Here's the first part to the end of the story. Be warned; the beginning is quite angsty and emotional. But if you're not interested into that stuff, just skip to the end of the chapter. As I promised, there is a happy ending. Enjoy! :)

Alice in Wonderland II: Underland's Champion

Chapter 19: Epilogue Part One

Alice could see and feel nothing. The only thing around her was complete darkness.

She panics and tries to move or say something but nothing would work. It felt like her entire body was immobilized. She couldn't even think straight; everything was distorted and made no sense.

The only thing she did know was that she was all alone, and she was afraid of being trapped in darkness forever. Her anxiety made her heart beat wildly and that was the only thing she could sense and hear as she tries to do something.

Suddenly extreme weariness and pain erupted around her entire body. She could feel her burning forehead to the painful ache in her chest to the sore muscles of her legs. She noted that she was covered in something very soft and furrows her brows as she tries to open her eyes. She squints once she does, but she sees nothing at first.

Her heartbeat began to slow down and she hears more noises around her. She couldn't make out what they were as she intently focused on regaining her eyesight. She blinks multiple times to get rid of the darkness until she finally began to see shapes and colors. By the ninth blink, Alice sees some objects hovering over her face.

"... Awake!..."

"... Darling... Hear me?"

"... Alice...?"

The woman finally manages to decipher the strange noises and realizes that they were speaking to her. She blinks several more times before she finally looks around with a clear vision. She was resting in a large bed at a regal residence. Margaret and Helen are sitting on chairs on either side of her as they look at her with intense worried expressions.

"Oh, Alice!" Helen let out a cry as she wraps her arms around her daughter. Alice grunts from the unexpected movement and just stares at her mother as she pulls away. "Thank God that you're all right!"

"How are you feeling...?" Margaret asks softly yet urgently.

"... Sore..." Alice says honestly. She blinks slowly as she stares around the bedroom for the longest time, trying to figure out what was going on. "... What happened? Where are we?"

The women hesitate as they glance at each other. Then Helen reaches to the bedside table and pulls up a small teacup before giving it to her daughter. "Here, darling. Drink this; it'll help with the pain..."

Alice didn't move at first until she finally reaches up to hold the cup. She hisses when she feels pain around her stomach and glances under the covers. Her eyes widen when she notices that there were bandages wrapped around her entire torso. She notices some bruises under the white gown on her legs and winces at the sight. She tries to ignore the discomfort as she slowly sips at the drink offered. She breathes deeply as the pleasant taste of cinnamon and berries hit her tongue. She swallows slowly before handing the cup back to her mother. Almost instantly the burning sensation on her forehead went away.

Finally Alice realizes her situation; she was in bed with her family seeing her injured. She sighs as her mother brushes a strand of hair away from her face. Great; how was she going to tell her family about what happened to her? It was probably all just a dream to them. "Mother, Margaret... I can explain what happened... But I don't think you'll believe me when I tell you. You'll just tell me that it was a dream."

"You don't have to say anything, dear," Margaret gently takes her hand and rubs her thumb against it soothingly. "We've seen it all. It was no dream."

Alice pauses when she took that information in. "Wait... What?"

"Alice, we know what happened. We were there watching you." Helen says softly. Her eyes grow dark when she knew what was going to happen next and dreads it. "We were all prisoners of Iracebeth until you saved us. You have slain her but took the hit when she used her last bit of magic to attack us."

"What? She was still alive? " Alice blinks as she tries to remember exactly what happened.

Margaret narrows her eyes suspiciously. "... How much do you remember, Alice? Tell us everything you can about Underland; your fights, your friends, anything."

Alice is silent as she vividly recalls the very last thing that happened before she fainted. She remembered her first two trips in Wonderland wholeheartedly but had a little difficulty remembering everything after that. But after a bit of thinking, she remembers her return, the Crystal Ball, her quest to find Iracebeth, and the final showdown right before she was shot-

Alice winces again as she felt pain in her abdomen. She relaxes a bit before she murmurs, "Well, I remember everything all the way up until Stayne shot me..." She frowns as she glances at her family. "But what happened after that? Where are Stayne and Iracebeth now?"

The women study her for a moment before they relax a bit. "Well, Stayne was possessed by the last bit of magic Iracebeth used to keep herself alive," Margaret explained. "She used him as a last resort to kill you. However, they got carried away and tripped into the Looking Glass before it... Fell and shattered into pieces."

"... Oh." Alice wasn't sure if that meant that Stayne and Iracebeth were dead or not. However, she knew that they had no way of going back to Earth or Wonderland now that both doorways are permanently destroyed. She decides that they are and would always simply linger in the dimension even after death. It seemed like an unusual predicament compared to thinking of them dead, but Alice wasn't in the mood to try figuring out what else could have happened to them.

She changes the subject. "But what happened after that? Why am I still here?"

The atmosphere changes as the women glance at each other uneasily. Helen takes Alice's other hand and holds it gently with both of her own. "Alice, just promise me that after we tell you about this, then you won't do anything rash, all right?"

"Why would I...?" Alice furrows her brows before she looks suspicious. "Tell me what happened."

"Promise me first."

Alice is quiet before she sighs in defeat. "All right, I promise. Now please tell me..."

Helen sighs in resignation. "My dear, the bullets on you have wounded you greatly. By the time the mirror crashed, your spirit had passed on. It was by that time we lost all hope and believed you to be gone forever..."

She hesitates. Alice's firm stare presses her to continue.

"... However, Mirana has told us that there was a way to save you from that fate. She said that she would perform a ritual that would call out to the Ancient Ancestors of the past and negotiate with them for a way to bring you back. However..."

"... Because we were not the negotiators, we weren't allowed to witness the ritual." Margaret explains, somewhat uneasy. "... So the White Queen and Mr. Hightopp stayed with your body as they made propositions with the ancestors. We are only telling you what they have told us after the meeting."

"Tarrant?" Alice remembers the milliner and her eyes widen as she tries to sit up. "Is he all right? Where is he? I want to see him!"

"Alice, calm down and let us finish." Helen says firmly. "You need to know what happened."

Alice couldn't find it in her to argue with her mother. She remains quiet and sits back as the women continue the story.

"... What Mirana said was quite disturbing..." Helen continues. "She said that talking to the ghosts of all our ancestors made her skin turn cold and made her feel weak... Apparently being in the presence of ghosts drains a bit of your energy. Anyhow, Mirana has formally requested you to return to life and proudly announced all of your achievements as Underland's Champion as a reason to bring you back. She and many others found you too valuable to have passed on so early. But the Ancient Ancestors were not swayed; they stated that resurrecting someone was against their code of balancing life no matter what accomplishments the victim made. It was forbidden. Mirana and Mr. Hightopp both were persistent up until they finally convinced them to do it, but it had a cost."

Alice frowns as she waits for them to continue.

Helen hesitates and she swallows. "That cost was exile from Wonderland permanently. You will not be permitted to ever return there or have contact with anyone in that world."

Alice says nothing as her brain ponders on what she just heard. Suddenly flashes of what she thought was a dream hit her and her eyes widen when she remembers the argument she had with her father. Helen and Margaret watch the girl turn pale and grow concerned. "Alice?"

"No... NO! You're lying!" Alice shouts as she glares at the two. "You have to be lying! I'm Underland's Champion; I cannot be BANISHED!"

"Alice, please calm-"

"NO!" Alice screams as she clenches her fists and pounds her bed aggressively. She hisses as she sits up and angrily glares at her family. "Father told me the exact same thing to me! He said that all my memories of Wonderland would fade away!"

"What are you talking about?" Margaret's eyes flash in worry and bewilderment. But when she sees her sister throwing the covers off, she stands up and tries to pin her sister down. "NO, Alice! Lie back down! You're still healing!"

"I DON'T CARE!" Alice shouts as she shakily stands up and hisses from the pain of her wounds. She ignores her mother's warning tone as she walks out of the room in nothing but an undergown and proceeds to rush down the hallway. She was vaguely aware that her mother and sister were in hot pursuit after her but she ignores them as she runs down the stairs. The damaged muscles in her torso were violently protesting from her rushed movement but she pushes herself harder towards the door. She was relieved to find out that she was in Lord Ascot's home. She see the Ascot family and a doctor casually having tea in the common room until they notice Alice storming out of the house. Everyone, including the servants and doctor, began shouting at Alice and give chase when she sprints towards the garden.

Tears pour down her face as she runs through the maze with ragged breaths. She ignores the pain worsening on her torso and the cold wet floor on her feet as she hastily makes way towards a certain tree. She could hear the cries of her family fading as she ran deeper through the foliage. She doesn't slow down as she follows her instincts towards the rabbit hole.

Her eyes flash in relief once she sees a giant tree. She comes to a stop and breathes heavily while trying to ignore her sore body as she kneels down. She sees a rabbit hole and puts her hand through it while expecting to stumble into the dark abyss. But to her horror, her hand connects to a firm surface.

"No..." Her voice grows coarse as she uses both of her hands and pushes against the wall with hysteric desperation. "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO!" Tears fall down her eyes once again as dread and grief strike her shattering heart. "Please, no!"

"Alice!" Alice feels a pair of hands pull her out of the hole. She screams and fights back against the hold until the arms wrap themselves tightly around her and pull her against a body. Alice tries again to fight against her holder until her strength gives out and she cries out in agony. She lets the person hold her and listens to the whispers of comfort.

"Alice, dear..." Helen says as she gently rocks her child back and forth. She glances up at the Ascots, Margaret, and doctor with a firm look. They hesitate before they silently nod and begin to walk back to the house. The doctor murmurs something to her ear before she nods and watches him leave. Helen doesn't cease rocking her sobbing youngest daughter even after everyone was long gone.

"Why...?" Alice whispers against her mother's chest. Pure agony and helplessness that she has never felt before consumed her entire body and she trembles from the pain wracking in her chest. She couldn't move or think properly. "How could this happen...? I don't want this!"

Seeing her usually strong and optimistic daughter break down as if the world was ending shook her mother. She didn't know what to say to make the situation better. All she could do was tell Alice the truth and help her through her misery.

"Alice..." Helen slowly pulls away before holding her daughter's shoulders. She tilts Alice's chin to look at her. "Sweetheart, look at me..."

It took a long while, but Alice manages to stop crying enough to sniffle and gaze brokenly into the eyes of her mother. The sight of her eyes haunted Helen. The once bright blue eyes filled with confidence are now dull and grey from misery and defeat.

"... Try to understand that this choice was very difficult for all of Wonderland." Helen tries to put sense through her daughter. Her eyes were sad as she adds. "... Especially for Mr. Hightopp." The mention of the milliner makes Alice sob again before she buries her head against her mother's neck. Helen sighs as she holds her daughter comfortingly and rocks her as she continues with her speech. "It tore him apart from the thought of never seeing you again, but he said that you living out your life is more important than anything else. He said that if that meant that you would have to move on from your past and forget him, then so be it. Believe me, my dear; he truly loves you if he was willing to let go of you this time."

"How can I?" Alice demands hoarsely. She pulls back to give her mother an angry glare. "How can I ever be happy without him? Without knowing about what will become of Wonderland? It existed because of me in the first place! Mirana said that it would exist for as long as I remember it! It will disappear as soon as I completely forget it!"

"My dear, Wonderland will never fade from existence." She gives her daughter a firm but reassuring stare. "Mirana did tell us that as well, but she said that Wonderland's existence needs to be remembered by at least one person who would always believe in it. That's what the Ascots were talking about in the living room. Hamish has decided to change his career from business. He promised to complete a fantasy novel about everything he knows of Wonderland and would sell it out worldwide to children and adults alike. But he will need your help to publish it; only you know Wonderland best and can help us keep it and its people alive."

Hearing this plan somewhat calms Alice down. She stops crying a bit before she slowly looks up to stare at her mother with wide tearful eyes. "You... Would he really do that?"

"Of course, my love." Helen smiles kindly as she rubs her daughter's cheeks to rid the tears. "It is the very least we can do for Mirana taking you in and helping you survive all the odds. She and all of Wonderland will live in peace will never have to worry about anything harming their home again. So will you help Hamish with this new goal?"

"Of course I will!" Alice says abruptly without any hesitation. However, her excitement slowly fades as tears pour down her face again. She sniffles again as she hugs her mother for comfort. Helen sighs as she gingerly rubs Alice's back. "Dear, what did you mean that your father told you that all of your memories of Wonderland would fade in time?"

Alice pauses before she shivers. "Well... It must have happened while I was... Dead..." She hesitates. "... But Father's spirit said that something happened during the process of the negotiation and he needed my support to carry it through. It had a price; he said that once every year, a portion of my memory of Wonderland would fade away. By the time I'm at my dying year, I will have no memories of Wonderland or even know of its existence."

Alice felt her mother tense and knew that a sense of understanding hit her. "Oh, my baby girl... I'm so sorry... I didn't know..." Helen hugs her daughter tightly. Alice was glad that Helen didn't pry further into the details; that would make things even more uncomfortable and painful.

"... I suppose that's why it's so hard..." Alice mutters as she dabs her eyes with her gown. "... I mean, Wonderland would still exist if this novel pulls through... At least that gives me peace. But I'll be forced to forget about them all. Absolem, Chessur, Mallymkun, Mirana, and..." She breathes deeply. "... And Tarrant..."

Helen says nothing as tears cloud her own eyes. She didn't realize how badly this affected her child until now. Her heart broke at realizing that Alice has lost her beloved at such an early age, just as she had lost Charles so early into the beginning years of their family.

"I... I know it'll be hard, sweetheart..." Helen says quietly as she continues to rub her daughter's back comfortingly. "But... We'll pull through it together, all right?"

"... Mother..." Alice's voice sounds strained as they quiet down and listen to the wind blowing through the foliage and the birds happily chirping in the hidden bushes. "... Wonderland was the best thing that ever happened to me... It was a place where I could never hide myself... And it brought me to Tarrant... I don't think I can ever let that go so easily..."

"I know, honey. Trust me, I know." Helen exhales softly as she holds her daughter tightly. "And I'm so sorry that I wasn't the best mother in our first few years together, but now things are different. You, Margaret, the Ascots, and I are going to make things work, all right? But Tarrant... He gave you something special, hasn't he?"

Alice contemplated on her mother's words for the longest time and says nothing.

"He was the friend that you always wanted; the friend that stood by your side and loved you unconditionally. As long as you always treasure the things he risked for you and all the precious time you shared together... That's what you hold onto forever. Even if the time comes when you lose your memory of him... Just know that he was always there no matter what happens. He will always remember you and the bond that you two shared. That the bond you had... Was beyond anything anyone else would ever understand..."

"... Will it go away, Mama...?" Alice surprises her mother when she began to shiver and sound as fragile as a child. "... Will this pain ever go away?"

Helen is silent for the longest time before she sighs.

"... In time, it will. But it won't go away right now, or tomorrow, or even in the next year. Just give it time, my love. It'll get better... I promise."

:)(:

Needless to say, Helen was right. Things were different now.

The first few days had been very difficult after Alice woke up. Reporters and endless guests have bombarded the Ascots and Kingsleighs' houses with questions regarding Alice. It wasn't that the families could blame them; it's been over a month since Alice was reported missing. It was the fact that the people were so inconsiderate of their privacy. Fortunately, Lord Ascot took care of the matter by himself quite well. He made a small conference and answered every question to the best of his extent. He stated that Alice was captured by foreign traders that he came upon during his travels around China. They made a ransom for her and refused to release her until their demands are met. However, Alice managed to escape through sheer luck but had a bit of a hassle getting back home. He finished the story by stating they 'found' her barely a mile away from the dock shoreline during a walk alongside the beach. The doctor confirmed that she took quite a beating when he describes the wounds on her body. She had a broken rib and several cuts around her face and arms and two gunshots to her stomach. Everyone wondered how she was able to survive the odds with all those wounds. Lord Ascot absolutely refused to let them personally interrogate Alice, stating that it was quite traumatizing for her to recall. Eventually everyone's curiosity faded away and they finally left the families alone in peace. The news of her return spread for two weeks before it was quickly forgotten.

Although the press was gone, Alice received many personal guests. While she recovers at the Kingsleigh residence, all of the people she met have visited to give her gifts and blessings. Even the kind merchants and lords she met in China sent healing potions or books to help her pass by with the pain. She was delighted to reunite with her aunt Imogene and the Chattaway Twins. She was greatly surprised to find a ring on her aunt's finger and was even more surprised to find out that she was engaged to a duke. Everyone remarked that she was brave for going through the trauma.

Alice agreed to go through with sharing the lie. She knew that no one would believe her if she told anyone the truth. She decided that it was best that only she, her family, and the Ascots would know what truly happened. Besides, it was only a matter of time when she would share the story with Hamish and help him publish a novel.

The next few months are long and dull. Alice recovered quickly from her scratches and bruises, but the bullet wounds and broken rib have taken a toll. The doctor said it was lucky that the bullets were nowhere to be found inside her as he performed a surgery to properly fix her rib. He just said that as long as she gets plenty of bed rest, then the gunshot wounds would heal on their own after a few months. It would be an uncomfortable procedure, but he would always frequently stop by to check her over to see how the progress was coming along.

Alice could do nothing but rest in her bed. After a full month of sleeping and recovering from her most recent fight, she found herself easily bored. However, it helped that she would always tell her family and the Ascots stories about her adventures in Wonderland. Hamish always brought along a notebook so he would write down her descriptions. Eventually he bought a typewriter and brought it to her room so he would share his progress with her. She would always point out simple grammatical errors or something she didn't see right and politely asks Hamish to retype a page. He would do so without a fuss. It would get to the point where both young nobles would grow weary from figuring out appropriate descriptions until Helen kindly takes Hamish to the guestroom and let them get some rest.

It was quite difficult since Hamish was not used to typing so much and that some of their ideas clashed greatly, but they still made a huge progress by the end of the month. He completed at least enough pages for three chapters. It was a start.

Eventually after a couple of weeks working on the next few chapters, Alice grew bored and depressed again. Her family would bring some books, play board games, or simply talk to pass by the time. They noted that the realization of never being able to go back to Wonderland finally hit Alice and did everything in their power to make her cheer up. They even took her suggestions in doing outrageous things, such as throwing unbirthdays (which she had to explain to them what that was), painting white roses red, and even–much to their chagrin- performing the Futterwacken. Hamish was the only person able to do it through her description, but his first attempt amused the blonde to no end. At least they were trying to make her feel better and she appreciated their concern.

The only thing that would always brighten Alice's day was whenever Stefan was around. Due to Lowell living quite a ways away, the infant was always looked over by trustworthy servants (now guards after what happened). However, paranoia pressures Margaret to convince her husband to let him stay at the Kingsleigh residence under her care. He agrees and soon Stefan was scheduled to stay with his maternal family while his father was gone for business. From the last time Alice saw him in three months, he grew so much bigger and his entire body took more shape. Only his striking blue eyes never changed. They would brighten in delight as soon as he saw his mother, grandmother, and especially his aunt. He made so many noises as Alice bounces him on her lap and playfully teases him. She would always tell him stories about Wonderland as she fed him his meals. She nearly broke down when he said his very first two words: Mada Hatta.

After six painful months of waiting, Alice was well enough to start walking. She had a bit of difficulty standing and limps a bit. She had the help of Hamish or Margaret whenever she was near a flight of stairs or if she was grabbing something out of her reach. She wasn't bothered by it at the very least; she was glad to be out of her bed and could go outside once again. She had never felt so happy feeling the cool wind of a winter night or feeling the sunrays hit her cold skin. She was even more happy to know that she wasn't permitted to wear a corset or stockings with her dresses according to the doctor's orders. She was content with wearing simple but comfortable gowns during strolls.

However, she grew incredibly annoyed when noblemen would stop by and ask her mother for permission to court her. Alice's beauty seemed to grow tenfold in the eyes of men after they found out that she was still single and held access to the fortune from her father's business. Helen insisted that it would help Alice pass by the time and that she should at least try. Alice begrudgingly agreed and tried. Her various dates with different men always ended with a sour note. They never showed interest in what she had to say and always boasted about everything they had and would offer if she accepted their proposals. She could see through their charm and looks; they only are interested in her money and looks. She officially ended all dates the moment they ridicule her mild attempted humor about 'talking animals' or 'flying with the birds'. Besides, she could only find herself comparing them to her beloved milliner. Her heart clenches at the thought of Tarrant's heart breaking if he ever found out that she tried to court others.

Hamish finally finished the novel and had it published under a different penname. At first nothing happened, but as the months passed by it became a very riveting story and soon became of the most famous stories spread throughout the nation. Within weeks, the whole world was engrossed by the enchanting tales of another world. Hamish received an award for the story and received 15% of the income as promised. The Ascots were pleased by the results.

Hamish offered to give most of the income to Alice (since it was her who helped him with the success in the first place), but she declined. She had more than enough profits and believed that Hamish deserved the rewards for all the hard work he put into the novel. The reward she earned was knowing that Wonderland would always be remembered by others. That was more than she could ever hope to achieve.

Alice was very aware that it's been a full year since her banishment from Wonderland. Compared to then, she felt very different. No longer was she a naïve young girl that has slain a Jabberwocky and a witch; she was now a full-grown woman that has seen more than she would ever admit to anyone. Her bullet wounds have almost healed; they were merely scars now. Now she was permitted to do anything she pleased to a certain extent because she was a woman. She had no trouble walking around and doing any tasks that needed to be done.

She was relieved that she hasn't forgotten one thing about Wonderland; perhaps the Ancient Ancestors have given her mercy upon the first year? She couldn't be sure...

It was on the very day of one year after her return from Wonderland when the Ascots decide to throw an evening party to celebrate their success. Of course, the Kingsleighs were all invited to attend. It was expected to be massive considering how well the novel sold out, so the Kingsleigh dressed in their very best.

Alice, however, quickly realizes that some old habits die hard.

"No corset? Or stockings?" Her mother scolded when she noticed something off about her youngest daughter. With Margaret and Stefan, they were quiet as they rode inside a small carriage towards the Ascot residence. Helen was looking over their proper attire until she frowns disapprovingly at Alice.

Alice says nothing. She failed to hide back an amused smile. Helen lets out an aggravated sigh while Margaret shakes her head with a smile. Stefan sat promptly on his mother's lap as he looks around with bored interest.

"Alice, really..." Helen sits back and holds her hands on her lap. "Twenty-five years old and you still can't handle a corset?"

"It was uncomfortable..." The blonde says simply. "It's always been. Mother, I know that this is an important occasion, but I didn't think about it. I've been..." She pauses and looks away. "... Thinking..."

Helen's annoyance fades away as she gives her daughter a worried look. "... Have you been sleeping all right, my dear?" She notices the small dark circles under Alice's eyes. "... Bad dreams, again?"

"... Yes..." Alice begrudgingly confesses. Helen opens her mouth to say something but Alice quickly adds, "It's fine, Mother. Really. I'm just... Still getting over it... It's not as bad as it usually is, I promise."

"... Are you sure?" Margaret asks quietly.

"As sure as I'll ever be..." Alice forces herself to smile. "Besides, we're going to a party for Hamish. We should be excited for him!"

The older women don't smile or say anything else. The rest of the ride was quiet as they watch Alice looking out the window with renewed interest.

:)(:

Alice was overwhelmed by how many guests were in the party. She was even more astounded to realize that they were mostly just highly appointed noblemen and close relatives.

The gardens are full of life and excitement as the guests enjoyed themselves. Various candles and hanging lights are hung everywhere to provide lighting and added a somewhat soothing touch to the occasion. Nobles talk amongst each other while others help themselves to the treats on the buffet table or dance to their hearts' content to the waltz. Some people decide to look around the maze while the children play games at a private section.

"Helen! Margaret! And Alice!" The voice of Lady Ascot rings through the balcony as the women watch her make her way towards them with a wide smile and outstretched arms. She hastily gives Alice a big hug, which surprised everyone else by how forward she was. However, Lady Ascot was not affected as she pulls away to give Margaret and Helen warm smiles and Stefan a fond pat on the head. "I'm so glad that you all made it! Come; I'd like you to meet with some special guests of mine!" She takes the women's arms and gives Alice a pointed smile. "Oh, and Alice? Hamish is looking for you nearby the buffet table!"

Alice was left alone and is dumbfounded by Lady Ascot's sudden giddiness. She shrugs before she makes her way towards the dining area and ignores the curious looks thrown at her as she looks around for a certain man. She notices the various sweet treats and curiously looks at a few glasses of bubbling liquid until she hears her name called out.

"Alice! There you are!" She turns to see Hamish wrapping an arm around hers as he gives her a large smile. She grimaces at the smell of alcohol on his breath and noted that he was holding one of the drinks she was looking at. Then she realizes that it must be champagne. She lets the man lead her towards a group of nobles that look somewhat... Overconfident and smug.

"My dear duke and duchess, may I present to you the very woman who has inspired me to write the novel? Miss Alice Kingsleigh." He lets go of Alice and smiles at the blonde. "Alice, these are the grand Duke and Duchess of Finland. They have taken a great investment for the novel on behalf of their country."

Whether it was the way Hamish introduced them or the way the couple gave her piercing reproachful looks, Alice knew that she should be impressed and humble. She did a polite curtsey. "It is a pleasure to meet you both."

"Likewise." The Duke takes her hand and places a sloppy kiss on it. His wife gives Alice a look that she couldn't quite decipher. Suddenly she sneers. "So the Alice mentioned in the novel... Is inspired by you?"

Alice meekly nods as she pulls away from the Duke. She fakes a smile when the woman critically inspects her. For some reason, her smile reminded the blonde a lot of Iracebeth...

"Tell me, my dear..." She fingers her teacup as she gives the blonde a look up and down. "... Is it true that Wonderland has talking animals and flowers?"

Alice gulps and glances at Hamish for help. Despite his slight intoxication, the man knew what was going on but didn't know what to do to ease the situation. "In the novel, yes. It has stated that."

"I see... And you've helped Mr. Ascot in creating this story?"

"Yes."

The Duchess is silent as she takes a sip of her cup and hums thoughtfully. Her lips curl into a smile. "Then why don't you and I play a little game? Sort of a role-play, if you will." She says so casually. "You know the story so well so why don't you play Alice the Champion while I interrogate you on all your adventures?"

Alice hesitates; although it sounded quite simple, she didn't know if she could handle some of the questions that may be asked. But what would it hurt; she could be honest. She nods. "Very well."

"Wonderful!" The Duchess smiles as she places down her tea and pulls out two chairs. When she sits down, she beckons Alice to sit with her. The blonde does once the men settle standing beside the women and watch in curiosity.

"So, Alice..." The Duchess smiles a bit too widely as she begins interrogating the girl. "Is it true that you became close friends with the White Queen?"

"Yes, her name was Mirana. She was as kind and wise as she was-"

"Mirana?" The Duchess gives Alice a primitive look. "... It seems that you don't take nobility into consideration while calling her by her first name..."

Alice resists the urge to clench her fists and relaxes as the Duchess continues.

"Next question then. Did you really eat a cake that made you grow and drink a potion that made you shrink?"

"I have; multiple times, actually." Alice says coolly. "Both times to get through to the door and another time to escape the Red Queen's wrath."

"Mhmm..." The Duchess nods. "And... You've risked the safety of all of Wonderland to go back for your friend; a common milliner that is worth nothing and deserves being locked away in an asylum."

This time Alice's hands did clench. However, the Duchess doesn't notice this as she goes on. "What on Earth would make you do that, I wonder? I mean, with how he is described in the book, he must not be that pleasant to look at. Orange hair, pale skin, tacky clothes, and eyes that change color... What a freak!"

Alice had enough and stood up to her feet. The Duke, Duchess, and even Hamish look at her in surprise. She glares coldly at the woman before muttering, "I think I'd like to go for a walk. Excuse me..." With that said, she turns on her heel and practically storms through the crowd to get into the maze. Several people look offended as she brushes past them in anger and sorrow.

The Duchess looked affronted and glanced at Hamish. "Have I said something?"

Hamish sighs before he shakes his head and apologizes to the couple for her behalf. "No, do not fret. She's just had a rough experience in the past year. My apologies."

The couple accept the excuse and resume talking about the plot of the novel. While Hamish listens with mild interest, he gazes at the forest with worried eyes. It was past sunset and the blonde would get lost if she didn't emerge from the maze soon. He hopes that she would calm down or that someone would bring her back soon...

:)(:

Alice ran.

Regardless of whatever people thought as she pushes past them, she couldn't stop herself from releasing her tears as she ran through the foliage and ignores the cries of others calling her back. All she wanted was to be left alone in peace.

She ignores the pain from her dress shoes and the force she pushes onto her legs. She ignores the mud and dirt ruining the expensive dress that her mother put so much effort into making specifically for her. She ignores the scratches she earns from branches and sharp spikes around the trees. She ignores the fact that it was now pitch black in the forest and that she could easily get lost in the maze. She just ran.

She ran deep into the forest until she couldn't find the urge to run anymore. She began to cry out in anguish as she stumbles to a complete stop. She didn't stop crying and hisses as she angrily tosses her shoes aside and leans against a large tree. She slides down the bark and buries her face into her knees. She didn't care for how cold she felt or how moist the ground felt and continues crying.

How dare that woman talk of Tarrant as if she personally knew him? How dare she insult him after everything he did for her? For the whole world even? However, Alice knew that she shouldn't have taken the cruel words so lightly; how was the woman supposed to know that the novel was based on a true story? Still, just hearing about her milliner made the girl break down... She couldn't take it anymore...

"Is everything all right, ma'am?"

Alice is startled to hear a deep voice speak to her. She stops her crying and slowly glances around for the owner. Her eyes fall upon a tall figure amongst the shadows but couldn't make out his appearance. All she saw was that he was wearing a very tall top hat and figures that he must be a noble passing by to explore the maze. She frowns and lowers her head again. "I'm fine, thank you. But I'd like to be alone..."

"Rather risky to be staying out this late, isn't it?" He says again and takes a step forward. Alice tenses and the man notices this. He stays back and they are silent for the longest time. Then he offers his hand to her. "Come; I'll lead you back to the party. It is getting dark. Everyone is bound to be wondering where you are."

"I don't care," Alice spat bitterly. She holds her legs closer to herself. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? "I need to be alone right now, so please just go."

"I'd be a scumbag if I leave you behind, especially alone in this darkness..." The man sighs patiently. "I'll simply stand here and wait until you feel better before I take you back. If it makes you feel better, then I'll hide behind the trees and you can pretend that I'm not even here."

Alice grumbles under her breath before she sighs in defeat. "Fine."

She silently watches the figure stepping back and disappearing into the darkness. She hears some rustling stop and believes that the man found a spot to make himself comfortable in. She lets out a breath as she calms down and takes a few deep breaths to ease her nerves. She takes the moment to gaze up at the starlit sky and hears the party and music going on faintly in the distance. She relishes the tranquility until-

"So what brings you here alone into this maze?" The man spoke up so casually. Alice snaps her eyes open to glare at the direction he disappeared in. Didn't he say that he would leave her be?

"I thought you said that you'd leave me alone."

"I said that I'd hide to help you feel better." The man sounded oddly cheerful, which irked the blonde to no end. "I never said anything about not talking to pass by the time. Besides, maybe I can help with whatever's bothering you."

Alice barely held back a scoff as she stood up. "You can't help me; nobody can. You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

Alice didn't know how, but talking to the man made her both irritable yet interested. She had never met a man that challenged her personally nor spoke so casually to her. It was rather... Curious. What kind of nobleman had the nerve to speak to her as if he actually knew her?

Alice couldn't help but smile a bit as she decided to take the challenge. "Very well then. Tell me something..." She looks around cautiously and is met with silence. "... Have you felt like you have lost everything, yet it is still there even if you can't see it?"

She is met with silence. She waited for him to ridicule her with a scoff or even call her foolish for feeling such a thing. Instead the man spoke out softly again. "Go on..."

Alice looks surprised before she swallows and continues. "... All my life, all I ever wanted was to be free and true to myself and to everyone. But all this stupid propriety and nobility has made people see me as a childish girl that no one would take seriously. But it wasn't until I traveled to this... New place... When I finally felt at home. And I met someone there... Someone who was very dear to me..."

"... How dear to you?" The voice was softer than ever and Alice noticed there was a hidden accent behind it.

Alice pauses and felt the tears prick her eyes. She knew that the man was now prying answers from her. She couldn't stop now that she was finally confessing her feelings to someone other than her family, let alone a stranger. She didn't know why but she felt as if she could trust him. "He was my best friend... And the love of my life... And because of unfortunate circumstances, I'll never be able to see him again... It's been too long since I've last seen him... It's all my fault that this happened in the first place..."

Alice sniffles and wipes her eyes before shaking her head. "Why am I telling you this? You wouldn't understand-"

"Understand what? That you are the only one who lost your own love as well?" The voice suddenly hardens and sounds strained. Alice was startled and flinched at the tone. "What?"

"I too lost my own love as well, ma'am. She was everything that I wasn't. Innocent, fair, beautiful..."

Alice falls silent as she turns to face the voice with wide eyes. She wipes her eyes and waits for him to continue. She noted that after he says each sentence, his voice grew rough with his hidden accent.

"... The choice I had to make was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. It was either her or my people. And ye know what? I chose her. It was the painful realization that I would never be able to see her for a while that destroyed me. I was selfish, but I desired nothing more than for her to be happy..."

He lets out a ragged sigh before his voice shakes.

"... But I see now that she wasn't happy with my choice... That I have caused her pain..."

Alice steps back and hears the ground rustling as he moves out of his hiding spot. She sees his figure approach her but she still couldn't make out his identity as he hid in the shadows. She noticed that his head was low and his shoulders were hunched.

"... Despite everything that happened in the past year... I see that she has grown up to be a strong woman... A noble lady... A legendary warrior... Underland's Champion."

Alice felt her heart stop and her eyes widen to the point where they were nearly out of her sockets. She didn't move as the man finally steps out from the shadows and reveals himself in the moonlight. He had long wavy orange hair pulled back into a ponytail and perfectly tanned skin. He was wearing a black suit accompanied with a large top hat. He had a handsome sculptured jaw line, thin moist lips, and the greenest eyes that Alice had ever seen. She knew of one man who held such an intense gaze...

She studies him up and down with absolute disbelief. "Tarrant?" She mouths hoarsely.

The man smiles softly and removes his hat to give her a proper bow. "At yer service, lass..."

Tarrant straightens up and stares at the blonde expectantly, waiting for her to say something. He frowns in concern when she continues to stare at him blankly. He notices that her entire body was shaking. "Alice?" He murmurs.

He suddenly found the wind knocked out of him when Alice lunges forward with a shriek and wraps herself tightly against him. Dumbfounded, he looks down to see the blonde hugging him tightly as she sobs into his chest. She was muttering something unintelligible against his clothing. Joy and relief soon replace Tarrant's bewilderment before he wraps his arms around his beloved and holds her tightly against him. He inhales her scent and nearly trembles at the smell of lilies and cranberries.

"It's you..." Alice says over and over again, refusing to let go of the man or to even loosen her hold on him. She couldn't believe it, yet she knows it's true. She could feel it in her heart. Her logic and reason was pushed aside as her happiness converts her into tears once more.

Tarrant says nothing as he gently sways her back and forth and places soft kisses on her hair and neck. Nothing needed to be said right now. He was just happy to be back into her arms again. After all his hard work in the past year, he was finally reunited with his lover...

"I thought that you would have forgotten about me by now..." The milliner whispers softly against her hair. Alice shakes her head through her tears. "How could I forget? I would never be able to forget you, even if the Ancient Ancestors tried something..."

They silently weep and hold each other for a long time until Alice calms down and pulls away to look him over. "But... How...?... It's impossible..."

Tarrant smiles at her and his eyes glow. "... Only if you believe it is..." He gently reprimands her.

"But... What happened, Tarrant? Why are you...? How did...?" Alice was at a loss as she waited for an explanation. Tarrant smiles as he holds her gently in his arms.

"Remember the negotiation we had to bring you back?" When the blonde nods, he continues. "Well, I had my own terms with the Ancient Ancestors. I requested that I be by your side during your exile all the way up to your dying year. Then that way we both would return to Wonderland and I can give you a proper burial when it is time."

Alice's eyes grew wide and she covers her mouth. "Exile? With me? Tarrant, you didn't-" She pauses when Tarrant nods, showing that he wasn't bluffing. She was speechless before she realizes something. Soon she looks incredulous. "Wait... If they granted that request, then why has it taken you over a year to find me?"

Tarrant suddenly looks uncomfortable. Alice looks worried as he finally gazes at her. "Well, my Ancestors were quite adamant in me going into exile especially since I was their last descendant. Of course, the Ancient Ancestors named a price. They said that if I were to stay with you, then I had to denounce myself from my clan and perform eleven tasks before I would be permitted to be with you."

Alice gapes at the man in utter disbelief and horror. "Tarrant... You-"

"I chose it." Tarrant says firmly as he grabs her wrists to keep her from moving. He continues. "I agreed to their terms and had to go through a long process of cutting all ties with my family to start anew. Needless to say, my ancestors were quite displeased by my choice. Only my mother and sister's spirits understood and accept my choice." He smiles softly at the gaping woman. "They have given us their blessings and wish for me to tell you hello from them."

"Tarrant, you..." Alice could not find the words to describe her feelings. Her outrage got the better of her and she pushes Tarrant away as she began pacing around in circles. She let out frustrated grumbles as she throws her amused lover infuriated glares. "Of all the stubborn, foolish men..." She quietly mutters other angry curses to herself before she stops to breathe deeply. She doesn't face Tarrant even as he spoke.

"As I said, the process of changing my lineage was quite difficult. But it was done so now I'm pure human. All the mercury has been drained out of my body." Tarrant displays himself but frowns when Alice gives him a glare. "Do you not like it?"

"No! No, it's not that!" Alice snaps out of her anger and was surprised by his statement. She quietly walks over to Tarrant and wraps her arms around his waist. She hugs him gently. "It's just that... I can't believe you chose to do all that for me. I know that your clan meant so much to you..."

"... But you are more important to me than anything now." Tarrant pulls away to give Alice a smile. His eyes, although they wouldn't change colors anymore, didn't hide the emotion she always saw in them. They darken in love and happiness. "I had to move on from my past, and I want to spend my future with you, if you will let me..."

"... Of course I will..." Alice smiles as tears pool her eyes. She feels a tear slide down her cheek and sighs contently as Tarrant reaches up to wipe it away slowly. He cups her face gently as they look deeply into each other's eyes and focus on nothing but each other.

They are completely unaware that fireworks are set off in the sky as they lean forward and exchange a soft but long-awaited kiss. The tender gesture deepens as Tarrant gently pushes Alice to a tree and pins his much larger form against hers as they hold each other almost desperately. Alice returns the kiss with equal passion and runs her hands around his face and hair to map every single detail of her lover. He was real... This was no dream...

Soon they pull away and breathe heavily as they smile almost goofily at each other. Tarrant pulls away and offers her his arm. She smiles before she pauses and notices something off. Tarrant frowns as she looks around before she leans down and picks up his top hat and her discarded shoes. The hat was tossed aside during their little rendezvous and he nearly forgot about it. With a smile, Alice reaches up to place the hat properly onto the milliner's head. "There. All better."

Tarrant smiles toothily at the blonde before she takes his arm and leads them out of the maze. Alice felt hear heart soaring from happiness and contemplates on how she would tell her family about how something miraculous happened tonight... Something that would change her life forever...

They reach to the end of the maze but pause when they hear a familiar waltz playing in the party. They glance at each other curiously before Tarrant grins and puts down his hat and Alice's dress shoes. He turns to her and holds up a hand expectantly. "May I have this dance, my dear?"

Alice remembered their unfinished dance and couldn't help but giggle as she took his hand. "Yes, please."

And so the lovers dance away to their hearts' content around the hidden meadow, blissfully unaware of everything going on around them. After an agonizing year full of suffering and misery, they were in each other's arms again...

Alice was at peace now that she had everything she wanted right beside her. And Tarrant was ready to start his new life with his Champion.

Everything is how it should be.

I am quite pleased by how this first epilogue turned out. The angst was appropriate due to the circumstances, yet there is still a happy ending for Alice.

Debating on if I should add the final chapter or just leave it like this; the last chapter is a bit more sad but shows what happens during their future together. Whatever; I'll add it anyways. Whether you choose this ending or the next epilogue as the real ending, I'll leave that up to you. I won't officially say that this story is done QUITE yet.

So leave comments, please! How was the ending? Did you all like this story; I sure had fun with it and am pleased by how it has turned out! I'll probably be focusing on The Chosen One and another Danny Phantom upcoming story; if you're interested, leave a vote on my poll! I won't make a sequel for this story; the next chapter will show that it won't need one.

Thank you all for your support, both for my service in the military and for updating this story. I'll repeat this message again if I put up the very final epilogue. Until then, thank you all again so much for your support and wish you all the best. Farewell, and good luck with future stories!