For the past ten time periods Julius had been in jail and Alice had been living at the Hatter Mansion again.

Her days consisted of tea parties and books. Not necessarily bad, but Blood was always there and oh how she despised him. She hated when he would kiss her. It was like slime on her lips. When it was time to sleep he insisted on sharing a bed with her. The warmth of his arms sickened her.

She found it very difficult to smile now and often sat on her room alone and wrote poetry. It made her cry whenever she thought about Julius. How much he probably despised her now. She had left him for Blood.

But now Julius's trial was today. She was wearing a fancier and more businesslike dress with her hair pinned up and a dab of rouge on her lips. She was looking sullenly out the window, dreading the meeting with Julius but looking forward to it too when the door to the room opened.

"Alice, are you ready to leave yet?"

Alice turned away from the window and looked at Blood with a gloomy expression. "Yes..."

Blood frowned at her depressed demeanour and said, "Young lady, why are you so forlorn? I thought you would be happy to see your clockmaker again." Ice crept into his voice when he mentioned Julius.

"Whatever,"snapped Alice and tried to stride past him out the door. But Blood grabbed her wrist and stopped her.

"Let me go,"growled Alice. She pushed against Blood, but all he did was smirk at her. He pushed her into the room and closed the door behind him.

"What are you doing?"snarled Alice.

"Just giving us a little privacy,"replied Blood in a liquid smooth voice.

Then he began to tilt her head so that he could kiss her. Immediately she stiffened, but before his lips could find hers the door opened and in came the twins.

"Hey, boss, what are you doing with big sis?!"

"Hey, I thought we were leaving soon. But here you are making out with big sis!"

Blood glared at the twins, "How many times have I told you two to knock before entering?"

"Sorry, Boss, we were just wondering what was taking so long."

"Come on Big Sis, let's go!"

Dee grabbed Alice's hand and pulled her towards the door with a smile. Alice was grateful and let herself be led.

Blood had won. He knew he would in the end but he hadn't been counting on Alice being so glum. He had been so certain he could cheer her up immediately. But at least she was his again. Eventually her mood would improve, if not right away.

He walked into the throne room where the trial was being held with Alice on his arm. When he saw Julius he smirked. He looked like an utter mess.

Julius hadn't noticed them yet so Blood spoke loudly.

"Well, aren't you happy we made it in time for the trial, Alice?" he said.

Julius's head snapped up and as soon as his gaze landed on them Blood wrapped an arm around Alice and pulled her close, all the while smirking at Julius.

"Stop that!"growled Alice and she pulled away from him. She looked at Julius and there was such a forlorn expression in her eyes. He stared back with a pained expression.

"Julius..."Alice whispered.

Blood frowned and pulled her toward the audience seats. He had already gotten Vivaldi to agree to letting off Julius lightly, but he was starting to regret it. After the trial Alice might go back to Julius without a incentive to keep her with Blood.

Hm, well then he would just get her back again. It wasn't that hard to do.

Blood found a seat and sat, Alice and Elliott flanking him, the twins sitting besides Alice.

"Hey Alice, is it true you and Julius did it?"said a voice and Blood turned to see the Cheshire Cat talking to Alice with a shocked and annoyed expression.

Before Alice could reply however, Blood spoke up. "It really is none of your business, cat. Now leave. Alice is not yours to talk to."

"Blood!"hissed Alice angrily, but Blood ignored her and stared at Boris with an ice cold expression.

"Whoa man, controlling much! No wonder Alice left you, "remarked Boris with raised eyebrows. "Jeesh, I'll back off now, but Alice won't wanna stay with you if you keep on like that."

He walked away and as soon as he did Alice glared at Blood with all the rage in her body. Blood merely regarded her casually.

"I don't want you to leave me again, Alice. That's why I can't let you talk to other men," Blood replied coolly. "Perhaps if you hadn't left me for Julius then I would be able to trust you more."

"I hate you!"hissed Alice. "I just wish you would die!"

Blood smirked at her. "Young lady, do you really?" He stared into her eyes and expected her to blush, but all she did was stare at him furiously.

"The only reason I'm with you now is because I am in love with Julius,"said Alice in a hot voice. "Were it not for him I wouldn't even talk to you! Much less pretend I still love you!"

"Were it not for him, you never would have left!"retorted Blood in a steel voice. His feelings were hurt but he would not show her that.

As Alice opened her mouth to respond she was interrupted by the sounds of trumpets. The trial was beginning.

Alice watched as Peter read out the charges. Then he asked Julius, "Julius Monrey, do you admit to domestically abusing and committing statutory rape with a minor?"

"No, it's not true,"Julius said through gritted teeth. He was on his knees and handcuffed and Alice's heart just ached at seeing him in such a position. "I would never hurt Alice. I love her greatly. She is the love of my life."

"Julius..."whispered Alice and she wanted to cry. How could she do this? Betray him with Blood?! She wanted to run towards him right now, but she would see him after. She would. Blood had promised to have the charges against Julius cleared.

"My queen, what is your verdict?"asked Peter.

"Hum..."said Vivaldi in a bored voice as she lounged nonchalantly on her throne. " We say he is not guilty. We changed the law just recently. The age of consent is now sixteen and Alice is no longer with the clockmaker anyway... Alice, dear has the clockmaker ever hurt you?"

"No!"answered Alice hotly, her voice steaming with indignant rage.

Vivaldi smiled. "That settles it then. Julius Monrey is innocent."

Golden joy rose in Alice's chest. Blood had kept his promise! Julius was going to be alright!

"But we are feeling rather bored today. And besides..."Vivaldi smiled wickedly. "It's been a while since we have seen the blood of a role holder. This will be a most delightful sight to see the blood of the clockmaker spilling on the ground!"

"W-what?"gasped Alice and she looked at Blood. "B-but you promised."

All Blood did was smile at her and rage filled Alice. He had tricked her! She slapped him and before he could react she was running down to where Julius was.

"No!"Alice yelled as two guards grabbed him. He was struggling but when he saw Alice he stopped. She ran up to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Julius!"

"Alice..."whispered Julius.

She began crying and turned to Vivaldi.

"Vivaldi, please don't do this ! Don't kill Julius!"

"Oho, Alice what is this? Fighting for the clockmaker I see? You never fail to amuse me."

"Please Vivaldi, don't kill him! I'll do anything!"

"Alice, don't,"said Julius but Alice ignored him.

"Anything you say?"said Vivaldi with an amused voice. "Oho, Alice, do you really mean it?"

"Yes, just don't kill Julius."

Vivaldi regarded her and then snapped her fingers. The guards released Julius and immediately Alice hugged him again and felt Julius wrap his arms around her.

"I missed you,"cried Alice.

"As did I,"Julius's voice cracked. "Are you alright?"

"I am, now that I have you."

"How romantic,"drawled a sarcastic voice and Alice looked up to see Blood walking towards them coldly. "My girlfriend is cheating one me again. My my, what a naughty young lady."

"It's over between us, blood. Just get away from me,"Alice said with venom,

"Yes, hatter, leave,"Julius seconded in a ice cold voice. "You have lost. Alice loves me, not you. Let her be happy."

"I don't care if she is happy,"said Blood in a cool voice. "I just want her to be with me, where she belongs."

("That's so cold of boss to say,"said Dee to dum.

"Yeah, I know. Want some popcorn?"replied dum, holding out a bag.

"Shh, it's getting to the good part!"hissed Elliott who was watching the trial as if it was some intense Korean drama.)

"So possessive,"scoffed Alice. "What will it take for you to leave me alone?"

"Hmm, how interesting,"remarked Vivaldi from her throne. She perked up. "Ah we have had the most wondrous idea! Let us have the hatter and Clockmaker duel for Alice's affections!"

"Huh?"responded Blood and Julius with disbelief and surprise.

"What?!"gasped Alice, blushing. "No that's too embarrassing."

"We are queen. What we say goes,"replied Vivaldi like a boss.

Swords were brought to Julius and Blood.

"There shall be only one match! Whoever gives up loses both the duel and Alice. They also get a restraining order too in Alice's wins gets Alice!"announced Peter. "Preferably I hope both of you kill each other, but regardless you may begin!"

"Ready to die, clockmaker?"asked Blood aggressively.

"Only if you are!"replied Julius angrily.

"Yeah I am actually!"

"Yeah, so am I!"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah!"

Blood made a swipe which cut off a piece of Julius's sleeve.

"Julius no!"screamed Alice in despair.

"Alice is mine!"yelled Blood like an alpha. "Hear that? Mine! Mwahhahaha!"

"No Alice can belong to no one! That's why she is Alice! She is as free as a butterfly!"

"Butterflies can be captured and put in jars!"

"But then they are never happy!"

"How would you know?"

"Because I once had a pet butterfly. And it died of depression after a day because I wouldn't let it free!"

"Pft, loser."

"Well I'm the one who won Alice's heart!"

"Agh!"

It was a clash of swords and bitter insults exchanged that went on for three hours until Blood finally prevailed. But of course he would. He was a mafia boss while Julius was just a guy who sat and fixed clocks all day.

"No... Alice... My love..."whispered Julius as the sword entered his body and he fell to the ground.

"Ha,"sneered Blood as he pulled the sword. He looked triumphantly towards Alice, expecting her to be looking at him with starry eyes. But she was running to Julius with tears streaming from her eyes.

Really?! thought Blood sarcastically and bitterly. Couldn't Alice see he had won? He would always win. The clockmaker was no match.

"No, Julius, don't die!"screamed Alice.

"My heart, my rose, my Alice, my love..."whispered Julius. "Apple of my eye, love of my life, light of the world, sweet dear pretty Alice...I love you so much."

His eyes closed and Alice began crying and sobbing violently.

Blood rolled his eyes. He turned to the queen, "I won, so I'm taking Alice home. The trial is over."

He picked up a protesting and screaming Alice and threw her casually over her shoulder and began walking towards the door. He had just about reached it when suddenly he was pushed from behind and someone grabbed Alice from him.

He swore violently and stood up and turned to see Julius looking at him with a a determined expression. He was holding his sword again and Alice was standing behind him, her hands gripping Julius's shoulders, smiling brightly.

"This fight isn't over yet, Blood!"

"That's my boy,"yelled Ace from where he was chilling on a couch, eating skittles and drinking pop.

"Whoo!"cheered everyone in the audience room. "Go Julius!"

Blood gritted his teeth. "Didnt I stab you?"

"No... I have a sword proof vest underneath. A mithril one in fact."

In a smooth motion Julius ripped off his shirt revealing a mithril vest. Water came out of nowhere and washed down on him. In a fluid move Julius shook out his hair and stretched.

"Wtf!?"growled Blood.

He was even more angry seeing Alice get a nosebleed from that and said to Julius, "If I didn't stab you, why were you acting all dead earlier?"

"I was resting and recovering and storing up energy,"Julius replied coolly.

Blood scoffed, "weakling."

"I am not weak. I will now reveal my true power!"

Julius closed his eyes and began concentrating, his body shaking and twitching.

Everyone watched, weirded out and confused.

"Alice, what do you see in that weirdo?!"yelled Boris from where he was recording everything with his smartphone. It was bound to gain millions of hits on YouTube later.

"Yes, young lady what do you see in him?"asked Blood with distaste as he looked at Julius who was now twitching on the ground.

"Everything,"Alice whispered and at that moment Julius opened his eyes which were now glowing bright blue and yelled, "Ultimate power release!"

A blue light flooded from him, blinding everyone, shining everywhere.

When the light faded Blood was lying on the ground covered in blood and filth, his bones broken, a traumatized look on his face.

"I win!"announced Julius proudly.

"He wins!"seconded Alice proudly.

They both looked at Vivaldi who nodded her approval, looking awestruck.

"You are free to go,"she said.

"Come on Alice,let's go home,"said Julius.

"Yes, Julius, let's go home,"whispered Alice happily and they walked hand in hand out of the throne room, towards the clock tower. Everyone was still too shaken by Julius's power that no one followed.

Blood watched Alice leave with a tortured expression. But he was powerless to stop her.

"Alice..."he whispered and he closed his eyes, gritting his teeth. He would get her back. It wasn't over yet. And he would also have his revenge. Times ten.

What did you guys think of the chapter? Hopefully you guys liked it. I've been trying to update all my uncompleted fanfictions before I write any new ones, so stay tuned for an update frenzy for all my other stories. Because this story is sadly coming to an end soon.