Edith and Lorina before it got too late.

"We shall send for a messenger so he may meet you out here." Vivaldi replied while nodding off at a soldier's direction. He bowed at her respectfully before making his way off.

Alice couldn't help the happy grin that came to her face as the faceless man disappeared past the rose hedges about them.

Taking a scone and stuffing it into her mouth without much thought, Alice picked up a napkin to wipe at the sides of her lips while Vivaldi released a longingly breath, "It has been a while since a human last entered Underland… They are said to be the catalyst for change, you know."

The brunette listened attentively.

"Outsiders, foreigners, strangers, even newcomers… Humans are described as those and are very rare to this world." Vivaldi gave a small sip to her tea, "With you here, things are sure to become very interesting."

Alice gave a small and sheepish laugh, "Oh, wow… Ur, well, I'm sorry, but I'm not some kind of revolutionary or anything if that's what you think. I'm really just your normal, plain and average girl? There's nothing particularly special about me."

"Regardless, it does not change your species and what you mean to our kind." Vivaldi gave her a smirk as a maid began pouring more tea into her cup, "You must stay at the Castle of Hearts during your time here in Underland. We can promise you the best hospitality there is to offer."

Looking down at her plate, Alice had to admit it sounded like a good deal.

Vivaldi was kind and so were the workers there… That greatly clashed with Julius' seemingly grouchy self that didn't appear to want anything to do with her…

Not only that, they weren't carnivorous or anything like that so she was pretty much safe to go around without worrying for her life.

A smile came to her face while she shook her head, "That sounds really tempting, but I'm not staying here long. I'm leaving tonight if I can, though if I can't then sur—"

Her words were drowned out abruptly by the sound of glass hitting against each other filled the air.

Eyes curious, Alice watched ahead as the maid that had been assisting the Queen took a couple of steps back, her hands flying to her mouth in horror, "Y-Your Majesty! I am so sorry! I didn't mean to! I-I-I!" Please forgive me!"

The tea that she had been pouring spilled and Alice couldn't help but frown at how the tea seemed to have made its way onto Vivaldi's gown.

She couldn't help the bit of second-hand embarrassment that hit her as she prepared to watch the maid get fired especially with how annoyed Vivaldi's face appeared to become.

The Queen of Hearts retrieved a napkin from the table and began to wipe herself, her eyebrows inclined downward in irritation as an awkward silence flew over the tea area.

"How troublesome." She voiced after a moment of quiet and Alice sympathetically frowned the maid's way.

Maybe she could find another job somewhere?

"Off with her head!"

What?

Vivaldi raised her hands upward to give a loud clap and Alice could only watch with confused wide eyes as the maid was grabbed by two nearby soldiers.

Off with her head? Was that a metaphor for something?

The dark haired woman was dragged away from the table and Alice found herself stunned into silence at how little resistance she had, her face showing nothing but mortification on her situation, yet she didn't fight the hold she was in.

Something told her that it wasn't a metaphor.

Feeling fear beginning to execute throughout her body, Alice gave Vivaldi a nervous look as the Queen gave a huff while she stood to her feet, "This is so annoying, now we must change our clothes… It's a shame too; this sunset is lasting longer than most."

She moved from her chair and began to make her leave as she glanced over her shoulder at Alice, "You are free to spend the night if you wish. A maid shall take you to your room."

Alice nodded dumbly, her new sense of fear not wavering from her stomach, "Thank you, but… What about Peter?"

The woman snorted, her hand waving off at her dully, "He has probably already incinerated the messenger. It would not surprise us if that were the case. Anyways, have a good night, Alice. You really should stay here. Our territory is top notch compared to the others." With her parting words she turned to make her leave.

Now she was beginning to have second thoughts about staying, even if it was just for the night.

Obviously from everyone's hints thrown about, Peter was a fire Elemental, but would he really just burn a messenger? Wasn't that like, unethical!?

Then again, he kidnapped her; she really doubted he had ethics that didn't include being a perverted kidnapper.

After her maid managed to bring her inside and began leading her to her room, Alice couldn't shake the bad feeling she got when her thoughts drifted to Peter.

The moment the maid stopped and showed her the room door, Alice scratched her cheek, "Sorry, but do you know where Peter White's room is?" She anxiously inquired with a bite to her bottom lip.

The maid turned to her curiously, "Lord White? Ah, yes, his room isn't too far from here. It's two halls over down this way and the first door on the right!"

Alice sent her a grateful smile with a nod, "Thank you so much!" Right after her words she quickly began making her way down the hallway, her mind repeatedly saying the maid's directions over and over while she followed them.

With how large the Castle was, the hallways were really long. She couldn't help but be out of breath as she turned down the corridor that she knew would lead her closer to her destination.

Right as she did so, she found herself bumping chests with someone incredibly solid.

Rubbing her forehead, she winced painfully as her face began a bit sore from the impact, "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention…" She trailed off as her face slowly came to meet with the person she bumped into.

She really had the worst luck ever.

"Alice!" Peter exclaimed, his tone easily distinguishable as surprised.

Alice dully watched as one of his hands went upward to adjust his glasses on his face, his mouth still formed into an 'o' shape.

Well, maybe not the worst. She was looking for him.

The white bunny ears were still on top of his head and after they gave a twitch she couldn't help but wonder somewhere in the back of her mind why he was an Elemental when technically that made him a shapeshifter…

Her focus was on more important things though.

"You! I've been looking for you all damn day, you know!" She hissed acidly, her eyes glaring up at him fiercely.

Peter blinked, his expression certainly wasn't what she expected it was going to be.

He looked innocent.

Also, he looked really handsome and God damn it, she wasn't supposed to be thinking things like that.

"You were… Looking for me?" He questioned slowly while pointing at his chest.

The brunette grunted as she took a step backward, "Yeah, I was! All because—Ack!" She let out a groan of surprise when she found herself being lunged at and incased in a powerful spine crushing hug.

His hold was iron strong and she was sure she felt something in her body pop as he snuggled closer to her. Desperately, she tried wiggling away, her mind already flying to how the situation could take a turn for the worst; however it was as though all her struggles were in vain because it was practically impossible to move with him latched on. If she could just free her hand, she'd be able to punch him, but she was stuck and vulnerable like this.

Peter was all too oblivious to her inner panic and only pulled her even closer to him, a blissful sigh escaping his mouth.

"Oh, Alice! I know I said I couldn't wait to see you again, but I had no idea you'd be so eager to see me too! I missed you so much! I'm so happy you missed me as well! My darling, finally we reunite! There's nothing separating us anymore—Argh!"

Alice allowed her leg that just kneed him in the crotch to drop as he released her and went crashing to the floor with both of his hands covering his groin in apparent agony.

Spitefully, she glared down at him, "Don't touch me, don't call me darling, and don't act like we're friends, you damn pervert." She harshly informed with steel eyes.

Peter groaned painfully, "I love you too."

"Did you not just hear me!? Your ears are way too big for you to be deaf!"

Did he really just say he loved her again? What a joke. He had to be messing around with her.

Growling beneath her breath, she clenched her fists and willed herself to be patient, though she could feel her blood threatening to boil, "Now listen here, I don't have time for games. You caused me so much stress today by making me go out on a bunny hunt for you."

Peter gradually got to his feet, his hands dusting himself off while he watched at her curiously and Alice couldn't help but inwardly moan at how he still appeared so innocent as though she didn't just knee him in the family jewels.

"Explain to me right now why you brought me here." She seriously demanded, her eyes staring into his firmly.

It took him a moment to fully register her words, but when he did, a smile came to his face and it was a smile similar to the one he had before he had left her up at the Clock Tower… It was more enigmatic and serious in a way. It caught her off guard as she watched at him dumbfounded.

"It's simple; I brought you here because I love you."

Eyebrows furrowing, she intensified her stare, "That's not a proper answer. Seriously, tell me why you brought me here. What could have possibly been a good reason to bring me here? It better be a good damn one, like me saving the world or something, or else you're going to get kicked in the bunny balls again, buddy." Alice threatened with a crack to her knuckles.

Peter didn't look the least bit afraid as he let out a small chuckle, "It is a proper answer because that is the only answer. Alice, I brought you here because I love you and I care for you. Need there be another reason? After all, it's what you wanted and who am I to deny you what you want?"

His last sentence made her eyes widen.

"What I wanted? What do you mean?" His open ended question actually made her a bit anxious… Why was everything so confusing? Sighing, she continued, "You know what? I don't even care why you brought me here. We can just forget all of this ever happened if you just take me home now."

The White Rabbit shook his head, "I couldn't do that even if I wanted to. You're the only one that can take yourself home."

Scowling, she folded her arms over her chest, "And how do I do that?"

"I do hope you've kept your vial around. Perhaps the answer rests in that somehow?"

Blinking, Alice averted her attention down to her apron pocket where she took out the light blue vial from before.

Lightly rolling it in her fingers, she frowned before looking up, "What does this have to do with it…?" She let her words fade off when she came to realize that the White Rabbit was gone.

Her rotten luck was slowly coming back to her.

Of course after she was tracking him down and barely staying alive, when she finally found him for some answers he pulled some riddle nonsense on her.

Briefly, she considered going to his room and throttling him until she got a proper answer but she stopped herself when her body released a yawn.

Realistically speaking, she had been on her feet all day and she just ate. She deserved some rest.

Alice turned around and began heading back for her room, her eyes dulling while she dragged her feet ahead.

What she needed right then was a good bath and some sleep.

She was really exhausted.

-.-

Alice moaned with a blink to her eyes as she laid down.

She seriously just shut her eyes, how was it morning already?

Rubbing one of her eyes tiredly, she slowly rose up and when she did, she nearly found herself falling back down into her bed—until she came to realize she wasn't laying on her bed.

"What the—!?" She cried out in shock, she rose to her feet with wide eyes and her heart beginning to race.

Everywhere around her looked like some kind of galaxy-space-like environment, despite this her feet were obviously set on something solid.

Looking about herself in a panic, she placed a hand near her chest.

She was still in her nightgown the maid had given her, but this definitely wasn't her room at the Castle of Hearts.

"Excellent observation." A new voice stated from above and with wide eyes she glanced around in an attempt to find the owner of it.

Was that God? Was she dead? Did someone eat her in her sleep?

"Come on, Alice. You're in Elemental territory, they don't eat humans."

"Okay, I'm pretty sure God isn't that sarcastic. Now who's there?" She seriously inquired while turning around and when she did so she became the slightest bit startled at the sight of a silver haired man apparently floating several feet away from her.

What the hell was he even wearing? All those loops and an eye patch too… It made him look even more otherworldly than the people she had met earlier.

"Rude." He snorted, his arms folding over his chest, though the smile on his face didn't falter, "My name is Nightmare. Welcome to the Dream World, Alice."

Her eyebrows furrowed and she took a step back skeptically, "Dream World…?" Her eyes glanced around her observantly before she turned back to him.

What exactly was he…? An illusionist? Were those even a monster in Underland? She couldn't remember.

Nightmare nodded, the amusement in his eye not settling too well with her gut, "I'm glad you're curious. Sorry if it's a disappointment to you, but I am an incubus."

"An incubus!?" She choked out in disbelief, her face faltering into nothing but disgust.

Incubuses were those sexual demons that had intercourse with females until they died or had a child, weren't they!?

Hands flying out to cover her body, Alice watched at him with fierce eyes, her cheeks beginning to heat up dangerously, "Stay away from me!"

Oh, God. She was going to be molested. There was nobody around, he could do it and no one would even know—

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Nightmare exclaimed, both his hands flying in front of his body while he rapidly shook them along with his head, his own cheeks appearing to grow red with embarrassment, "No, no! Incubuses aren't like the myths you have back in your world, I swear!"

Alice watched at him cautiously and Nightmare blanched, "I promise! We're not like that at all! Being an incubus just makes me a master of dreams and lets me read minds! If anything, I categorize as an esper!" He attempted to defend himself frantically.

Feeling a bit more at ease, she slowly allowed both of her hands to fall to her sides though she kept her eyes narrowed at him suspiciously.

"Don't give me that look. I'm a good boy, I promise."

Pursing her lips, Alice glanced away, "I'm assuming this is a dream considering how you said you're a master of dreams and this is the Dream World?"

Nightmare nodded with a sigh, "You are correct."

"So what made me so lucky to be graced with the presence of an incubus in my dream?" Alice questioned lowly as her eyes kept away from him.

She had to remember he could read her thoughts.

Back in her world she had always thought it'd be a cool ability, but it seemed like a major invasion of privacy.

The incubus hummed, his body still levitating, "Is it that bad for me to want to meet the human that all the territories in Underland are currently buzzing on about?" His lips quirked into a smirk and Alice found her eyes widening while he continued, "You managed to hit the mark and meet every single role holder in a single day too. You humans really are a symbol of good luck."

"Wait, does everyone seriously know I'm here!?" She couldn't help her voice from rising in volume when she met his gaze.

That was actually pretty embarrassing; it made her sound like a celebrity or something when she was far from it.

"Mmhm. Don't sound so surprised, news travels fast around here especially when something special like a human is involved." He gave her a smile that she inwardly groaned at.

Of course her worth was only in the fact she was a human.

Obviously that was the only thing worthwhile about her since it made her smell good. Other than that, she was just a basic girl…

Nightmare watched her knowingly, "Don't be so depressed. You're in Underland; you should be having more fun and enjoying the magic around you that your world doesn't have."

The brunette clicked her tongue, "I don't care if my world doesn't have magic! I just want to go back! At least there I'm not surrounded by carnivorous beings that think I smell appetizing!"

Floating over her head lazily, the silver haired dream demon let out a laugh, "You're much too stressed, Alice. Honestly, forget about your world for just a bit and appreciate the sights around you. I'm sure anyone else would like what they see."

"That's the thing. I'm not anyone else. I'm Alice Liddell and I—"

"You know, for someone so anxious about dying, it's terribly ironic that you decide to stay at the Castle of Hearts to sleep after staying with that Julius fellow."

Alice stopped her words, her eyes watching up at him curiously while she waited for him to continue.

Catching either her look or picking up her thoughts, Nightmare rested his arms behind his head, "Elementals have the highest mortality rate out of all the species in Underland, you know."

It took a moment for his words to register but when they did, Alice found something clicking in her head with a small whine, "Oh, no! Julius did say something about them being psychopaths, didn't he!?" She cried with her hands grasping her hair in panic.

Above her, Nightmare gave a chuckle, "Elementals have gained that representation fittingly… Ah, the 'Psychopaths of Underland,' the 'Sociopaths of Grimland,' oh, and my favorite the 'Looney Bin Cuckoo Clocks of Darkland'—"

Alice groaned while she put up a hand to silence him, "Alright, alright! I got it! They're all crazy!"

Just when she thought she was safe… Honestly, it was just her luck that she ended up sleeping under the same roof as the Country's wackos.

"Well, not seriously crazy like that. They're just very unstable because their connection to nature puts them all up in their feelings. It's easy for them to sway moods so killing can happen at the drop of a hat."

The brunette sighed heavily, though she supposed that made sense.

Vivaldi had only gotten slightly irritated before she ordered the execution and maybe that explained why Peter hugged her out of nowhere.

Ace had to be the only normal one of the pack.

"You're so cute." Nightmare laughed and Alice squinted up at him questioningly, "I'm sorry; it's just that you're so naïve about this world and your thought process with how everything's all new is really adorable."

As he snickered Alice could only blankly watch him.

"I'm far from cute." Alice responded dryly, "Word of warning, my thoughts can be pretty pessimistic at times."

"Oh?"

What a dickhead.

"Oh."

"Yeah."

Nightmare sighed, "Other than that, I assume that what you've seen of the land is to your liking?"

Running a hand through her hair, Alice shrugged, "It's alright, but I'm not planning on staying long. First chance I get to go home, I'm zooming out of here like a witch on a broom."

"I'd love to see that."

Alice rolled her eyes while he chuckled into his hand, "Anyways, I can see that you're still being cautious about the dangers the land has. That's good. It's nice to get comfortable, but remember since you're human you need to keep your guard up. Underland can be a bloody place. It's definitely not for the faint of heart."

The brunette sighed, her arms folding over her chest, "Trust me, I know. Dying isn't on my To-Do list."

With the end of her words, she found her eyes wincing at the sudden appearance of a bright light that came to her left. She brought a hand to her forehead to shield her gaze from its intensity as Nightmare made a noise of surprise from above her.

"Oh, it looks like it's time to wake up, Alice."

Uncertain, the female could only gaze on as the light visibly grew as though it were rapidly approaching the two of them and at one point she had to shut her eyes when it became too much for them to handle.

-.-

The dreadfully unoriginal introductions are over haha now it's time for Alice to have the adventure of a lifetime and this fic has about 30 chapters planned out so we'll see how this ride goes. I can guarantee it'll be very bumpy and wild

Will our heroine survive in this country? If so, will she somehow fall in love with one of the deliciously hot, but undeniably dangerous men that inhabit this strange new world? Or are all of them gay? Will she ever find a way to return home? Or will some sort of external force attempt to stop her? Find out next time on Underland Magic [echos] Magic… Magic… Magic… Magic…