I'm Nobody

by free man writer

He didn't have anything when he was born. Just a name and number. But over time, what he had grew. He, with his friends began to understand that there was more to their existence then just their name and number. They will prove that they were meant to be real. To exist. To become something more than just a Nobody. Co-written and created with Jebest4781. Fem Shepard. Now on Ao3.

38. Knowing When To Let Go

Back again with this one after a while but glad to be back here.

The conclusion to the Wonderland Arc.

Let's do this.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

I'm Nobody Chapter 38: Knowing when to let go

"Goodness, did I really take that long?"

"No, no, it's just Axel being Axel." Xion assured Alice, the three teens looking at the Flurry of Dancing Flames in his chair with his head leaning back, mouth open and small snot bubble increasing and decreasing with every breath.

"Was he that tired?" Alice asked, going over to the tall red head as he continued to sleep soundly despite the other not speaking all that quietly.

Roxas shrugged. "I dunno. Whenever he sees a chance for a nap, Axel usually takes it."

Taking a moment to gauge at the sleeping form the redhead, Alice proceeded to poke him on the cheek several times until his hand grabbed her finger and tossed it away.

"Are y'all done?" He groggily asked, not opening his eyes.

Alice smiled, holding up a large stack of files and papers, waving it about slightly.

"All set and ready." She proudly declared. "That bumbling fool Radcliffe caved as soon as I threatened counter suits on top of being an accomplice to Bumby."

Though "accomplice" would be a slightly loose term, Radcliffe was aware of Bumby's illegal activities despite not knowing what they really were.

She had thought more on the Red Queen's words and more or less concluded her family lawyer was trying to benefit more out of her current predicament. Whether or not he was coercing with the now incarcerated doctor/human trafficker for his own means was up for debate.

None of that mattered to her anymore. Bumby was behind bars and the sneaky lawyer needed to hand over that which rightfully belonged to her.

Alice waited patiently at her now former lawyer's residence for some time. Awaiting for Wilton J. Radcliffe to make his return from whatever errand or duty he was enacting to finally confront him.

It was easy for her to sneak in, given she now had more access to her Wonderland abilities in the "waking world". Going down to the size of a dormouse to slip through some noticeable cracks was simple enough to get inside. It was finding the documents for her property that was a little challenging. But once finding it, she began to kill some time for Radcliffe's return by looking through it all.

And boy she was not happy about what she spotted.

Turns out Radcliffe was siphoning her family fortune to procure some extra pounds for his lucrative lifestyle, both his exotic purchases to other "necessities". With him being the family lawyer, he somewhat had the right to dip into Alice's trust fund and help get the money into Alice's possession until such time as being legally sane. Only then will she obtain her full family fortune.

Radcliffe hoped that as long as Alice was considered "insane", she would never know how much money was left in the inheritance until too late. And he would pull legal action if this ever occurred, making it believable he had to take "extra" for his "services".

It was rather sickening to see just how much Bumby and Radcliffe had colluded with each other, the amount of falsified information that bastard had on hand to make sure Alice would be put away permanently.

Yet with Alice no longer at the mercy of Bumby, she decided to take back everything stolen from her and then some.

Suffice to say that the strutting peacock of a lawyer became a squabbling mess and was now at her mercy to her demands for compensation. All this with the overhanging threat, if he didn't comply with her requests, will have her go to the authorities where he'll be sent to prison.

"Alright, so that's settled then." Axel said, stretching out with a small yawn and stood up whilst arching his back and hearing the satisfying sounds of pops along his spine. "Now what?"

"First we need to help out those kids still in Bumby's clinic." Xion said straight away. "Get them out of there and have them stay in a place that's safer for them."

The former Princess of Heart found herself scoffing derisively. "Easier said than done, Xion. In case you haven't noticed, London isn't exactly the friendliest place to be."

"Then what do we do?" Roxas asked the World native directly. "There's gotta be someone you can trust."

Alice crossed her arms in thought, mulling over any possible places or candidates that she can leave the orphaned children that were "clients" of that vile man.

She honestly didn't know who could merely waltz into the orphanage, pluck one of the residents and take them to god knows where or do god knows what to them.

"If I might interject."

The group all jolted at the echoing voice, all tensing up, though they slackened slightly at the sight of the familiar wide, menacing smile of the feline of Wonderland.

"May I have a say in this?"

They stared at the oversized cat in surprise, Alice having to rub her eyes to make sure she wasn't seeing things.

"Cheshire?" She said as if to make sure this wasn't a delusion.

"The very same, dear Alice." The Cat's deep voice purred in amusement. "Unless of course you are aware of another cat with a grin like mine."

"Wait, how are you here?" Xion asked for the party. "I thought you could only appear in Wonderland directly."

"A number of ways. I could've gone through the Looking Glass. Or I am neither here or there at all? Or I could've been drawn to you, as you are far stronger now as Wonderland is finally healing after all this time."

"Healing?" Roxas murmured with a frown.

"You forget, my curious Nobody, for Wonderland to heal from the corruption and Ruin, Alice must be mended. The taint holding back this process needed to be severed for it to begin."

"So is there like a deeper connection now between Wonderland and London?" Axel queried with Cheshire only humming noncommittally.

"Not exactly. I'm only here because of Alice. For she is the anchor between Wonderland… and anywhere else she resides." The talking feline let loose a chuckle. "Thus I can come and go to Wonderland at any time I may feel like it now."

"If that's true, what about the other residents of Wonderland?"

"It's possible, just so long as Alice grants them permission."

"Permission? I granted you permission?" Alice asked in bewilderment.

"I'm an exception."

Axel only deadpanned at the oversized cat. "...That's bullshit."

"Blame my abilities and concept, my temperamental fellow."

"No, I just blame you being a cheeky bastard and not wanting to tell us." Axel shot back dismissively. "Ok, so Alice here's an anchor/bridge/gateway or whatever. What does that mean for the rest of the World?"

"It's completely fine and will not be altered, so long as Alice doesn't desire to bring Wonderland here."

"Desire?" Alice frowned at that word. "I can do that?"

"And so much more." Cheshire stated. "However, the process of its mending has only just begun. To do something as drastic as that… would you really wish to risk two worlds being shredded apart like that?"

"Ok grim dark, no need to go to that length to scare her." Axel flatly said. "We get it. No World fusion. Or realm or reality or whatever."

"Or no attempt at all." Added in Xion. "Like whatsoever."

"Agreed." Cheshire said, smile ever present.

"Ok, so now what?" Roxas asked the group as a whole.

"We need to help the children first." Alice firmly declared. "And also check on Wonderland. I want to see if things are healing."

"Sure, we can check it out… when you next go to sleep."

"And that will clearly be a while." Axel added in.

"If you are indeed looking for a means to get to Wonderland, without the means of slumber, the Looking Glass is your destination to be." Said the Cheshire Cat.

The Nobodies recalled the Looking Glass was the portal within Wonderland to appear to the World Alice presently resides in. And from what's perhaps implied, it can go to any World in general, not just at London.

"Wait, but we never found it." Xion spoke up. "Wasn't it supposed to be in the Red Queen's Domain?"

"Who said anything about seeking it out?" Cheshire remarked, turning to Alice who blinked at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked, clearly confused about all this. "We were told we can only find the Looking Glass in the Red Queen's domain. And yet-"

"You, dear Alice, have domain over Wonderland." Cheshire stated. "You are the gateway, the anchor, the conduit, the in between. And through you…"

Alice stared at the large cat for a number of seconds when the gears in her head began to click into place.

"Wait… am I a Looking Glass? The Looking Glass?"

"Hmmm, isn't that a fascinating conclusion?" and with that, the Cheshire Cat disappeared.

Axel was quick to react to this.

"What sort of cryptic bullshit was that supposed to be? Can't he just give us a straight answer for once?

The echo of Cheshire Cat's voice was heard a second later. "A fine comparison is you with your Dark Corridors. Only she can make a temporary portal in and out of Wonderland."

No. VIII threw his hands up. "Thank you, jeez ya fur bag. Couldn't have started with that?"

Alice ignored all this however, looking down at her hand now.

"I can make a gateway to Wonderland?"

The concept was rather unusual to consider really. So many times or really, all the time, she arrived in Wonderland by either falling in or quite literally walking through an alleyway with her coming out the other side in the bizarre and quirky World.

To just be able to access consciously without any outside influence and interference was a bizarre thing to ponder.

She wanted to try this now but withheld the thought.

Alice sought to finish her business before taking her pleasurable departure and formally begin the healing process.

-Scene Cut-

Entering Wonderland again through another means was an odd experience.

They have oddly grown used to coming in and out of this world through Alice when she sleeps and wakes. But now with her more in control of her powers, the three Nobodies can now have a more stable means of going back to the worlds they've known before.

As of now…

"Whoa~" Axel immediately remarked, hand over his eyes as the group gazed upon the very much changed World.

Rather than the drab, dulled and dank Wonderland they had come to know in the last few days, there was a greater degree of vibrancy and color to this place now.

Color and vibrancy that the Nobody's associated in their first forays into this World be it themselves or through their original Somebody.

"This is a way better sight than last time." Said Xion.

Roxas nodded. "Got that right."

Alice was silent as she strolled onward and saw more of their present whereabouts.

The air itself was far more pleasant and welcoming unlike the oppressive aura that permeated throughout their journey to taking down the Dollmaker.

Going through the forested landscape, the group came across an open field. A good distance away was a windmill and in front of it was a long table with a litany of dishes and pottery. Many chairs were placed there with only three presently occupied.

Alice paused as she gazed upon the table, a wave of nostalgia washing over her.

"This is-"

"Oh goodness, guests alre-"

The group turned to see the connoisseur of tea in the World of Wonderland and seated at each side of him were the March Hare and Dormouse.

"Alice!" The Mad Hatter practically spun towards her, hat twirling on the tip of his finger. "My darling, it is so wonderful to see you back so soon."

"Hatter." She couldn't help but laugh, not minding at all that her old, rejuvenated friend grabbed her hands and spun her around.

"And what about me?" March Hare grumped yet his lips twitched upwards at the former Princess of Heart, looking at both her and the Nobody's. "We all owe you an irreparable debt. Thanks to your combined actions, Wonderland has been saved and is on its way to its recovery."

"And you're all just in time for my grand reopening." The Mad tea lover excitedly exclaimed.

The Hatter pointed towards a direction behind him. At this point, it was only then did the arrivals finally take notice of it.

"Yo-your factory." Roxas murmured in surprise, looking at the drastically shrunken down Tea Factory that belongs to the Hatter.

Now, instead of it being a gothic, industrialistic factory with multiple puzzles and death traps, it was now a simple three story house, a cottage almost.

There was a large, white teapot atop the roof, multiple flowers around the house that bloomed into small saucers, gardens filled with a variety of tea leaf's, a water mill next to a flowing river of amber that *sniff* yup, it was tea.

Right beside the cottage/factory was a tea table which had two dozen seats around it and multiple cups, saucers, teapots and plates of food, primarily sweets.

Overall, the entire area was brimming with a joyful and welcoming air.

Almost exactly what Alice remembered it to be when she first came here all those many years ago.

"It's wonderful, isn't it?" Hatter jovially exclaimed, flicking his hat into the air before it landed lopsided along his elongated chair's headrest. "It feels like returning home after so long. Ah~ the nostalgia is truly strong here."

"It is as Alice remembers it, Hatter."

Everyone turned to see the Dormouse approaching them on the table, just as the March Hare had to leave to check on something from inside of the cottage. "Everything -more or less- is returning to what it once was before the Ruin and the Fire."

"How's Queeny?" Axel asked, eyeing a pastry on the table.

"Her highness is working diligently to spread the efforts of rejuvenation to all corners of the land." Hatter revealed. "She has sent her army across Wonderland to snuff out the remaining Ruins that can still pose a threat to the innocence of this realm.

"And with there being no Red Queen to interfere with her work, everything will go along relatively smoothly." Dormouse proclaimed.

"If only that were so." Said a tired voice from inside the cottage and out stepped the March Hare who was covered in flour. "Hatter, you brought the bloody explosive flour again."

"Deary me, did I?" The Tea maker and drinker asked himself. "Apologies old friend, excitement for a new tomorrow got the better of me."

March Hare only grumbled allowed, shooting a more pleasant smile at Alice before walking back into the cottage/factory.

When making their way to their destination, Alice voiced an inquiry.

"Have you seen Rabbit?"

"He's fine and well. Presently with the Queen." The Hatter informed, propping up his collar. "He has many new duties to uphold in Wonderland's recovery. Her majesty will need it with what's to come."

Alice let out a sigh of relief.

She knew many in Wonderland would be brought back to life once it was saved, yet she was worried the White Rabbit wouldn't be amongst them.

At least she'll now see him again. The question remained if he'll be the same as she remembered as a child or the crude one she'd known these past years or someone else entirely.

"What will you all do now?"

"We've got years of catching up to do without any form of interference."

The Nobodies understood what this meant.

Due to Alice's corruption, courtesy of Bumby and Rutledge Asylum respectively, residents of Wonderland were not in a state of rest for years. Never a true time to simply sit down and enjoy their lives to the fullest, only living each and every day in fear and survival.

Now they had their chance.

Before they were able to speak with Hatter further, the teapot atop his factory let out a whistle with steam from its spout.

"Dear, dear, it appears the requests are flooding in." Hatter said with a manic grin. "So many unfortunate souls awaiting their delivery of celebratory tea. As much as we'd like to continue, our break time has come to an end."

"It's fine, Hatter. We can chat later at a more appropriate time." Alice said with a kind smile.

Hatter only smiled widely, walking over to hug the young girl who was momentarily surprised by the gesture before she returned the hug.

"It's good to see you like this, old friend." Hatter softly said as he pulled away from her. "Keep making your light even brighter, my dear."

Alice said nothing in return but her friend saw the appreciation that she conveyed through her eyes.

Hatter beamed, a quick flourish towards the Nobody's before he dashed into his factory.

"Alright, so where to now?" Xion inquired, looking between her friends.

"Figure we should give Queeny a drop by." No. VIII suggested. "See what we can do to lend a hand before we head out."

"Maybe." Said Alice. "My mind's all over the place with me here. I don't know which would be next or come later. But more should be done once my business in London is complete."

"Ok so…" The Redhead of the group looked around. "Where to Marmoreal? Feels like the directions may have changed."

Alice hummed slightly, drumming her fingers on her chin as she strained her memory of the old Wonderland. It had returned to an idea of what it once was but not entirely as there was still much to be fixed.

Still, at the very least, there may be some familiarity to go off of.

"It's that way." Liddell confidently pointed to the west of the tea factory.

"Then let's get going." Xion said, the four breaking into a walk that ended as soon as it started.

The reason for this was simple, they sensed someone made a sudden arrival.

Axel froze up, eyes widening for a moment before they narrowed and he spun about in the direction of the table.

His younger friends noticed this sudden action and they turned in the direction he faced only to emulate his posture and they tensed up.

Seated on the far end of the table in the central chair was their former team member.

"Quite the view, isn't it." Spoke Luxord, taking a sip from his teacup. "Seeing such a bleak world entering a new age of restoration. A renaissance if you will."

"What do you want, Luxord?" Axel asked tersely, flexing his hands slightly with him mentally readying to conjure his weapons.

No. X didn't respond at first, raising a placating hand with the other taking a sip of his tea.

He set the cup down onto its saucer, all the while delicately taking a napkin and dabbing the corners of his mouth.

"No violence, I assure you. This marvelous day would be ruined if we enact such a thing."

"Then again, what do you want, Luxord?" Roxas questioned, sliding his legs apart slightly in case of this being a ruse.

"Is it too hard to believe that I simply wish to speak with old comrades, traitors as you may be? No need to be uncivilized."

"Not really." Xion drably admitted.

Luxord tutted at her comment. "Why not? We had a civil discussion when we were last here, didn't we Roxas?"

"That was then, this is now." No. XIII declared, now summoning Oathkeeper with his friends doing the same with their own weapons.

The Gambler of Fate only rolled his eyes, not even bothering to rise from his seat.

"Must we resort to barbarism?" Luxord inquired, clearly unamused by their display. "Axel, you of all people have a way with words. Is it that difficult to have a proper conversation between former colleagues?"

Axel stared heatedly at the card player and swindler all while the man directed his gaze towards the two Keybearers.

"And Roxas, Xion, despite our recent encounters, was I ever not a gentleman towards the two of you?"

"You barely interacted with us." Xion deadpanned, making the blond man chortle.

"Yes, be that as it may, I at the very least wasn't so rude in my interactions to the both of you." Spoke the Gamble of Fate. "Consider me the least dangerous person you would face since you've left."

"Doubt it."

"How so?"

"Demyx ain't all that dangerous."

Luxord snorted. "True, but even he has surprises up his sleeve when you least expect it."

There was a lull of tense silence between the Luxord and the group of four. Neither side moved or made a sound until Roxas let out an annoyed grunt and recalled his Keyblade.

"Alright, what do you want?"

"Roxas?" Alice and Xion said in surprise.

"Are you sure about this?" Axel quietly asked the teen blond who gazed intently at the Gambler before he exhaled and nodded.

"Yeah, if he wanted a fight, would've done so already." Roxas stated though he was somewhat unsure.

Luxord smirked at him, appearing to prove No. XIII's assumptions to be true and with that, the rest of the group sent their weapons away.

The Flurry of Dancing Flames crossed his arms with an unamused expression.

"Alright papercut, start talking." Axel all but ordered. "What do you want?"

Luxord's grin widened as he held up one hand and with a quick flick, his cards appeared in between his fingers.

No. VIII groaned aloud, instantly realizing what No. X was about to do. "Oh god, really?"

"What?" Alice warily asked, put off by Axel's reaction. "What is it that he's going to do?"

"It's time to see what the cards have in store for you." Said Luxord, who shuffled the deck. "But don't worry, I'm a fair dealer. Although I do like to keep a couple of jokers up my sleeve."

"I believe it's time for a new deck." Axel dryly said, crossing his arms.

"Lucky for you," No. X held up a particular one between his fingers, "this card has a prize."

"Wait," Roxas looked up at Axel. "Is he just gonna do some kind of fortune thingy with his cards?"

"Yes Roxas, a waste of fortune thingy time." No. VIII said, looking up at the skies in hopes of something far more interesting to catch his attention.

The Gambler of Fate ignored these comments as the card in his and was flicked out of existence before it reappeared in his other.

He hummed to himself as he inspected the card for a few seconds before directing his gaze towards just who this card was meant for.

Luxord eyed Alice with an analytical eye. "You've re-entered the grand game, Alice. Your involvement with these three will place a particular target on your head."

Alice held a flat look, blowing away a strand of hair that had gotten in front of her face.

"I've had a target on me for years." A rather depressing thought. "What's one more by your Organization?"

Luxord shook his head, twirling the card in his hand. "Yes, but not one you would expect."

"And what riddles do you have for me?"

No. X flicked the card down onto the table.

"Curiosity is essential to carving your own path through life. No one can say whether following the footsteps of another will lead you to fruition or to ruin." Lectured the Gambler of Fate. "When suddenly confronted with a crisis, the moment you made your decisions may have had a big impact upon your destiny."

"Living means taking chances. Only after braving the risks can we truly know what it's like to live."

"Quite so. But those chances will lead you onto one path instead of the other you wish to tread on."

It was at this point did No. XIV speak up.

"What's the point in all this?" Xion impatiently asked. "You're just wasting our time."

"Am I?" Luxord queried in amusement. "I haven't even gotten to the rest of you."

"What could you possibly have on us that we don't already know?" Roxas challenged, glaring at the Gambler who threw cards from one sleeve into the other and produced a pack of three that he flipped around for the Nobody's to see.

One was a card that appeared to represent Axel as the odd display was that of a raging inferno that surrounded a black hooded being.

The other two were of Roxas and Xion in almost mirror-like poses with Roxas on top in the center card and Xion on top on the right one.

Yet despite their poses being similar, there were key discrepancies and details that made both standout in a way.

Their Keyblades for on and their expressions with Roxas having a more somber and reserved look whilst Xion appeared more aloof yet a small smile was clear to see.

"Your recent actions have caused quite the stir with the rest of us. Making plans change and adapt. You will not know how far ahead they've set their pieces for what's to come."

"We're well aware of the changes that are happening." Roxas shot back. "It's why we're here to stop them."

"But do you truly understand the changes in which you have all stirred up in your foray to another galaxy disconnected from ours?" Luxord bore a deeper grin. "More doors and possibilities have become available for us to exploit. Ones we could never have thought to use until you left."

Axel let out a 'tsk' upon hearing that. "Should've figured Xemnas would use something like that."

"Opportunities like this are seldom presented, Axel. Once presented, they must be taken advantage of before they've been wasted."

"We'll stop you." Xion abruptly proclaimed. "Whatever you guys are planning to do with whatever is happening to the Worlds, we will stop you."

Luxord only stared at her with a raised brow, eyes briefly shifting over to the cards in his hands until he saw something he had missed earlier.

"Ah~~" A slightly sinister grin as he held up Xion's card. "Fear. Yes, there is fear. A rather shocking revelation since we don't have such feelings. Fear of being exactly what you are meant to be. A puppet. A disposable tool to be tossed aside by both friend and foe once your purpose has been served."

No. XIV immediately paled, her breath getting caught up in her throat, her breathing becoming ragged.

Alice soon chose to intervene.

"What if she is a puppet? She, like me, had cut those strings and became her own master of her own existence."

"Did she now?" Luxord hummed, leaning back into his chair.

"She's no longer a puppet to the Organization." Roxas fiercely defended the distraught ravenette who was now beginning to shake uncontrollably. "She's Xion. Not some copy of me or Sora. She's her own person."

"Hmmm, then perhaps you can continue to prove such a belief."

Taking one last sip of his tea, darkness swirled around Luxord's form once he placed the cup down.

"I pray you have good fortune with what's to come. You will need all the luck you need."

With this said, a Dark Corridor encompassed him, having him depart from the area entirely.

Axel growls viciously at the now empty seat.

"That son of a-"

"Can we go, please?" Xion's soft and rather broken voice.

Alice was instantly by her side, arms around her shoulders with Roxas and Axel gathering around the shaken girl and wordlessly, they walked away from the tea factory.

-Scene Cut-

Returning to London, Alice wanted to finish her means of business.

They had dropped by Marmoreal to see the denizens of the Kingdom of the White Queen diligently at work in repairing the damage that had been done to Wonderland.

The ruler of said kingdom had greeted them with a whimsical jubilation, showering the group with praise and adoration for their heroics in freeing this World from the infernal corruption.

It was a heartfelt goodbye all around, Alice throwing Axel a false look of annoyance at the slightly bold kiss on the cheek he got from the Queen for his actions.

Not that he was alone as Roxas and Xion got their own on the forehead.

It was just his reaction was all.

Acting all smarmy and such.

Still, Alice and the Nobody's promised to see her again with the White Queen stating that they would always be welcomed in her realm with open arms.

Other than her, they were fortunate that their other friends and allies were at Marmoreal for them to bid farewell before they returned to London for Alice's last set of business.

First things first, the orphanage.

They needed to find Alice's former nanny.

Two birds with one stone with what Alice had in mind.

On their search for Nan Sharpe, they had split up to cover more ground.

Of course this ended up having Alice running into someone she would be so glad to have out of her hair.

"What a surprise. You look right as rain, Alice. How are you my dear?" Pris asked in a veil of false kindness.

"Pris Witless."

Alice felt like in a bit of a conundrum at this encounter. She didn't want to meet the former asylum nurse to ruin most of this nice day. And yet she needed to in order to finally tie up a necessary loose end.

She knew it would be detrimental to face her in the open instead of closed spaces. Especially with friends beside her to help back her up. Not that Alice couldn't physically handle her, but more so for being a witness so the old crone wouldn't lie to others so easily. Yet without their presence here and not so much in a public area, she had to make do with past experiences and newfound strength.

So against her best wishes, Alice tried to hide her disgust the best she could with a false nonchalant expression.

"Entering a new stage of my life, in better terms, has done me wonders."

"Yes, yes quite true." The old woman assented with a bit too much sweetness in her voice. "It's nice to see you again so soon."

'I bet.' Thought the former princess of Heart with a sneer.

"I've heard the most dreadful thing on the streets."

"And what would that be?"

"Dr. Bumby sent to the gaol of all places." Pris tutted with a shake of her head. "Never heard all the details. Such sorrowful news, he was such a caring person."

'Might be of your deafening hearing finally coming around.' Alice thought again. 'And you clearly don't know anything about that vile man.'

"Heavens knows it would be difficult to take care of those poor children without his guidance."

"His arrest has affected both the children and I deeply, but I believe things will be clearly better without him." Alice finally spoke up. "As most people say: out with the old, in with the new. Perhaps a new direction is in order with his permanent absence."

"Yet who will take care of them?" Her false sense of worry almost made Alice want to throttle the old drunkard. "It will not be an easy task."

"It will clearly not be. But I'm sure the necessary help will present itself in due time."

"But who, Alice? Who can accommodate themselves to such an endeavor? Houndstitch will not be compared as how it used to be without rightful management."

'Not you, if that's what you're thinking.' Liddell angrily thought to herself, snarling internally at the woman's' implications.

"Well, regardless, I'm glad to see you're faring well, child." Pris decided to take reign of the conversation, not willing to advertise her targeted thoughts this time around as Alice is presently alone. After all, she had come with a clear goal in mind. "Say, I'm afraid I found myself in a rather tight situation right now. Would you mind helping an old lady to maintain her coots? They required the occasional penny to be spent here and there in order to function, as you know. After all, you promised that you would help me. You've not been very diligent with your obligations."

And there it was, Pris Witless finally spewing her veiled threats and demands not so subtly. Alice was somewhat prepared for this, like many times before. Yet things have changed now and she'll clearly gain the upper hand over this narrow minded old crone before leaving London.

"Ah yes, your coots. I was beginning to wonder when you would start demanding endowment from me."

"Demanding? Please Alice, don't overreact in such a way. I am merely asking you to lend a hand to this poor old woman. Surely there must be somewhere in your heart with a shrew of decency. You have such gifts and blessings given to you and all I ask is that you share a little to help me in my time of need. You would not send this old lady away on her own, won't you? Not after all I've done for you."

And with that, Alice decided to verbally fight back as her bits of patience began to wane thin. "All you've done for me?" She moved closer to Witless, looking intently at her eyes. The old crone began to feel uncomfortable as she gazed into Alice's eyes, which seemed to glow which didn't seem to match the smile on her face. "You know what? I've gone through a miraculous breakthrough quite recently with my condition."

"Really?" Asked Witless, momentarily startled by the revelation. "Alice, that's wonderful news, my dear. I knew the good doctor was going to help you before his imprisonment. Didn't I tell you so? Now you see how a good thing it was that I had brought you to him in the first place?"

It was at that moment did Alice let out a giggle. "A good thing?" Whatever faux-jovial mood there seemed to be shifted rather drastically. "No… it was the complete opposite."

That response caught the alcoholic flat footed. "...Pardon?"

"Bumby didn't help me at all. I only gained help from my friends in quite the unexpected way."

She was now gaping, mouth opening and closing several times. "But I thought-"

"You thought wrong." Alice said sternly, a more fierce gaze now directed at the older woman who flinched at the look. "You see, I nearly remember everything now." Her voice and manners began to become cold and harsh at this point. "I remember exactly the kind of help you gave me. I remember what you and nurse Cratchet and her goons did to me all those years in Rutledge." She got close to the former asylum nurse, who backed up as a response. "I remember the abuse, the beatings, the unauthorized and inhumane therapies and surgeries; all for your enjoyment. But you're right, Witless, there is much to be thankful for. So don't worry, I'll make sure you, Cratchet, her goons and Wilson receive what you so rightfully deserve."

Witless was sweating hard on Alice's harsh statement. She would've dismissed Alice's ranting by now, saying she was again in another of her loony fits, if not for the cold focused, hateful glare she was giving her.

In all the years she had been taking advantage of her, she had never seen her like this. That pure, unbridled hate alongside the absolute certainty in her eyes.

"A-Alice, my dear, you must be confused, I've always strived to do what was best for you-"

"What's best for me?! Spare me the platitude, you old bat." Alice interrupted her with a fiery gaze that would match even the hottest flames Axel can produce. "We both know that you really don't care about me, Pris. You only cared for me for my family fortune. That's why you simply tossed me into that fucking defiler's care. You're so transparent. A simpleton old woman who cannot resist her urges of sucking the life out of other people like a damn leech. You really are true to your name, Witless."

Pris's shocked face morphed into that of unadulterated rage and anger.

"You wretched, ungrateful child!" Shouted back the old woman, losing all pretense of kindness. "What would have become of you if it wasn't for me? You would be selling your arse like a common whore, just like your precious old Nan-"

*SLAP*

Witless practically crumbled to the street from the blow. A feeble, withered hand went up to her cheek. Pris surprised from the physical strike on her person, wide-eyed on what Alice just did.

"Y-You dare-"

"You will speak when you have the right." Said Alice, channeling her inner Queen of Hearts with how cold and fierce she became. "And you do most certainly do not have the right to say such things about a good woman such as Nan. Yes she does what's needed to get by. Yet I will never fault her for this. You, however, have much to answer for."

Witless stood back up, mustering as much strength as she could. She hatefully looked towards Alice with an utter sneer.

"And how, pray tell, will that happen. No one in London will believe you. And I doubt whatever friends you have will be enough."

A sinister smile appeared on Alice's face, which unsettled Pris more than she already was with this commanding presence.

"London? Who said anyone in London?"

Confusion overcame Witless before she saw herself backed into the reflective surface of a window. As it happened, it began to ripple.

"In reality, you'll be judged in Wonderland." Came the echoing voice of Alice.

And with that, a litany of hands sprang out of the window and grasped onto Pris' form. One even covered her mouth just as she screamed in fright right as she was dragged into the conjured portal Alice made.

A moment later, the window returned to normal as Pris Witless was no longer present in London.

Alice let out a sigh of relief, feeling a weight has been lifted from her shoulders.

Walking away from the scene, Alice went to rejoin the public setting with no one none the wiser of what just occurred.

If there would be anyone who would be looking for Pris Witless, there would be no clue to her whereabouts… if they would ever bother to search. After all, she was a rather unwanted woman.

-Scene Cut-

"You sure took your sweet time, Alice."

"Sorry, Axel. Could you blame me for not having one of your Omni-tools and reaching me sooner."

"True. That'll get fixed later." Said the Nobody. "Gotta ask, but where have you been? I'd thought you'd be back sooner."

"Just wanted to see London one last time. Don't know how long it'll be before I come back. I just lost track of time as a result."

This was in fact true, yet the answer left out quite a lot on what Alice particularly did.

After her meeting with Pris Witless, Alice obtained a peculiar thought. One which made her think more out of curiosity: how to bring justice towards the rest of those who wronged her.

Bumby was incarcerated and hopefully sentenced to death, Radcliffe being reigned in to Witless being extradited to Wonderland to serve out her punishment; Alice wondered what to perhaps do to the others over at Rutledge.

Vengeful thoughts plagued her mind when she traversed to the asylum. Ideas with how they could be enacted came to and from.

Alice contemplated if she should deliver her rightful justice herself. Making it cathartic and releasing more weight on her shoulders.

While some would be rightfully appropriate, she just didn't know what the others would say.

What would her friends think? What of her family? Would they think differently of her? Be accepting?

Alice thought of killing Dr. Wilson, Nurse Cratchet and her goons. It was rather natural, in a manner, given what they've done to her. She perhaps had the right.

If this was all done in Wonderland, things would be rather easier. Yet she and those on her list weren't in Wonderland but in London.

And while Witless would not be missed, noticed and cared about (just like Cratchet and her goons); Dr. Wilson was the opposite.

The asylum doctor, who to Alice's recollection, didn't have family but was more or less known by a larger, influential community due to his "upbringing" and "pristine" status as a "healer".

If Alice were to outright make Wilson disappear, just like Witless. Others would clearly notice and questions would be made for an investigation.

Thus Alice had to be creative.

Making it to Rutledge, she used her Wonderland powers to sneak inside and began to mess around. Releasing a number of inmates and having some form of controlled chaos.

Once this happened, Alice enacted her next step.

In the chaos, she had started a fire, hoping to greatly burn down the asylum and rid it from the face of the Earth. No one would really miss it in the grand scope as it was an abomination. And in that fire, she witnessed some inmates making use of their temporary freedom for their own form of justice on their torturers.

Cratchet was slain and so were her goons. They were overwhelmed by the numbers and became bloody messes on the stained floors.

It was from here did Alice use this to her advantage and have a personal "chat" with Wilson in his office.

Suffice to say, Wilson went through several surprising revelations about his former patient before she ended his life.

By the time she left Rutledge, the fire marshals arrived to take out the fire with a number of officers to quell the chaos. No one would be the wiser to know of her involvement in the incident.

Not that it would matter if they even did find out.

She would be long gone by that point. And it would be rather hard for the officers to perhaps realize it was her, given they would get statements from the deranged inmates.

With all that having been said and done, there was now only one final person that Alice needed to speak with.

And thankfully, this was one she had been looking forward to with a more positive and hopeful outcome.

But first she needed to get some of the negative aspects out of the way…

"I heard what happened with Bumby. Never would've thought that man would do such things." The large woman said, forlorn and still in shock.

She looked upon Nan Sharpe, her former nanny turned prostitute, with sympathetic eyes.

The former Princess couldn't really fault the woman for having such a reaction considering the reputation Bumby once held. It almost appeared as though Nan didn't want to believe it at first. Like she was blaming herself for what had happened to Alice and her family.

Not that it was her fault. None whatsoever.

But when one spends raising a young girl for so long and to see said girl lose her family in such a devastating fashion…

To top it all off, someone who was trusted as the reason behind such a heinous event was, well, not such an easy thing to process.

"We all have our secrets. The darker parts that we try to keep hidden." Alice said. "His was far more sinister and devious in the end."

"Yes but…"

Alice placed a hand upon the larger woman's shoulder, a placating smile directed towards her old nanny.

"Nan, you have nothing to feel guilty or ashamed of." Alice kindly said. "What has been done is done. It would do us little to dwell on such past transgressions and focus on the future."

Sharpe turned to her in slight relief but evident confusion.

Since the fire, Alice has always been a bit… hard to be approached by other people who didn't know her personally like she did.

Recently however, and very recently for that matter, the girl has gone through a remarkable turnaround.

Now that she got a good look at the girl, Sharpe noticed she was wearing far cleaner clothing and had a healthier look to her than when she last saw her.

"What's this about Alice?" Nan finally found herself asking her. "Is everything alright with you?"

Alice didn't respond at first, appearing wistful as she held up a large sum of money that certainly flabbergasted the nanny turned prostitute.

However, with the change up of clothing coupled with the sole briefcase Alice had in her other hand, the pieces started to fall into place for Sharpe.

"You… You're leaving?" She asked in slight disbelief.

The look of slight regret was all that she needed to see to confirm her question.

"It's rather sudden, I know." The young girl said quietly. "But I need to be away from London for a while."

"Truly?" It was easy to deduce Sharpe's nervousness at such a prospect. "But where will you go?"

"My friends will help me with that." Alice brightly said with a more pleasant smile. "Roxas, Axel and Xion will be there with me every step of the way."

"Those three…" Sharpe murmured, thinking back to those strangely clothed individuals that Alice had befriended almost out of nowhere.

While some would regard them with suspicion, Nan couldn't deny they've had a positive influence on her former care.

Yet there were still several other things that needed to be addressed.

"What of the children?" Sharpe inquired. "Who will be the one to look out for them?"

Liddell bobbed the pouch of money she had already held out to nan up and down.

"I've been thinking about it and I wish you and your friends to take care of them." Alice looked at her with hopeful eyes. "With the Mermaid burnt down, as to my present knowledge, there's nothing else for you all to do."

Sharpe let out a slight chortle. "Alice dear, lest you forget our professions, housing is the least of our concerns. It's an added accessory that comes with the job depending on our clientele."

Alice could only deadpan at her old nanny who laughed aloud now.

Calming down slightly, Sharpe became a tad more serious as she gazed at the still offered money that Alice was holding out for her to take.

"Idea is all fine and good my dear, but how could I fund the orphanage and pay me girls? It will be rather difficult to gain donations for an orphanage run by prostitutes."

"You having access to my family fortune." Alice revealed, chuckling slightly at her old nanny choking on her breath, eyes practically bulging out when she heard this.

"What?" Sharpe could barely get the words out.

"I had convinced Radcliffe to allow me better access to it. Once you speak to him, you'll have the same privilege; just so long as the funds are done out of necessity."

"B-but Alice…" Sharpe stammered out yet couldn't finish her statement as she was in too much of a shock to respond. "This-"

"I know it's my family's money." Alice placed her suitcase down and grabbed Sharpe's hand. She held it up so she could place the pouch she was already holding into her old Nan's palm and made sure her fingers were curled around it.

"And that means I get to decide what to do with it. And I want you to help the children with it. Call it me being selfish, but it's the best I can work with at this time. I'll come back someday and pull my weight around here. But for now, I want to leave London and see what was taken away from me for all these years."

"H-how…" Nan forgot how to speak momentarily. "H-How will I be able to reach out to you? What if the children ask for you? What if something happens that will need your attention alone?"

As much as Nan was feeling happy for Alice to essentially be flying away from the metaphorical cage built by Bumby, she just didn't want to see her go so soon. She just didn't feel ready with her former charge's sudden departure.

"You won't be able to reach me." Alice regretfully revealed. "But that doesn't mean you won't be able to hear from me. I promise I'll send letters when I can."

Alice then pulled out a piece of parchment and held it out for Sharpe. "This is the contract that solidifies my approval for you to have access to my family's fortunes. Read it over and sign at the bottom before going to the bank. Everything else has already been taken care of."

Nan seemed at a loss for words for a time.

"Is there any way I could make you stay?" She finally asked.

Alice only shook her head.

"My mind has been made up." She declared resolutely. "And I leave this place in your hands, Nan."

Sharpe wasn't even able to say anything as Alice turned and began walking away whilst waving back at her.

"I'll see you again. I promise. I leave everything in your hands." And with that final farewell, Alice was out of sight from her old nanny.

Minutes passed on by as Alice looked around the orphanage, seeing the young residents run about and play. It brought a sad smile to her face.

She'll miss this place, despite what occurred underneath the surface.

But now, at the very least, they'll hopefully be free from whatever horrible influence might come their way.

…

…

…

Her eyes became half-lidded upon remembering that Nan was a prostitute now who ran a brothel.

In hindsight…

She shook her head rapidly a second later.

Best not to dwell on thoughts and decisions like this one. What's done is done. And Alice has full confidence in Nan that she'll do her duty like she did with her. Both she and her girls will clean up their act and become better in the long run.

After all, she had nothing to do with Alice's horrible life after her family's death.

…

…

…

She really needed to get out of London already. These negative thoughts were starting to annoy her.

"Yo Alice."

Speaking of her way out…

The girl turned to see Axel and Xion approaching her.

"Everything's all set with us on our end." The latter said happily.

"We're ready when you are." Axel said with a thumbs up.

She smiled at the two before noticing someone was missing. "Where's Roxas?"

"Here." Was his announcement, walking towards her with a travel bag. "Got everything else of yours in here. We're all done."

"Wonderful." Alice said, satisfied to hear all this. "Then… I guess it's time."

Wordlessly, the quartet walked off towards their last destination in London being a place they would depart from this World.

They reached the location of the Looking Glass and watched as the former Princess of Heart walked forward.

She stared at the mirror for a number of moments, taking a look at her reflection until she raised her arm.

Alice placed her hand on the large mirror and focused. After several moments, it began to ripple. The reflection it once bore soon faded away to reveal a different location entirely.

The Nobodies took some hesitant steps forward as they entered through the Looking Glass portal Alice conjured. Once they left, Alice was all who remained.

Looking back, she gazed upon the space with a small, sad smile on her lips.

"Farewell…"

With her luggage in hand, Alice stepped through with the portal rippling back to its normal state.

-Scene Cut-

"I take it your mission was successful."

"It was Master Yen Sid but not without its number of hiccups."

The aged wizard looked at the three Nobodies before landing his eyes at the young, malnourished woman standing beside them. Him analyzing her, sensing her as it were and could tell a number of things were quite off about her.

"Clearly there is quite the story to tell." He stated, looking at the others expectantly.

Before either Alice or the Nobodies could mutter out a word, the door to Yen Sid's office opened up with a handful of individuals strolling in.

"Hey~ look who's back." Came the casual greeting from Riku, King Mickey on his left and Namine on his right. Beside them also walked in his best friend and the King's friends as well.

Upon seeing the three Nobodies, the brown haired teen opened his mouth to greet them cheerfully until he saw the slightly older teen girl standing next to them.

For a moment, Sora lost his smile and frowned slightly as he took a moment to scrutinize the girl as there was something oddly familiar about her.

Was it the eyes?

Or was it something else.

He felt it in his heart that he had seen her before.

Where had he-

"Hello Sora." Alice kindly greeted him, interrupting his thoughts. "Donald, Goofy. It's so good to see you three."

It took a moment to register the voice and in an instant, the trio felt a wave of memories rushing into them.

Of a young girl before a rude queen on trial for something beyond her control. Of them standing in one of the darkened halls of Hollow Bastion where a blond girl in a blue dress stood alongside five other women who all had pure Hearts of Light.

"Alice?" Sora, Donald and Goofy stared at the changed girl who smiled back at them.

Sora was at a loss for words for a moment, approaching her with open concern for her to see.

"Wh-what happened to you Alice? What happened to your clothes? Your hair?"

"Have you not been eating?" Goofy asked with a worried voice.

"I could be better." Alice admitted, a slightly weak smile directed at the anthropomorphic dog. "But being amongst friends… It's already making me feel better."

"Golly Alice." King Mickey spoke up. "We need to get a meal in ya quick."

"And a change of clothes." Riku added. "No way are you wearing those rags."

"Anything you ask of us we shall endeavor to deliver in full." Yen Sid's deep voice gave the young girl a feeling of warmth as she smiled at him and at the group.

"You've all done enough as is." She kindly said. "If it wasn't for you Sora and your friends and Roxas, Axel and Xion, I wouldn't be standing here right now."

"But why are you here instead of your home?" Asked Goofy. "It's rather dangerous if you leave your homeworld, right?"

"Circumstances made me have to leave it behind."

"What happened to Wonderland?" Donald asked.

"It's being mended as we speak." Alice revealed to him, a relieved smile for all to see. "Being stitched back together after what damage and corruption befell upon my world."

Riku would've ignored the detail, yet he sensed something was rather off when Alice said the last few words.

"I'm sorry, your world?"

"Some mumbo jumbo stuff Caterpillar spout out of her being a one-of-a-kind unique case. Her either creating Wonderland or inheriting it somehow. And both are connected because of it." Roxas revealed to them.

"Along with its location being placed in the borders between Reality, Unreality and Dreams." Axel added on.

"Huh?" Was the collective response from everyone other than Yen Sid and King Mickey.

"Fascinating." Yen Sid mused aloud, stroking his long bear. "It appears that Wonderland is a far more unique World than initially believed. To be layered and structured in such a manner is a rarity seldom seen in anyone's lifetime."

"Yeah and Caterpillar said such knowledge of those kinds of worlds and accessing them are long gone now."

"Thought as much."

"What about your home?" Sora spoke up. "Don't you wanna go back?"

"The London I knew served its purpose. As much as I'd love nothing more to go back, I have to leave. Make a new start elsewhere."

"But don't you have people who'll miss you?" Namine quietly asked.

"I do, but there's only a handful at most. And they understand. But at least they'll be fine." Alice said sadly. "One day I'll go back and visit, but not anytime soon."

"Where will you stay then?" Riku asked.

"How's about here?" Xion suggested right away, most if not all openly agreeing with the notion but Alice shook her head. "It would be great to have you here."

"Yeah, we can see each other whenever we're not on a mission." Roxas tacked on, more than on board with the idea.

Alice, however, appeared to have other plans.

"No, I would just be a burden to you all."

"What?" Roxas said in bewilderment. "A burden? Alice, you're our friend, you can never be a burden."

"Oh but in the state I am in, most certainly, I will be." Liddell countered, shaking her head once more.

"It's not like you can't fight." Axel remarked with his arms crossed. "Or take care of yourself at the very least."

"And that's precisely why it's better I stay elsewhere, out of your way and not being a bother." Alice stated firmly. "The Worlds are out of balance and in danger once again and you having to deal with a mess like me will only slow you down from your duties."

"Alice." Xion said with a frown. "You know you're not a mess."

"Be that as it may, I still wish to be on my own for a time and out of your way."

The group wasn't all convinced but none made any moves or voiced any objections though they were trying to think of some.

Alice, in the meantime, wordlessly conjured her Vorpal sword and had it rest in her hands.

"I have all this power, yet I'm in dire need to heal in more ways than one. I still feel my memories are still fractured because of Bumby and the asylum. I've regained what was necessary to confront the one behind my family's death, but I need to obtain the rest."

"You don't need to do that away from us." Xion said, very much against the notion of leaving Alice by herself.

The Former Princess of Heart smiled warmly at the ravenette, going over to her and placed her hands on her shoulders.

"It's not like it'll be goodbye, Xion." Alice said. "Just that… Well, we won't see each other often but not like we won't see each other at all. Remember your responsibility to the Worlds."

Xion's head tilted down. "I know…"

Yen Sid hummed in thought. "If you are indeed adamant about being on your own whilst needing to sift through your memories, might I recommend Namine's assistance. Her powers will help you along with your personal task."

Said girl perked up and stepped forward with a friendly smile directed at Alice. "I'd be more than happy to help."

Alice appeared hesitant. "Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the offer, but I don't know if Namine should do so. I've had enough people to mess with my memories to last a lifetime."

"She would be glad to help and besides, she'll need your oversight to see what memories should be arranged where." Riku promised.

"I won't let you down." Namine spoke up, trying her best to look determined in her own adorable way, making Riku laugh.

"See? She's all for it." The silver-haired teen assured the London native. "There's no one better for this job."

Alice was silent for a few seconds until she slowly nodded. "...Let me think about it first."

The blonde Nobody nodded in understanding. "Take what time you need. No rush at all."

"But I'd suggest it sooner than later." Riku placed a hand over his chest. "Believe me, Namine is the right person for this job."

The platinum blond teen had to look down in hopes of avoiding looking Riku in the eye as her face developed a hearty blush. With a girl having as light a skin as hers, it's rather hard to miss.

Mickey looked a bit conflicted at the prospect of Namine helping Alice and opened his mouth to object until he felt a firm hand on his shoulder and he looked up to see Riku silently shaking his head at him.

The King looked like he wanted to say something but the pleading look in his friends eyes was enough to keep him silent.

This small interaction didn't go unnoticed, Axel's keen eyes picking up on it. His eyes darted over to Riku's other hand and noticed that it was trembling with the boy's fist clenching and unclenching repeatedly as if to get the shaking under control.

He raised a brow and looked back towards the King who had his head held down and a somber expression for a brief moment until shaking it off.

No. VIII watched all this, eyes darting back and forth between Riku and Mickey, catching sight of Namine briefly looking back at the former, her face changing into that of realization giving way to concern.

'Alright.' Axel internally mused. 'What's their story?'

He'd have to talk to them about it after this cause, now that he thought about it, this wasn't the first time they behaved like this.

For now, Yen Sid would undoubtedly want their full report.

"Now, what exactly occurred in Wonderland?"

'Perfectly timed.' Came Axel's wry thoughts as he, Roxas, Xion and Alice began to elaborate their long winded journey across Wonderland.

Clearly enough the others were disturbed and worried about what happened. The corruption occurred to not just the World but many of its residents. The ruin behind it all, due to the manipulations and harmful actions of various individuals; them only harming Alice but not realizing the ramifications towards Wonderland because of it.

It was rather true of Alice and Wonderland being very connected. Each being a reflection of their counterpart, with how they show a clear reaction in some shape or form.

They went on and on until everything was said and done, not leaving any detail out from the Dollmakers hand in this to encountering Luxord one last time.

All in all, there was much to consider from their foray into the changed World.

But that was something to be considered for another time.

For now, the group had other things on their mind, primarily Alice's place of residence for the foreseeable future.

"So where would you want to stay then?" Sora asked. "I know you wanna be out on your own but at the very least, I think it should be a place we all know and can go to anytime."

"And sunny." Donald added, finger pointed into the air.

"Ahyuck, yeah." Goofy cheerfully said. "We need ya to get yer glow back, Alice."

The girl in question giggled at the captain of Disney Castle's Royal Guard. "Why thank you Goofy. Yes, I do believe I need my glow back, as you say."

"A place that's sunny…" Xion said to herself, tapping her finger on her chin in thought.

"How's about Twilight Town then? It's actually a train ride away from here." Roxas suggested with a wide smile. "And it's like a brighter, healthier and cleaner version of London."

Alice smiled back at the sandy-blond Nobody. "That sounds perfect."

"Then it's decided." Namine happily said. "Let's get her set up at Twilight Town."

"Finding a good place to stay on top of getting some new clothes and getting more meat on those bones." Added in Donald.

Some chatter continued amongst the group as they slowly made their way out of the present room. Alice felt a bit more excited with anticipation with what's to come. Yet she had some little fits of timid nervousness given she hadn't gotten such treatment in years.

It'll clearly be an odd sensation to go through again.

"You guys go on ahead." Axel said, catching the young group of teens off guard.

"What?" Roxas said in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"It's nothing serious." Axel waved off their concern. "I'll catch up. Just need to ask Sid and Mick here something important. It won't be long. Just wait for me down at the entrance."

Though they are clearly unsure of this, they decided to trust in his words and left the Nobody, the King and the Wizard by themselves.

"What's the matter, Axel?" Mickey asked, looking up at the stoic face of the redhead as he looked between him and his former master.

"What's goin' on with Riku?" He bluntly asked, seeing the King flinch slightly. "And don't bother trying to cover anything up or hide something. I've seen it. Can't hide problems from these eyes. I know something's up. He's been shakin' like a leaf half the time whenever I've seen him and you and Namine always look close to having an aneurysm around him whenever that happens. So spill, what's wrong with him?"

Mickey frowned, clearly battling with himself on how to address this while Yen Sid had closed his eyes and let out a haggard sigh.

"I had hoped that this issue would go unnoticed at the behest of Riku requesting us to keep it quiet but it seems that was asking for too much." The aged wizard calmly said. "But as you were able to discern for yourself, Riku has been dealing with a great internal strife that Namine has been assisting him with for the past few months."

"We started to take notice of something sometime after we left Castle Oblivion. Riku didn't exactly turn out the same because of it." Mickey stated a stern look now on his face.

"Is it cause of what happened to him in Castle Oblivion himself?" Axel questioned. "I remember Zexion talking about another scent that was always around him when he was still there."

"That would be the specter of Ansem that followed Riku after his escape from the realm of Darkness." Yen Sid revealed. "A piece of Ansem's Darkness still resides within Riku's Heart despite having bested the man a number of times now."

"So he's still dealing with his inner darkness and all because of Ansem?"

"Yes, but there was more to it than we originally thought." Mickey now appeared deeply troubled. "What remained of Ansem within Riku is still very much a presence that refuses to be chained up. Namine had offered Riku numerous times for him to enter into a deep slumber where Ansem would be locked away behind memory where he would never trouble him again."

"But Riku refused, stating that he must overcome this struggle on his own." Yen Sid stated. "He believes it to be his penance and redemption for falling so easily to Darkness the first time he confronted it."

"It's been eating at him." Mickey's ears drooped slightly, looking positively torn at seeing his close friend suffering like that. "Namine has helped keep it at bay but he's now been rejecting her help too, saying this was a battle he had to fight alone."

"Hmph, explains the ways she's been lookin' at him." Axel dryly said, closing his eyes for a few seconds to think to himself.

Axel thought back to what occurred with Alice and the Red Queen. Two separated sides merging together again to take care of a similar problem. Who knows what will happen later on after becoming whole after so many years.

No. VIII, however, didn't know if the same could ever occur with Riku and Ansem. It could happen, but in a rather bad way as Riku would be corrupted because of it. Thus the silver haired teen would outright refuse to enact such a thing with such a foreign, dangerous presence inside of him.

It would explain the constant worrying looks Namine always sent towards the silver-haired teen. She looked like she was ready to have a panic attack half the time whenever she was around Riku.

Axel then snorted, confusing the two in front of him.

"So silver wants to act all tough and like a bad boy, eh?" Axel rolled his eyes. "He needs some pointers from the master. Still, can see why Namine likes the schmuck even if his hairstyle needs work."

Mickey chuckled heartily, making the redhead raise a brow.

"What's so funny?"

"I can see why Namine sometimes thinks of you like an older brother." Mickey said with a bright smile. "You care in your own way that makes her feel happy to know someone like you."

Axel recoiled back slightly, quickly coughing into his hand while looking away.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." He stammered out, trying to play off what he had just heard.

"Yes." Yen Sid smirked. "I understand why they look up to you. You have a very kind soul, Axel."

"Sh-shut… ah forget it." Axel threw his hands up in defeat. "Have your laugh but don't get used to it. Got it Memorized?"

"Naturally."

"Naturally, he says." He mockingly parroted, grumbling to himself as he walked out of the room.

Mickey only laughed with a cheerful demeanor with Yen Sid keeping his amused smirk in place as the door closed behind Axel, the man's gripes ceasing to be heard.

-Scene Cut-

He breathed in calmly and deeply.

Once more, he sat atop the highest chair within this blank white room of endless nothingness and thirteen elevated seats.

Xemnas, No. I in the Organization, awaited the arrival of the rest of the group as he had arrived first as he usually does.

Slowly opening his eyes, it was timed with the arrival of the rest of the seats being filled save for two.

Corridors of Darkness appeared before ten other thrones with those of wildly unique hairstyles and matching black clothing filled the seats.

All sat in their regular postures, some conveying boredom in being here, others attentiveness and eagerness.

"Good tidings friends." Xemnas greeted in his deep, methodical voice. "I have called you all here today for a reason you are more than likely aware of by now."

"Our little traitors have been busy." Xigbar couldn't help but comment first with his usual cocky grin in place.

"Hmmm, yes." Vexen remarked, rubbing his chin in deep thought. "I had estimated the likely influence that other Galaxy would have upon the Worlds of our stars but for it to come so sudden and violently-"

"It was not as sudden as you may think." Luxord spoke up, a small smirk for all to see. "From what I have been able to gather of Wonderland, the corruption had taken root for some time. What I had discerned is this rot was looking for a means of entry and it took it from the former Princess of Heart, Alice Liddell."

"A Princess of Heart was the cause of the corruption?" Demyx questioned. "How is that supposed to work? Isn't that supposed to be impossible?"

"Former Princess of Heart." Corrected Xigbar. "I doubt if she was still one, she'd be less susceptible to such a fate."

"This is not operating under the laws that we abide by. This corruption is unique." No. X mused aloud. "It in many ways is similar to the means in which the Heartless go about claiming Hearts and Worlds. It sought those that are in a weakened state of mind or fragile but something about it is different. I'm not quite sure how to explain it. And this was just an unordinary case to a very special girl. Imagine magnifying this considerably on the scenario onto others. Imagine the possibilities."

"We have yet to fully understand what it is but perhaps there can be some use to it." Xaldin stated. "Is there a source that we can identify? A direct influence that we can perhaps use or meet with?"

"My munny's on the Reapers." Xigbar firmly said. "That's what that cigarette toting old man told me when I met with him. How his galaxy has this cycle of extinction and all."

No. IX paled at the sound of that.

"Wait, what?" He squeaked out. "Ex-extinction? Like… everything dying?"

"They're not here, if that's what you're wondering." Larxene, No. XII of the Organization said with a roll of her eyes until she paused. "Are they?"

Xigbar shook his head. "Not yet they're not."

No. XI narrowed his eyes at the Freeshooter.

"What do you mean by that?" Marluxia questioned.

No. II merely shrugged. "From the way that old man described them, they sound pretty damn powerful if they've been around for so long with no one stopping them. The Darkness influenced them and now, well, who's to say. There can be other means of them getting here now."

"Sounds to me that we may be confronted with other threats now." Larxene groused out.

"Be that as it may, that is not what we have gathered here for." Saix stated, turning to the Gambler of Fate. "Luxord, what else is there to report on in Wonderland? What changes are we to seek out if other Worlds suffer the same fate?"

Luxord spared no details, going over everything he had seen and experienced.

From the deformity of familiar locations to entirely new sections being added that were not there before to the twisted aura that permeated the World before Roxas and Xion found the Keyhole they sought after and sealed it shut.

Yet one matter came up in regards to the changes and that was of Alice Liddell no longer being a Princess of Heart as she once was.

"I still don't get that." Demyx spoke up. "How is she not a Princess anymore? Ain't Sora's girl still a Princess?"

"From what we had last checked, yes, she is." No. XI confirmed with him rubbing his chin. "I'm rather curious about how that came to be."

"What of the others?" Lexaeus inquired. "Are they not Princesses no more?"

"From what Vexen had deduced, the status they bear as Princesses remains." Saix revealed. "However, with this recent revelation, we shall need to monitor the Princesses of Heart closely. To lose one of their numbers is… troubling."

"Great." Demyx drawled out. "More survey work."

"Saix is right. This is not something to be ignored. How does one lose their title and status as a Princess of Heart?" Zexion spoke up with a frown. "That seems to be something that would be a drastic change to go unnoticed by us."

"With what occurred with the Dark Fairy and Ansem at Hollow Bastion, it shows a method of how one could lose their title as one of the Seven Lights; outside of the concept of meeting their untimely end."

"Those Princesses didn't become Heartless, that's for sure. They temporarily died when they fell to darkness until they were revived; giving up their titles as a result. Thus their Lights have moved onto someone else."

"And yet this Kairi girl retained her title."

"A rare occurrence given what we know." Xemnas reminded them. "To have latched itself within the hero of the Keyblade. An unforeseen circumstance."

"Seems to be a lot of that going around." Xigbar couldn't help but drawl out. "First that pipsqueak keeps a Heart from one of the Princesses for safekeeping then our three runaways get swept up in some grand adventure in another galaxy all while turning on us."

"Far too many variables." Saix muttered out, Vexen humming in agreement yet there was a gleam of clear intrigue in the Chilly Academics eyes.

"There is still something that weighs heavily on my mind." Zexion spoke up, a deep frown for all to see.

"And that is?" No. XII boredly asked, checking her gloved nails.

"Why they betrayed us." No. VI stated with a serious and grim tone. "I believe we've been skirting around this topic for a while now but why? Why did three of our members turn on us so suddenly? Especially our two newest and youngest members. How in the world did they find out about Xion's true disposition and purpose?"

"Do you not remember, Zexion?" No. IV rhetorically asked. "They were eavesdropping on a meeting between myself, Xigbar and Lord Xemnas on the progress of Xion since Roxas' disappearance. He heard what we said and that led to his betrayal."

"I know that." The silver haired Nobody retorted. "I just feel like we don't have the full picture. We're missing something here."

Subtle and unnoticed as he was, Xemnas did shift oh-so slightly in his seat. But what did go noticed by the Cloaked Schemer was the glance No. II shot towards No. I.

His eyes narrowed by a margin yet he opted to remain silent.

"Guess there's a story we're missing." Xigbar remarked with a shrug of his shoulders. "But what's next boss man? Luxord's got what we need from Wonderland and Vexen looks ready to fall from his seat to study the data."

Vexen 'harrumphed' from his seat yet made no efforts to deny such a statement.

"There is still much to discuss but we must also sit back and observe." Xemnas spoke up, all the members of the Organization now turning to him. "We must remain diligent now with such drastic alterations to the Worlds we once knew. It may seem like an advantage to be used but from what we have seen, it can just as easily turn itself around upon us. Dismissed."

And with that, the Corridors of Darkness were all summoned and the Organization vacated the Room Where Nothing Gathers.

All but one.

Xemnas remained where he was, alone once more.

He sat in the highest chair, leaning back and closing his eyes, entering into deep contemplation.

It appears that everything that has been planned may be in a greater degree of threat then he had realized.

Too many variables, too many unknown factors were making themselves known now.

Would the plan go as it was once believed to or did everything have to be reworked?

A daunting prospect and one not to be considered so easily or dismissed out of hand.

The difficulty lay in the inevitability of undoubtedly changing what has already been set in stone.

What has been set might have just had a sledgehammer get swung right into its face. To contemplate on this actually being a reality…

The Superior of the In-Between opened his eyes with a more resolute glint in them as he teleported away, leaving the room of thirteen thrones empty.

-Scene Cut-

"Yes, this will do quite nicely." Alice declared, nodding in approval at the apartment that would serve as her new home for the foreseeable future.

If there was one word that could be used to describe her new home it would be cozy.

The living room was spacious with a kitchen in one room, a bathroom, her own bedroom and what could be described as office space.

It'll take some time getting used to, given the time period she previously lived, but it'll be far better than her last residency. And eventually, her new home will fit what she desired most.

Here she won't be living with a murder and rapist. Here, nobody will know her as Alice Liddell, the girl who was thrown into an asylum after her family died in a fire. Here she will be relatively here by herself with nothing really tying her back to anything else.

In Twilight Town, she'll have a brand new start.

Yes she'll miss the children and interacting with them. She'll feel guilty in not staying behind to help them out after what Bumby did to them. All she can do is hope Nan and her girls will do a fine job taking care of them.

"Well now." She shifted forward slightly from the overly friendly pat on the back she got from her redheaded friend, shooting him an unamused look.

He was nonplussed by her reaction, a cheeky grin in place. "Looks like you're all settled in."

"Yes, no thanks to you." She dryly said. "You up and dragged Roxas and Xion away before they had a chance to help."

"What? This was meant to be a you moment." Axel declared. "A moment where you got on your two feet and said to this and all Worlds that I have arrived proudly on my own."

"But we could have helped her speed up the process, ya know." Came Xion's voice from behind No. VIII, her and Roxas squeezing in through the front door that was being blocked by Axel.

"Bah." Axel waved her comment off. "This was for Alice."

"And we agreed to help her." Roxas added.

"And she was more than capable of doing the rest by herself." Axel proudly declared.

"You just didn't wanna help move her luggage around." Xion accused, making the tall Nobody faux-gasp in disbelief.

"Doth doubteth me, Xion? For shame." Axel rolled his hand. "Sides, I'd rather not mess around with a young lady's property, especially her clothing."

"You could have helped with the furniture."

"She did it herself."

"And the bathroom."

"Again, herself."

"You just didn't wanna do anything, did you?" Alice dryly accused, eliciting another over the top reaction of denial from the Flurry of Dancing Flames.

"Your words wound me but I endure and persevere regardless of such baseless slander."

Xion and Roxas all the while were helping unpack Alice's stuff, laying out her clothes and items around the room.

"Where do you want all this stuff, Alice?" The former asked the new tenant to this apartment.

"Don't worry about it, Xion." Liddell waved off the question. "Just leave it where it is. I shall find a place for everything."

No. XIV simply nodded whilst Roxas looked at her with a curious look.

"Aside from training, what do you plan to do now?"

"Find something to do while living here. Perhaps try out a number of workplaces and see which ones fit me best." Alice said, walking over to one of the large windows of her new home which overlooked the Sandlot.

"Did see a lot of boards that have odd jobs." Roxas noted.

"Lovely." She stated. "Then I shall at the very least have something to keep myself busy and supply myself with more income."

"You do know all that cash you brought back with ya converted to munny right?" Axel pointed out. "You are pretty stacked right about now."

Alice shook her head. "Be that as it may, I am not one to lay on what I have. I spent many years not even touching the fortune that was left behind for my family. That fortune serves as a buffer."

"Hell of a buffer." The redhead said. "Still, you can also clear out Heartless, get some Munny like that if you ever, and I mean this in the unlikeliest of terms, are short on dough."

The former Princess only giggled in response. "Duly noted."

-Scene Cut-

Once leaving Twilight Town and saying their farewell to Alice, the trio of Nobody's took a detour back home.

"Where are we going, Roxas?" No. XIV asked, the three of them standing in front of a Corridor that Roxas conjured up.

He had a slightly mischievous look on his face as he faced them both.

"Just fulfilling a little promise."

"What promise?"

"You'll have to wait and see." Roxas said, stepping through the portal, leaving Axel and Xion standing there for a moment.

No. VIII huffed and crossed his arms. "Alright, I'll bite. When in the hell did he learn to be cryptic like that? Is this a prank? Are we walking into something we're gonna hate?"

Xion rubbed her arm in a display of hesitation.

"Roxas wouldn't try to trick us, would he?"

Axel let out a sigh, shaking his head.

"Well no but I know how horrible of an influence I can be sometimes."

Any trepidation was promptly squashed upon hearing that, Xion laughing brightly up at her friend who smirked slightly.

"Yeah, come on." Xion declared, walking forward. "Let's not keep Roxas waiting."

Shrugging, Axel quickly followed after her, the pair entering the Corridor with their vision momentarily going black as they traversed through the Darkness.

It didn't take long for Xion and Axel to know where they presently were.

Taking a moment to look around, the latter looked at Roxas who was standing near the edge of a cliff overlooking a vast ocean before them.

"Why'd you bring us to Neverland, Roxas?" Xion inquired, immediately recognizing where they were.

"Oh, you guys were here already?"

"Yeah, when ya went missing the first time." Axel said, flicking the blonde's forehead. "Went to a bunch of Worlds lookin' for ya."

"So you didn't encounter Tinker Bell?" He inquired, somewhat surprised at that.

"Tinker who?" Asked the redhead.

"Someone from this World that we need to find." Roxas revealed. "She's a fairy who'll help us out with why I brought you guys here."

"Huh?" Axel picked at his ear to make sure he wasn't hearing things. "A fairy? The hell do we need to find a fairy for?"

Roxas only waved his finger in a manner reminiscent of his hot headed friend. "Ah, ah, ah, that'll ruin the surprise."

No. VIII stared at the blond in surprise until he snorted and tousled up his hair slightly.

"Look at you acting all cocky and mysterious." He remarked. "Now where'd ya go and learn that?"

"Where do ya think?" Roxas dryly asked, tone laced in sarcasm. "Now come on."

"Come on where?" Xion asked.

No. XIII paused for a moment, an unusual glaze coming over the teens eyes. Looking around the place they were standing in, Roxas couldn't explain it but…

'What's with this place?' Roxas mentally asked himself.

Why did it feel so familiar?

He had been to Neverland before, yeah, when he was still with Sora but what was he feeling right now?

This was something else.

Something that doesn't have to do with Sora at all.

What was this feeling?

"Oi Roxas, where are ya going?"

The blue-eyed teen blinked and turned behind him to see his two confused friends following after him.

"Huh? What?" He dumbly responded.

Axel trudged up to him and yanked the boy into a headlock though he didn't apply any pressure.

"H-hey, what're you-"

"The hell was that just now?" Axel cut him off, tugging his head slightly. "You just went off in a random direction and didn't say a word to us."

"I… I did?"

"Are you ok, Roxas?" Xion got a bit too close for his taste but her sky-blue eyes were hard to avoid. "You looked really out of it."

"You aren't gonna do anything weird on us, are ya?" Axel asked, letting go of his head.

"I… I'm not…" Roxas raised a hand to his head, running his hand through his hair. "What was that feeling?"

"What feeling?" His two friends asked at the same time.

Before No. XIII could give out a response-

*KIRAKIRAKIRA*

A ball of light zoomed right at them.

"UGH! What the heck!"

"Eh!?"

Axel and Xion were boggled when seeing this rapidly flying around them. The constant ringing of a bell filled the air and didn't seem to stop.

The light circled around the two before stopping at Roxas, fluttering about happily.

He blinked for a moment until his face brightened upon recognizing just what it was that was flying in front of him.

"Hey Tinkerbell." He happily said. "I was looking for ya."

The ball of lights aura dimmed slightly, allowing Axel and Xion to see a more humanoid shape in the light with wings rapidly fluttering to keep itself aloft.

No. VIII quirked a brow and leaned over slightly with his hands on his hips.

"Wha!? What's this thing supposed to be?" He scrutinized her more. "Is this … a… bug?"

The "bug" had a tick mark so large that it eclipsed the size of her head.

Tinkerbell soon threw a tantrum, waving her fist right up and close to Axel's face.

"Whoa… Sorry little girl."

The little fairy never lessened the glare she bore towards the redhead.

"Hey Tink." Roxas happily said. "Good to see ya again."

The small fairy zipped in front of the blue eyed blonde, happily buzzing around him.

"So this is Tinkerbell?" Xion's eyes were wide eyed with intrigue and wonder, stars sparkling around them. "She's so pretty~~"

This compliment got the ravenette on Tink's good side, the small sprite flying up to the girl, tapping her nose in appreciation.

She giggled, rubbing her nose, watching the fairy fly around her.

"So why did ya need us to find her?" Axel inquired, recalling Roxas' stating they needed to locate her. "She's a friend of yours?"

"Both mine and Sora's." Roxas said, smiling lightly at the fairy that settled down on his shoulder. "She has this amazing ability that she can give you guys."

"Oh?" Xion was now greatly curious. "And what would that be?"

Roxas only grinned mischievously. Closing his eyes, he raised himself up on his tippy toes a few times but found himself still grounded.

"Huh?" He murmured in confusion, a feeling matched by his friends.

"Uh, Roxas? What exactly are ya doin?" Axel asked, scratching the side of his head.

The boy frowned in thought for a few seconds until remembering his first time coming here by himself.

He turned back to Tinkerbell, a slightly apologetic look on his face.

"Hey, I know ya just got comfortable there but can ya do your whole sparkle dust thing like ya did last time?"

Tinkerbell simply popped right up, nodding excitedly before zipping around the Nobody with the gold dust falling over him.

Without a moment to spare, Roxas began hovering in front of a now shocked Xion and Axel.

"What the-" Axel was momentarily gob smacked. "You're flying!"

Roxas' grin widened considerably as he floated higher into the air, performing an aerial flip.

"How are you doing that?!" Xion's excitement became a palpable aura around her.

"It's thanks to Tinkerbell here." Roxas said, thumbing to the now smug fairy who floated beside him. "She can sparkle some of her fairy dust on ya and boom, you can fly."

"...It can't be that simple, can it?"

"Well ya gotta believe you can do it." Roxas quickly amended.

That didn't seem to make Axel any more confident. "Just believe?"

Xion, on the other hand, was trembling with anticipation.

"I shall place my faith in Roxas-Kun!" She declared, throwing her fist up, all but consumed with excitement of flying.

"Roxas-Kun?" Axel parroted, not sure if he heard that correctly.

Xion ignored him as she was practically hopping in place, waiting to get some of Tinkerbell's fairy dust so that she could fly.

Tinkerbell flew over the two a moment later, glittering gold dust falling over the pair.

The minute the dust laid upon Xion's body, she closed her eyes and emulated what Roxas had done initially.

But…

"Hey." Xion opened her eyes, puffing her cheeks out. "It isn't working."

"...I think this dust stuff ain't working for me either." Axel dryly said, having done nothing but cross his arms in a bored fashion. However, there was a glint of envy in his eyes at seeing Roxas flying about in the air so freely.

"Huh…" Roxas rubbed his chin, momentarily racking his brain to figure out why he could do it but his friends couldn't.

Until he remembered the first time he flew and in turn, how Sora was able to do it.

"Ya gotta believe in yourselves." He revealed, hand over his chest. "Just believe you can do it. Like… like think of a happy memory. Something that would sorta "help" you fly."

"A happy memory?" Axel repeated with a small frown.

Xion however was far more optimistic. "Oh? Why didn't you say so, Roxas?"

For her it was incredibly easy.

The moment she thought of the clocktower in Twilight Town, watching the sunset with not just Roxas and Axel, but the rest of the Normandy crew filled her with so much joy and happiness, it may as well have burst out of her.

A few seconds later…

"Hey, ya did it!"

The ravenette heard the cheerful statement from Roxas and she opened her eyes to see she was a few feet off the ground now.

Gaping in disbelief, it soon turned into pure jubilation with Xion laughing joyously before she started to fly about with complete and utter glee.

"WOOOHOOO~" She cried aloud, hands outstretched with her gloved hands feeling the wind going in between her fingers.

Axel saw all this in quiet astonishment.

"Whoa~" He let out silently.

"Axel, come on!" Xion called out to him with barely restrained excitement.

The redhead couldn't restrain his small laugh at the sight of No. XIV's sparkling aura of unrestrained joy, hands waving about to the point that they were blurry.

"Yeah, it's real easy." Roxas encouraged.

"Happy thoughts and belief, huh?" Axel said to himself, not being heard by either of his friends.

Taking a chance, Axel closed his eyes and concentrated.

His best friend told him to believe and he would do just that. Just think of something happy to go along with it.

Easy right?

Reaching into his memories, he briefly recalled his youth, the time when he was just a teenager.

It was him, Isa and… their friend locked away in the castle in Radiant Garden. But that memory soured in an instant.

Yet he refused to have that be what he remembered so he thought about recent times.

Recent memories and new friends.

From his perspective, he saw Roxas and Xion laughing at him.

Then came him sitting with Garrus and Wrex, the trio sharing a boisterous laugh.

Teasing Tali over her clear feelings for Roxas made him chortle just thinking about it.

Liara was also fun to play with considering how easily she was to dupe on social cues and matters. Ashley rushing in to defend her was hilarious.

Kaidan showing off the weaponry of the crew with Stitch situated on his shoulder.

Sharing a laugh with Joker in the cockpit.

And lastly…

Shepard.

Just… seeing Shepard, seeing Jane smiling at him.

It made him strangely feel light.

"Ya did it!"

Opening his eyes, he looked down and saw he was now floating off the ground.

"I can fly…" He muttered before blinking at absolute surprise. "I can fly!?"

The two Keybearers practically cheered in seeing their older friend begin floating about without the help of his own skills.

They all soon began zipping about, laughing and whooping with glee.

Things came to a brief halt when seeing Tinkerbelle flying right in front of Roxas' face.

"What's the matter Tink?"

The little fairy began pulling on Roxas' coat before pointing to some particular direction.

He quirked a brow at her, looking up towards where she was pointing then back at her. "You want us to follow you?"

Tinkerbell nodded in response.

"What's up?" Axel floated on over. "There something over there that you want us to see?"

Tinkerbell nodded again.

The redhead narrowed his eyes at her. "There isn't some enemy or jackass waiting to ambush us or something?"

The response he got was the fairy petulantly stomping her foot in the air with her cheeks puffed out irritably.

"Aw come on, Axel." Xion flew by, stopping slightly ahead of them. "She made us fly. Least we can do is see what she wants to show us."

The small fairy preened at the support, happily floating around the ravenette.

No. VIII scrunched his face up in thought before exhaling and throwing up his arms.

"Alright tiny, lead the way."

Tinkerbell stuck her tongue out and pulled one of her eyelids down. All she got was an eye roll from the redhead, incensing her further.

Still, rather than try to mess with the man further, she instead turned and flew off to the direction that she wanted the Nobody's to follow her towards.

The quartet flew casually and freely in the sky, though Xion couldn't contain herself at times as she spun and flipped about in the air.

Roxas and Axel only laughed at her reaction, both sharing a fond smile when they heard her proclaim that they needed to bring their friends from the Milky Way Galaxy to this World.

They figured it would be one hell of an experience to actually fly as free as a bird without the use of jetpacks or Biotics or any other form of equipment.

Their journey came to an end as they saw Tinkerbell fly down to a small set of islands that had multiple clusters of trees.

Making their landing, the trio walked through the forest to the general direction Tinkerbell went off to.

"So, what is this place she wants us at?" Axel asked, looking around at the trees with a bored look.

"We'll just have to wait and find out." Muttered out Xion.

Unbeknownst to them, they were watched by a number of figures in the trees and foliage. Each biding their time in order to act.

"Huh."

"Something wrong, Roxas?" No. VIII spoke up, hearing the blond's confused sound.

"Nothin', it's just…" He squinted his eyes at the scenery. "I'm getting this weird feeling of Deja Vu."

Axel tilted his head slightly. "Have you been here before? Like, before before."

Roxas frowned in thought for a second.

"Aside from briefly meeting Tinkerbelle, during my search for answers, not at all." No. XIII murmured loud enough for his friends to hear him. "But… still…"

Xion tapped the side of her chin. "Maybe it has to do with Sora's memories. Could it be that?"

"No, it's not that." Roxas immediately shot that down. "Sora never came to this part of Neverland. Only the other, other London that apparently was connected to this World."

Before they were able to speak any further on this, several bolas were suddenly thrown out from the treeline.

The Nobody's were so surprised by this that they were ensnared and bound in place, though Xion's was a bit comedic with how hers had ensnared her hair and eyes.

"I'm blind!" She cried out until the rope was yanked off her head from Axel using his teeth to do so. "Whew~ thanks Axel."

"Yeah, yeah." He said good naturedly, looking ahead of them to see several boys leap out from the shrubbery in a triumphant manner.

"We've got you!" Cried out a boy in a rabbit themed one-piece suit.

"WHAA!?" Xion and Roxas cried out as they were tackled and dog piled to the ground.

"Whassup with these lil' brats?!" Axel complained until he got one right on his chest. "Get off me!"

Being surprisingly overwhelmed by these children in the sudden ambush, the three Nobodies found themselves tied up moments later to a nearby tree.

"Peter!" Yelled out a boy in a one-piece fox outfit. "Peter! We've got them!"

In mere moments, a new arrival appeared as he was floating down from up high.

Upon seeing him, Roxas recognized the leader of the Lost Boys and nemesis to Captain Hook, Peter Pan.

"What's up, Lost Boys?" The green themed teen said boisterously.

"We've caught these pirates!" Spoke a boy in a one-piece bear outfit.

"Eh? We're nothing like that…" Muttered Xion, a sweat drop visible to see on the side of her head.

"I'm the one who caught them!" Yelled the one in the fox suit

"No, I was!"

"Me me!" Chorused a pair of boys in raccoon themed outfits.

There was a boy in a skunk outfit who raised his hand to get their attention yet was rather ignored.

"What?!"

The redhead Nobody grew tired of this, prompting him to let out a loud whistle to gain their attention.

"Oi!" He said, more annoyed than angry. "What the hell are you idiots doing?"

"Careful men!" Said Peter, soon walking past them and withdrawing a dagger from his belt. "They could be dangerous. So stand back." He soon looked upon the Nobodies with a narrowed glance. "How come I've never seen your faces around here before?"

That may be a partial truth. He never saw the redhead one or the girl, but the blonde felt familiar to him somehow but couldn't figure out why.

Axel deadpanned at the knife wielding teen. "We can explain if you put that away."

"Uh, huh." Was all Peter said, not sounding convinced at all.

Rolling his eyes at the tough guy persona this new kid was putting on, Axel simply snapped his fingers and the ropes that kept them tied up instantly burnt away.

All the boys leapt back in fright with Peter Pan standing in front of them defensively.

"Stay back, boys." Peter aggressively said, making sure all of them were behind him. "I'll take care of these bad guys."

"We're not bad guys." Xion idly said.

"Ha." Pan haughtily said, twirling his dagger about. "A likely story but we're not ones who are so easily fooled."

"What's with these theatrics?" Roxas asked in clear confusion.

"I dunno but this kid is just asking for ass kicking." Axel dryly said, arms crossed and clearly uninterested.

"Let's see how cocky you are after I-"

*KIRAKIRAKIRA*

A ball of light -being the glowing form of Tink- soon flew in front of Peter's face, making him wave her away from his vision.

The green clothed teen was very much annoyed right about now. "Buzz off Tink, don't you see I'm-"

*KIRAKIRAKIRA*

In a way, Peter halted whatever he sought to do and immediately paid attention to her.

"What did you say?" Pan asked in surprise.

The Nobody's all blinked and realized what had just happened.

"Wait, you can understand her?" Roxas asked.

"Yeah, I can." Peter responded as if it were the most obvious thing in the World.

"How?"

Peter said nothing in response, only putting his knife away.

"Alright." He said with him crossing his arms.

The boys around him gaped in shock.

"Peter! What are you doing?!"

He waved them off. "Don't worry, men, Tink's vouching for them. She says they're not pirates."

Hearing this, the boys all collectively narrowed their eyes at the trio of black cloaked off Worlders .

"They don't seem like pirates."

"Had a feeling they were too weak."

Axel seemed to choke on air for a brief moment. "Hey! I take offense to that!"

"Yeah!" Said Roxas.

Xion gave a firm nod. "We're rather strong, you know!"

"Says the girl."

The ravenette Nobody gave them the blandest look she could muster with a twitch of her eye.

"Excuse me?"

"Girls are weak and frail."

"Dumb too."

Peter arched a brow at them. "But what about Wendy and Tink?"

"...They get a pass."

Getting up from the ground, Axel shook his head in disappointment.

"Boy, if the others heard this, they'd clearly wanna give these boys a well-deserved spanking."

"What?" The boys all said in disbelief. "As if."

What they all failed to notice was the menacing aura that was now starting to radiate off of Xion who slowly approached the blissfully ignorant children.

It was moments later that they realized their blunder as Xion was now standing over them with a sickeningly sweet smile, Keyblade raised overhead.

"It's clear that manners are needed." No. XIV said, enjoying the abject dread the boys now had as she viciously swung down her Keyblade.

Peter swiftly got in front of Xion, blocking her weapon with his knife. "WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! You can't go that far!"

"Oh~~~?" Peter flinched at her face. "Would you~~~ like to take their place?"

"She's scary!" The fox dressed boy exclaimed, trembling behind their leader.

"Yeah well, that's what ya get for sayin' dumb shit like that." Axel said, snorting at their shaking forms.

"Just say you're sorry." Roxas suggested, something the young kids instantly jumped to.

"We're sorry!" They exclaimed, groveling on the ground.

"That's better." Said No. XIV, dismissing her Keyblade and stepping away from Peter.

"Ok, now that that's out of the way, the name's Pan, Peter Pan." The green clothed teen said. "Who are you guys?"

"I'm Roxas." The blonde introduced himself first.

"Xion." She said with a slight bite.

"Axel, memorize it and don't do dumb stuff like that again." The redhead drably stated.

Peter chuckled whilst shaking his head.

"C'mon, let's head back to our home so we can talk." Said the Lost Boy leader, ushering the black coat trio to follow; which they complied on the next leg of their visit to this world.

AN

Yeah, back at it again with this one and been a while.

Been a while for several of our other stories really but hopefully we can regain a level of consistency in the next few chapters to come.

Jebest4781: We kept hitting the usual writers block here and kept putting this off for a while in completing. But now with what's happening recently, we clearly needed to wrap up Wonderland properly and move on so we can progress onto the next leg of this story.

FMW: Yeah, with Wonderland now good and done, we can get to some other plot beats we've been dying to get to. Like one's we outlined way back when when we first concocted this story and at last, we're getting to them. Took us a while cause when we first started this story, we just hit the ground running. We knew exactly what, where, who, when and why for a majority of the opening act of this story. But like Jeb said, writer's block hit and we kept putting the story off despite knowing full well what our vision is. It's just we've been having other work and priorities take up our time.

But huzzah for the Wonderland arcs conclusion.

And onto the next portion of this story.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.