Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I remember being free...

What it felt like to run outside without fear...

What it felt like to have a home...

But I know that can never be...

For I live in a nightmare, for I shall never wake up from...

And in this nightmare, all I see are monsters...

Beneath the dull sky of London 1880, Alice Liddell, the last living Liddell, stood still in a crowded street. Nameless men and women walked past her, not giving her so much as a second thought. They were empty minds drifting in an invisible sea. Alice was the only boat sailing the invisible sea; she had learned to do so not too long ago. It was hard at first, and she didn't know how it happened, but she learned how to navigate the invisible sea and how to pull others out of it.

Alice walked through the street, passing the men and women, with their families strolling beside them, luxuries taken for granted, something that had been taken from her. In another life, she believed things could have been different before the fire, before HIM, however, now she lived in a dark nightmare, and it was her job to set it right. She would soon right the wrongs and avenge others who had not been as fortunate as to slay the demon that had ruined their own lives. 

Alice walked up to a quaint little store, "Mr. Archibald's Houseware and Appliances," read the sign hanging above the store. The store was small, crammed like fish between two other much larger buildings, the store had a freshly painted green door and a large, silky glass window that showed off a variety of porcelain dinnerware. Alice, however, was not interested in a new plate; she was here for something else.

Opening the door, Alice was greeted by a fat, pompous man sitting behind a desk. The man was in his late forties, with at least two chins, short, nearly balding black hair, a large pear-like nose, and the world's smallest pair of glasses. The man was more professionally dressed, wearing a large black suit and bow tie. If the man were any fatter, Alice would wonder if he were a tweedle.

"Hello Miss, how may I help you today?" Said the man with large yellow teeth. "Are you Archibald Jessop?" asked Alice with little emotion to show the stranger before her. "Why yes, my dear, this is my shop, we have the finest porcelain and China this side of London." Said Mr. Archibald as he wiped his sweat-covered forehead. "Is there anything that interests you, miss, perhaps a new set of dinnerware for you and your husband?"

"I'm not married," remarked Alice. "Oh, my sincere apologies, miss, I thought I saw a man with you outside," said Mr. Archibald as he stared over Alice's shoulder and out the window. Alice looked over her shoulder and there was no one there. Facing back to Mr. Archibald, Alice took a few steps closer. "I'm not here for your products, Mr. Archibald, I'm here about something else. Agatha Pendow." Mr. Archibald's face turned white. "How... how... How could you possibly know about that?" asked Mr. Archibald. "You thought it would never come back to you, did it, Mr. Archibald? She was your own niece, six at that, what you did should see you hanged." 

Mr. Archibald stood up from his desk in fear, "How... Only I... it's impossible how do you know this?" yelled Archibald. "Easy, you told me, in your head," replied Alice. Alice walked up to Mr. Archibald. Before his very eyes, Alice's cloths grey garments turned into a blue dress and white apron. An omega necklace appeared on around her neck, and a skull and ribbon wrapped around her waist. "How..." Muttered Archibald. 

Alice smirked as a wooden toy horse appeared in her hand, Alice then jumped up and smashed the horse down on top of Archibald, slamming his head down into the table. Back in reality, Mr. Archibald fell face-first into his desk, completely knocked out. Alice stood there in her grey garments with a satisfied smile on her face. The pervert's mind was no match for hers, with one hit in the Otherland, he was out cold in the real world. Alice didn't know how she formed these abilities to cross into another person's mind, but it did have many benefits that she would use to bring the wicked to justice.

As Alice stood admiring her work she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps coming from inside the shop, Alice walked over to the corner of the shop where she believed the noise had been coming from. From what Alice could see there was nothing out of the ordinary, just a shelf with an assortment of clocks on it. However, as Alice looked down in her horror, she saw an eye peeking out from a hole in the floorboards. "Oh my!" shouted Alice, the eye quickly vanished followed by the sound of footsteps under the floor. 

Alice looked around for a way into the basement, on the floor Alice traced what could be guessed as an outline of some sort of door going from Alice's foot to a red Persian carpet. Alice walked over to the carpet and pulled it up. Alice to her surprise found before her a trap door. Alice bent down and opened the door. Inside was a dark hole with a ladder. Alice grabbed the ladder and slid down into the darkness below. If the Cheshire cat were around he would tell Alice off for her constant need to put herself in unsavory situations. However, if someone were in the building with her, and in such a peculiar spot, they may also know about Mr. Archibald's depraved nature.

Alice entered a dark room. Inside of the room were piles of junk, from clocks to music boxes, and a variety of other trinkets. In the darkest corner of the room was a small skeletal girl. The girl was wearing rags, and was covered in dirt, and her posture had her curled up in a ball. Alice, seeing the sight of the poor girl rushed over to help her. "What are you doing down here?" asked Alice, horrified for the young girl. The girl didn't respond. The silence bothered Alice; she hated to think what unspeakable acts had happened down here. "Did he hurt you?" asked Alice. The girl again didn't respond. 

Fearing the worst, Alice thought up a different approach. Before the girl's eyes, Alice formed her blue dress. This seemed to irk a reaction from the girl as her head perked up in shock. Alice leaned in close to the girl and patted her on the head.

A vast meadow formed around Alice, an ocean of bright flowers shot in every direction. Vibrant red, yellow, blue, and green made a large spiral flower bed all meeting up to where Alice was standing. The sky above Alice was a light blue, with a large yellow sun in the sky, though this sun had a face. Two large eyes and a friendly but unnerving smile. 

Alice looked at her surroundings. The girl, Otherland, was quite interesting to Alice; its bright vibrance caused Alice to shield her eyes.

Alice tried to walk in the girl's Otherland, but found walking to be quite difficult for some unknown reason. Before Alice appeared, the girl in a cloud of gold dust. In her Otherland, she was more properly dressed, not covered in rags. The girl in her hand had a freshly made watch that she rubbed her finger on. "Who are you, why do you come here, who do you think you are waltzing in where you do not belong?" said the girl. "Well, I did not know I needed an invitation?" commented Alice. The girl scowled at Alice. "That's because it doesn't need to be said, you don't belong in my head. Mind your own business, lady."

There was a tense annoyance coming from the young girl, though it wasn't not Alice's intention to bother her. "Well, it is my business to stop whatever the fiend Archibald was doing. If it impedes your business, then it has to be imposed upon." 

There was silence for a brief moment between the two, the girl looked as if she was going to say something, but stopped, it wasn't until half a minute went by before she spoke again. "You killed him didn't you?" asked the girl. "No, I didn't, he's still very much alive. Honestly, I was going to wipe his mind and have him sent to an Asylum. A fitting punishment for such a man." Alice tried to avoid killing, and while she had no problem in Wonderland, and even in the real world she had taken a life, she still held some restraint. She killed Dr. Bumby by pushing him onto a train, he was a disgusting monster who had to pay for his crimes, he was going to get away and she acted in the moment. It was before she truly understood what powers she possessed. She still doesn't wish to resort to murder, with these abilities she has now, she could bring justice to those who would never receive it. Death is too good for some; they need to suffer, a brainwipe or a mental beating is what has befallen those whom Alice has searched for. Yet not since Alice killed Bumby has she taken a life since, it would be so easy to do so, but she feared where it would take her, there is a part of her calling for blood, and Alice fears once she starts killing it will never end.

"What are you?" asked the girl, "I'm just someone who is here to help," replied Alice. The girl didn't respond right away, she didn't really know what to think about it, it wasn't every day someone else entered your mind. "My name is Annie." finally replied the girl. "Annie, that's a lovely name, my name is Alice," 

The girl uncurled herself from a ball and stood up to greet Alice. "Now that you are paying attention, why does Archibald have you down here?" asked Alice. "I'm working over his trinkets. Almost every item in this shop is stolen. He has a thief who every three nights steals valuable or invaluable items from wealthy homes every three nights and brings them back here. He then has me polish them to be sold and none are the wiser. Old watches, lockets, and music boxes, air looms that people pay fortunes for."

Alice stood surprised, that wasn't what she was expecting, she was here because of what Mr. Archibald did to his niece, and it turns out now he was running some sort of fiendish con. "Did, he do anything unpleasant to you?" asked Alice. "He would beat me senseless if he believed I hadn't done a good job; beatings were all he gave me." What a vile man, beating a poor girl, she was practically a slave. Alice thought. However, she at least wasn't harmed in another way.

"If you don't mind, I will head back upstairs and wipe that monster's memory clean, and he'll be in a Rutledge padded cell by the end of the month." But to Alice's surprise, Annie shook her head. "I had a better idea, Archibald made a ledger with all the items he had stolen from very powerful people, some that would have him put away for a long time if they found out. He keeps a ledger in his suit pocket, with the ledger and some items left down here, he can be taken away for a while. All you need to do is get the ledger and call the constable."

Alice stopped and wondered; she had never actually had someone be taken away before. Most didn't leave enough evidence to prosecute or knew the right number of people to free them, but here was a rare opportunity to take someone away. "Hmm, very well, I'll go get the ledger."

Alice made her way back to the ladder and climbed out of Archibald's basement. Back in the store, Mr. Archibald was still passed out cold. It seemed he wouldn't be going anywhere anytime in the near future. Alice walked over to the unconscious man and reached into his left jacket pocket, and just as Annie said, there was a small slick black ledger. Alice took the book and opened up the first page. Inside was a series of names next to items. Looking it over it seemed to tell what item belonged to who and who bought it after it was sold. The book contained the addresses of both the buyer and the victim. It appeared Archibald was planning to have someone steal back the items so he could resell them again.

The book was damnable evidence; however, there was one page that caught Alice's eye. "Taken Arthur Liddell - Gold Oxford Pocket watch, Sold Doctor Edger Willow." It was her father, Archibald apparently had stolen something from her family. Something erupted in Alice's chest, something she couldn't explain, an emotion she couldn't describe. Something of her family was still out there, and not taken by Radcliffe. 

Alice had many questions to ask Archibald when he woke up, starting with who this Dr. Willow was. Unfortunately, she couldn't ask him now; he was out cold, and she couldn't enter someone's Otherland when they were unconscious. Alice sighed, she would have to ask him when the police take him away.

Alice walked out of the door to find a nearby officer, as she exited the store, she was hit dead on by another pedestrian. A man, who was a good height taller than Alice, stumbled before catching himself. He looked at Alice with an annoyed expression. "Look where you are going," snarled the man. Alice dusted herself off and looked at the man with equal annoyance. "I say likewise." The man looked extremely tired; he had large bags under his eyes, his blonde hair was unkept, and he had a light, unshaven beard. He also stunk of cigars so bad in fact, Alice thought she would half to plug her nose.

The man grunted and walked off muttering to himself. Alice snorted in disgust she considered altering his head to make him have a better mood. It was people like that which made Alice dislike London. There were always rude and unpleasant people in the city.

Alice ran across the street and past a corner until she met a local policeman. The officer was strolling along the sidewalk, whistling to himself, when Alice got his attention.

"Oh, Alice Liddell, chiefs told us about you, says you're an alright nut, but bonkers, but a decent girl. If you have a medical problem, I can escort you to Dr. Wilson in Rutledge," explained the officer, "Nice to know, but I needed to report something very peculiar".

The police officer nodded, "Alright then, let's have it. No offense by this, but if it sounds too outlandish, I have to take you to see Dr. Wilson," said the officer with a mucus-filled snort. "I see, well, I just wanted to tell you-" Alice stopped and opened the ledger to a random page. "I believe I found a missing China music box owned by one Mildred Cotton."

The officer scratched his head, trying to figure out what Alice was talking about "I believe I heard of that, vaguely recall seeing on the list of items that have been reported stolen." Alice nodded, "Yes, I do believe I have found it, and a few other interesting items."

The police officer looked through the black ledger, and he scrolled through each page for at least half a minute. He chuckled to himself before closing the ledger. "Well, I'll be, half of this list has been reported stolen. Some years back, I guess now we know where it has been." The Officer handed the ledger to Alice.

"I guess I owe you an apology, good job, Miss Liddell, I doubt we would have found this bastard anytime soon, or even at all." A smile formed on Alice's face, and finally, some recognition. "I am happy to help, officer." The Officer gave Alice a pat on the shoulder before turning to the unconscious Archibald. "Now for this sorry cod."

The officer walked over to Archibald and lifted him up out of his chair. Archibald's eyes slid open like a reptile as he began to yell. "What is going on? Get your hands off me!" shouted Archibald. "I think not, I have read your ledger sir, and met the little moppet you keep in the cellar, we have some questions for you." Archibald squirmed like a worm, which Alice found impressive considering his size. Mr. Archibald's gaze reached Alice, causing him to yell murder. "Arrest her, officer, she is a friend, she attacked me with that toy horse of hers!"

Alice stood still, acting totally innocent and pretending she had no clue what Archibald was talking about. "Toy horse, what rubbish are you spewing, sir?" said Alice, "Lies, you're a demon, I swear sir, she had this wooden horse toy, she knocked me out with it, she has set me up," cried Archibald. "Quiet you, I'd save your breath for when we start question'n you," said the officer as he dragged Archibald out of the store. Alice stood there watching it all with a large smile on her face. Justice had been served.

He moved silently in the night, though his unmistakable red uniform would be an eye-catcher for anyone who saw him, though fortunately, stealth wasn't his concern; they were supposed to see him coming. All they would ever see would be his mask, a black sack with white paint in the form of a smiling skull, with a white helmet on top. They called him the slasher, Mr. Death, and other ghost story-esque names, but he himself did not have one; he was just a soldier.

At the end of a long alley, was a wooden door, it was unmarked and had no outer handle. He made his way to the door and gave a hard pound against it with his fist. Footsteps were heard from the other side as a small eyehole opened on the top of the door. "Who is it?" asked a deep, drunken voice. The soldier didn't respond; he just pulled out his hand cannon and fired through the door. A loud thud sound was heard from the other side, and the soldier then kicked in the door.

The inside of the building was dark and decrepit; there were only four candles lighting the entire area, with the only other noticeable sight being a rotting staircase in the corner. In a previous time, the building may have been someone's house, now it was a gang pit. Facing him now were two men sitting at a table playing poker. The two men were huge, thuggish brutes; one had a machete while the other had a bat. The two men immediately stood up from their little game and ran at the soldier.

The soldier stood still and waited for his opponents to reach him. The first brute tried to swing down a machete onto his head, but the soldier was faster; he pulled out a dagger and thrust it into the thug's neck, carving out a large chunk of his throat. The thug fell to the ground, trying to hold in his blood as it poured out like a river.

The second thug ran up, trying to hit the soldier across the head with a bat. However, instead, he found his weapon caught mid-swing and was greeted with a blade going up through his chin and out the top of his head. The thug fell to the floor, lifeless. 

Suddenly from rushing down a set of stairs came a thin man with a lead pipe. "What the hell is going on down here?" he didn't even make it to the bottom of the stairs when a chunk of his head exploded. The soldier holstered his hand cannon as he made his way to the stairs.

Walking past the corpses, he headed up the rotting stairs, not even bothered by the decimated bodies, nor did he give them a glance. Reaching the top, he entered a room with dimly lit candles. There he found a rugged man standing behind a table. He was a thug like the others; he had a top hat and a handlebar mustache. Those were the only stand-off features about him. "Who the fuck are you? Do you know who owns this place?" said the man. The soldier just stood silently. "The fuck are you some sort of masked vigilante? I'm not scared of you, red baffoon. If you are here for the morphine, it's already gone." The soldier still didn't respond; he just stared at the man. The man started to show nervousness. "Come on, say something, you nut!" yelled the man as he pulled out a pistol.

The Soldier rushed towards the man, but before he reached him, he was hit in the chest by a bullet, causing him to stop in his tracks. However, the bullet didn't pierce him; it just fell from his body. The chainmail under his uniform proved to be more resilient. "What... what are you!" shouted the thug. The soldier didn't respond; he just grabbed the man's hand and slammed him into the nearby table. The thug yelled in pain, he was bleeding, and his arm looked bent in a direction it shouldn't be. He tried to stand up but just fell face down to the floor.

The Soldier stood over him and proceeded to stomp the thug's head in with his boot. Crunch! That was the sound the first stomp made, but it wasn't enough. 

It only took two stomps until the thug's skull caved in. Once he was dead, the soldier turned around and walked away, his task now complete.

Chapter Text

Alice sat on the bench at the cricket court on the sunny afternoon, she wasn't a fan of cricket but she wasn't here for the sport, but for one Regionald Hartgrave. He was the only reason she would ever set foot anywhere near a cricket field. And to be quite honest she didn't even like to watch him play it, but she did like to see him smile.

Alice was by no means a romantic, in fact, she disliked romance at all and the idea of public displays of affection. After all, lust killed her family, and she did not want to work for lust like her nanny. However Reggie was different, it wasn't really what Alice would call romance. Reggie was all around someone she liked to talk to, he was the only one who seemed to listen. Alice liked to compare Reggie to the Cat, he was a good person to talk to and a good friend, (well really her only human friend), though Reggie had far less of an attitude. 

Of course, he was a bit of a dope. His parents died when he was very young. He was very sheltered, but he was adorable in his own naivety. Alice guessed that was why she liked him.

Alice found Reggie not too long ago, during her work at the London Royal Opera House, he seemed to know someone that allowed him to have a backstage tour. She recalled him almost getting hit in the head when a sandbag came loose, she luckily pulled him away just before it hit him. He was so thankful he invited her to tea and dinner, seeing that a pleasant meal hadn't been available to Alice she accepted. They chatted a bit and ate fish, it was a better experience than she anticipated, the most surprising moment was when he DIDN'T make a move on her. She had expected him to make a move for her undergarments but he did not. She entered his head, to see if there were any signs of foul play or wicked intent, but what she found instead was an Otherland based around cricket, Reggie loved cricket, if he obsessed over her as much as he obsessed over the sport she would have been worried, but he did not. 

He invited her to watch him practice, with few other activities she had to do she accepted, but quickly found herself being nearly bored to death. If it weren't for him she would not go, he was the only Earthly reason she would ever sit through a cricket practice match. Funny enough Reggie was not even that good. 

Reggie noticed Alice sitting in the stands, seeing her he smiled and waved at her, and Alice gave a light wave back. Reggie was a handsome man, well what Alice considered handsome in a plutonic sense. He had smooth blonde hair, that moved down. His eyes were a really light blue. He was also cleanly shaven, which was good, Alice had a discomfort of beard. His cheeks were both strong but held a rosy pink tint.

Reggie ran over to meet Alice. "Well well, If it isn't Alice Liddell, to what do I owe the pleasure of you making an appearance?" asked Reggie rhetorically. "Well It wasn't for the sport," remarked Alice as she crossed her arms. "Ah I understand you want tea don't you, I dare say you have an addiction to it." joked Reggie. "Of course because you have never had real tea. Now would you mind helping me quench my addiction?" replied Alice with a light smile. "I'd be happy too Miss Liddell," said Reggie.

Francis entered the doctor's office, its white walls seemed to take away all color around him. He walked over and took a seat on the shrink's bed. "Good evening Francis, how are you?" said his doctor. His shrink was a well-dressed man, whose paradoxical face caused Francis to wonder if he was older or younger than he was. The doctor a man named Dr. Willow, had blond hair, and two sharp spectacles, that was the most discernable features about him.

"I don't feel good doctor, I am still having nightmares." He could still see the blood, every time he would close his eyes he would see blood. "Are there any variations to them?" asked Dr. Willow. "They feel more intense, like I'm back at that damn hill in Africa." Francis could still see them the damned French, and the poor Ashanti, what he did, they just kept coming. He still could see the eyes of the young boy as he was stabbed by his bayonet. "I can't get them out of my head, I want the nightmares to stop, I want to sleep again," said Francis as he placed his palms on his eyes. "I see, and how frequent are these nightmares since we started your treatment?" asked Dr. Willow. "They are less frequent, but when they come they are stronger than ever." 

Dr. Willow seemed to be the only one able to help him, he seemed to understand Francis' pain. "I understand now, I believe we are on the right track, I believe we need to increase your treatment. Soon enough you will forget. Do you wish to begin Francis?" asked Dr. Willow. Francis nodded, he wanted it all to go away.

"Good, then let us begin." Dr. Willow stood up and walked over to a gramophone, he placed the needle down, causing an angelic symphony to play Mozart’s Mass in C Minor. Dr. Willow walked back to his chair and sat down, he looked at Francis and pulled out a gold pocket watch. Dr. Willow began to swing it from side to side. "Now Francis watch closely, It's time for all your troubles to slip away."

There was a loud knock at the door, Alice found it quite odd as it was rather late in the day, and she wondered who it could be. She went to open the door and was greeted by a familiar face. "Dr. Wilson, why hello, what are you doing here?" asked Alice at the sight of one of the very few people she could call a friend. "Evening Alice I hope you are doing well, I thought I would stop by and have a chat. Do you mind if I come in?" asked Dr. Wilson. Alice found it odd that Dr. Wilson had come to stop by, sure he was a nice man, but they weren't the type of friends who would swap war stories. 

"Uh, well alright," said Alice as she opened up the door to her small room. Dr. Wilson entered and gazed around the room. "I say Alice this room is no larger than your room in Rutledge." Dr. Wilson was not wrong, Alice's apartment could have been a prison cell if the door had been replaced with a metal one. Of course, Alice didn't live there by choice, it was what she could get with her salary. "Well call me nostalgic," responded Alice. "Of course, well I hope you are doing well, I heard it was you who helped the police find that Archibald fellow." Alice nodded, "Yes, I was there at the perfect time. The fiend won't harm anyone anymore." Dr. Wilson seemed to nod in agreement. "I'm proud of you Alice, I believe now people will remember you for this instead of being my patient." Alice hadn't considered that, but Dr. Wilson had a point, English society was entirely molded around reputation, and the Liddell name had been lacking since the fire. Perhaps this act of heroism would restore some honor to the Liddell name.

"The reason I have come here Alice is that I wish to see how you are handling your mental faculties," said Dr. Wilson with a look of concern. "I do not wish to be rude, but I have just come to see how you are handling recent events." Alice appreciated Dr. Wilson's concern not many people cared about her well-being, but she felt his worries were misplaced. For a few years now she had been free of a psychotic relapse, ever since the dollmaker's death had Alice felt like she once again had control of her own mind. "Thank you for the concern doctor but I feel fine. I believe the abyss we both fear is far behind us now." Dr. Wilson gave out a light sigh of relief. "That is good to hear, but how are you feeling about Dr. Bumby's suicide?" Of course, Alice thought, Dr. Bumby's "suicide" No one ever knew what really happened to him, how she pushed him in front of that train. Fortunately for Alice, London believed it was a suicide, the idea of foul play wasn't even considered, and if it was, Alice was not even a suspect. Unfortunately, the depth of Bumby's degeneracy and depravity would never be known, all of his crimes died with him.

"Oh that, I hardly even think about it. I try to forget. It's what he would have wanted." Alice felt sick to her stomach pretending to shed a tear for that vile monster, but it was the necessary charade she had to play. "Well that, is of good comfort to know Alice. I wish you the best of luck then." Dr. Wilson turned and headed for the door. "Wait," said Alice, Dr. Wilson stopped and turned to face his former patient. "Doctor, I was wondering do you know a Dr. Edger Willow by any chance?"

When Alice asked her question to Dr. Wilson, he formed an immediate annoyed expression, this was the first time Alice had ever seen him with any hint of displeasure. Dr. Wilson's face had always held either a smile or a neutral expression. "I do know the man, but trust me Alice he isn't worth your time. I suggest avoiding him if you do not want your mood to sour." Alice was now even more curious about who this man was if his name could make even Dr. Wilson upset. "Why has his name upset you, who is he, doctor?" asked Alice. "He's a psychiatrist, though I dare call him more of a charlatan than a doctor. He is not a bad doctor, but he would fit better leading a circus. Talking with the man is a different challenge, he is quite opinionated, and he will let you know what he thinks of you whether you want it or not." Alice was quite shocked at what Dr. Wilson was saying, "A circus, now that is quite a claim." responded Alice. "If you ever meet him you will understand. But for your sake, I hope you don't."

It seemed Alice had received her answer, now she would need to find this Dr. Willow, perhaps he could be persuaded to give her back her father's watch. "Well I will keep that in mind, thank you doctor." Dr. Wilson nodded, "I'm sorry for my ranting, I just never liked the man. Well, I must go now, I must return to Rutledge. I wish you well Alice." Dr. Wilson extended out his hand, and Alice reached out hers and shook it. "Thank you, doctor."

He watched from the rooftops as the degenerate left his carriage, and entered the brothel. He watched as his thugs followed behind him, there were four of them, large, brutish, and definitely armed. From where he stood, he could see multiple whores follow the company inside. After the door closed, he jumped down and landed on the ground. He looked up at his target and began to move towards it. The words "The Mourning Mermaid" were written above the establishment, other words read "Property of Nanny Sharpe, grifters will be removed." and "now reopened." The name meant nothing to him, nor did the brothel. He wasn't here for anything but his targets, he had a mission and he would complete it no matter who got in his way.

Of course, it was a dangerous idea to go through the front, he would be met with more resistance, and his targets could easily get away. So without stopping he walked past the brothel and made his way to the back. In the back, there was a guard with a hunting rifle and a key. The moment the bouncer laid eyes on him he didn't hesitate and pointed the rifle at him. "You get along freak or I'll drop ya. Take off the mask and get out now!" 

The Soldier pulled out his blade and threw it into the man's head killing him instantly. He walked over to the corpse of the bouncer and pulled his blade from the dead man's skull. He took the key from the dead man's pocket and unlocked the back door. Opening up he was hit with a wave of disgusting odors, he made an annoyed grunt and entered the brothel. He walked up a nearby pair of stairs. On the top floor, there was a series of doors with moaning and yelling from behind. He scanned the nearby doors to see which one held his target. 

He spotted a promising answer as he saw one of the thugs talking to a prostitute outside a door. He began to walk up to them. The two were having a conversation that he cared so little for he couldn't even hear it. It was only until he got closer that the prostitute noticed him, she gasped causing the thug to look over. "You need something freak?" yelled the thug. The Soldier didn't respond he just continued to walk up, "I'm talking to you ass-" The thug was silenced when the Soldier jammed a blade through the side of his head. The thug fell over dead, the sight of what just happened made the prostitute scream. He grabbed her mouth and slammed her head against the wall. She just fell to the floor motionless. 

He turned to face the door, and kicked it in. Inside there was an unpleasant sight. His target, was a posh man in his late forties, with a small brown mustache, and a brown combover. He wore a green suit or well was wearing one as his clothes lay down on the floor. He was surrounded by two whores, both sat next to him topless, their exposed breasts laid against his face as he laughed up a storm. It took them only mere seconds to see HIM standing there. The two whores screamed and rushed to the corner of the room. The man didn't seem to worry, he just took a puff from a cigar and smiled at the Soldier as he approached. "I assume you're here to kill me, you aren't the first, expected you to wear blue. But I have an offer for you." the man took out a wad of money, enough to possibly buy the brothel. "Take this son and go kill the bastard who sent you, and I'll double it." said the man with a smile.

The Soldier stood still and looked at the wad of money, he proceeded to take his blade and cut off the man's hand. Blood sprayed everywhere as the man screamed so loud that it was possible all of London could hear it. The Soldier grabbed the man by the neck and dragged him over to a nearby window. With little effort, he proceeded to throw the man out the window. He screamed all the way out the window until he hit the ground with a thud. The Soldier looked out the window to see the condition of his target, he was greeted with a still body with a pool of blood around him. His mission was finished.

He turned to exit the room where he was met with a small crowd of people, all of them had weapons in their hands, from knives to broken bottles, to clubs. They ran up after they heard the screaming. The leader of the crowd was a large woman in a pink dress who held a shotgun in her hand. The crowd came to a halt when they saw him. They all gave an expression of both shock and terror. "Who the hell are you, what did you do to my girls?" yelled the woman. He didn't answer he just stared at the fearful crowd. He studied them but took little interest in them, he wasn't there for them. He turned around and began to run before jumping out the window.

Chapter Text

Francis entered the cigar shop ten minutes past noon. He was greeted by the clerk, a large man with brown hair and a mustache. "Good day, sir. Hope the day has been kind to you, we have just received a shipment of cigars from Italy, if you are interested. Or are you interested in cigs and pipe tobacco?" asked the clerk. Francis shook his head, "Just a box of the Scotsman's yard." The clerk nodded, turned, and headed into a backroom.

Francis stood still, tapping his finger on the counter. He worried that he would be late for his appointment with Dr. Willow. However, as much as Willow helped him, he wasn't as necessary as a good smoke, mental health be damned. As Francis waited, he noticed a newspaper sitting on the counter next to him. he picked up the newspaper and skimmed through it. The headline caught Francis's attention, Abby gang members murdered in brothel, suspected killer at large! The artist's rendition of a masked man shooting a thug was plastered on the front page. Francis's nose began to bleed, and a drop of blood landed in the newspaper. 

Francis put the newspaper down and covered his nose. The clerk soon returned with a box of cigars, and he placed them down next to Francis. "Saw ya reading the news, I did, scary thing isn't it? Some masked killer on the prowl, luckily it seems the fiend is only interested in gangsters," said the clerk. Frances nodded. "It appears so," said Francis softly.

"I tell you, friend, what is the point of Scotland Yard besides wasting our tax money? We have killers in the streets and thugs down every alley, and where are those no-good blue shirts? Banging prostitutes is what, and the chief has the nerve to say everything is fine. Feckin bastards!" The shopkeeper sighed, "My apologies, friend, I did not mean to give you an earful of my anger."

Francis reached for his pocket and pulled out his wallet. The clerk raised his hand to stop him. "No need, sir, I recognize, yee, Francis Grimm, the war hero. My son was in your battalion. It's on the house."

Francis looked a bit surprised, but he couldn't refuse a free gift, even if it was for the blood on his hands. "Thank you," said Francis as he took the box of cigars. Francis turned and left the store, making sure to hurry to Dr. Willow's clinic.

Dr. Willows's office was far different from Dr. Bumby's; Willows's building appeared to be more proper, and above the entrance stood the words White Rose Society. Alice felt almost intimidated by the building; it didn't help seeing a large line going out the door. From what Alice could see, it appeared everyone in London had an appointment with the doctor.

Alice walked up and entered the building. The inside was crowded, and many people were either sitting or standing as they waited for their turn. At the end of the room was a receptionist typing on a typewriter. Alice walked towards the receptionist. As she walked, she noticed two massive doors. Alice stopped and let her curiosity get the better of her, and walked over to the doors. Alice peeked into the first door and found a pitch-black room with ten men and women sitting in a circle, completely still. It was only when the light from the hallway pierced in that all ten men and women, in unison, turned to face Alice. She quickly shut the door and walked over to the next one. Inside the second door, there was a row of twenty people sitting before a projector, showing images of dead animals and an eyeball; this was all while God Save the Queen played on a gramophone. Alice shut the door and slowly took a step back. "This place is more mad than Rutledge," said Alice to herself.

Alice turned back and walked towards the receptionist again. Alice rang a little bell on the desk, causing the receptionist, a skeletal middle-aged woman, to look up. "How may we help you?" said the receptionist in a soft, cold voice. "I am here to see Dr. Willow. I believe he may have something of mine." The receptionist looked down and typed something on her typewriter. "Name?" asked the receptionist. "Alice Liddell," The receptionist looked down and typed out something. "Yes, Dr. Wilson notified us you were coming. Take a seat. Dr. Willow will see you shortly.

Alice was directed to stand next to the door to Dr. Willow's office. Alice walked over and stood still. She looked to her right to see a dazed man sitting next to her. His mouth opened as his eyes stared straight ahead. "Are you alright?" asked Alice. The man didn't turn and face Alice; he only kept staring forward. However, he did respond. "The doctor is kind, he heals us up good." Alice felt unnerved by everything around her. It was as if everyone around Alice was lobotomized, which would be an insult to those lobotomized at Rutledge, for at least they were more there mentally than Alice's current party.

After a short while, the door next to Alice opened, and a patient walked out. The patient, a rough man in his early forties, looked familiar to Alice; she could have sworn she had seen his face before. If nothing else, he smelled familiar; he smelled like cigars or a particular brand of cigars, which also escaped Alice's memory at the moment. Alice tried to place in her head where she saw the man, but her thoughts were interrupted when the receptionist called out her name. "Alice Liddell, Dr. Willow will see you now."

Alice began to mentally prepare herself to meet with Dr. Willow. She needed to be calm and collected; she couldn't make a scene in this place. Alice imagined how the scenario would go down, and she tried to mentally guess what Dr. Willow would say.

Alice took a deep breath and walked into Dr. Willow's office. Inside, she was hit with the intense brightness of a white and blue colored room. The coloring hurt Alice's eyes, causing her to try and cover them while her eyes adjusted. "I see my décor has caught your eye, it's rococo if you are wondering," said a voice off where Alice could not see. Alice blinked her eyes as her pupils adjusted. Alice jumped a bit when she saw a man standing right before her.

The man was tall and blonde, with silver glasses and a black suit. The man whom Alice presumed to be Dr. Willow formed a wide smile that unnerved Alice. "I'm Dr. Willow, it's so nice for you to stop by Miss Liddell." Alice felt her train of thought dissipate as she looked at the doctor. "Tell me, Miss Liddel,l would you care for some tea?" asked Dr. Willow as he gestured towards his tea set. A gorgeous bone China tea set was laid before Alice. Alice felt her mouth hang open a little at the sight of such a beautiful tea set. Alice felt her throat dry as her love of tea boiled up. "I would love some tea doctor." proclaimed Alice. Dr. Willow proceeded then to pour Alice and himself two cups of tea, with one sugar and no honey just the way Alice liked it. 

Alice raised up the teacup and brought it to her lips. Alice took a light sip and felt the boiling liquid singed her mouth. Alice jolted a bit, before blowing cool air upon the tea. Alice took another sip, it was delicious. A smile formed upon Alice's face as she drank the tea. "I'm glad you like it, it is a special blend from Tibet." Alice took another sip as the edges of her mouth moved outward in the form of a smile. "You are just like your father, always loved tea he did. Positively loved it," commented Dr. Willow as he watched Alice drink. 

Alice's head popped up, "You were familiar with my father?" Dr. Willow laughed a bit as if he was recalling an old memory, "I did, I graduated from Oxford after all. Yes, I knew your father, nice dean, nicer man." 

"What about Angus Bumby?" asked Alice as she scanned Dr. Willow for a reaction to the name. Dr. Willow however didn't even show a hint of emotion when hearing the man's name. "If you wish to ask me if I knew he was suicidal, no... but then again I never really knew him at all." No one did thought Alice. "But you were close Alice, do you know?" asked Dr. Willow with a hard stare. Alice pulled out her crocodile tears once again, "No, one does not notice the suicidal signs of their own psychiatrist." Though Alice found it unfortunate she didn't notice his cruel nature sooner. 

"Now that refreshments have been served what is the matter, dear Alice, how may I help you today?" asked Willow. Alice paused for a second before her thoughts returned to her. "Well doctor, I believe you have something of mine, a pocket watch. The man who sold it to you, had stolen it from my father, I wish to have it back." proclaimed Alice. 

Dr. Willow smiled and pulled out a little golden pocket watch. He wrapped his fingers around the watch as he looked dead at Alice. "I believe you are referring to Mr. Archibald. I recall paying good money to that man. Shame about your father's loss of it, and for your father too. However it is mine, I paid for it, and it is not for sale." 

Alice put down her tea in protest, "Doctor it is my father's, it belongs to the Liddell family." said Alice with authority and anger in her voice. It was outrageous, it belonged to her. "I think not, your father is dead God rest his soul, and his claim to it went with him. It is mine Miss Liddell."

Alice stood up in rage. She pointed towards the watch in Dr. Willow's hand, "Listen here, scoundrel it belongs to my family, it was never meant to be sold!" shouted Alice. Dr. Willow chuckled slightly, "You mean this watch? My dear girl THIS watch was a birthday present. Your Father's watch is over in the corner." Dr. Willow pointed to a singed golden watch placed in a glass diorama laid on a wooden shelf next to two candles. 

Alice froze as it felt as if her world just came crashing down, she was at a loss for words. "It appears you don't even know what you want. You don't even know what your father's own watch looks like." Alice struggled to put a sentence together as she felt embarrassment and shock consume her. "I... I... uh..." muttered Alice. "I believe it is better left with me, Miss Liddell. Now if you don't mind, I have other patients." Dr. Willow stood up and began escorting Alice out of his office. Alice's eyes stood still looking at the burned watch, its golden exterior burned by the fire, its face frozen still on the hour of the fire. Alice recognized the time as the hour her life was ruined.

Alice jerked away from Willow. "But the watch, it burned. The time is frozen... why do you need a burnt clock?" asked Alice in a fury, her words were jumbled and confusing as she wanted to both yell at Willow and explain why the clock was hers. "That is my business Miss Liddell, now leave before I have you removed through less polite ways," said Dr. Willow as he stood between Alice and her line of sight with the clock. "How much then!" shouted Alice immaturely, she hadn't known what had gotten into her, she probably didn't even have the money to buy it back from Willow. "Unfortunately, it is not for sale, the price burned with it," remarked Dr. Willow

Alice felt rage build up inside her, she tried to talk but kept stumbling over her own words, all while Dr. Willow was trying to escort her out. Eventually, Alice snapped, "You miscreant, damn you, the watch is not yours!" Alice was going to jump into Willow's mind and make him give her the watch. But before she jumped into Willow's Otherland. Alice felt something heavy cling to her back. A large smile appeared beside Alice's head. "Now Alice, let us not spoil the party. A poor loser is hardly the best image one should seek." The Cheshire Cat's body appeared beside Alice, the Hairless Feline grinned like he always did. "Let us leave Alice, our presence is not wanted here." purred the Cat as he disappeared. 

Alice's lips tried to form a retort but her nose began to bleed instead. "I see you may need to go Alice, I wish not for blood to stain my walls." Dr. Willow then took a handkerchief and wiped the blood from Alice's nose. Alice was about to erupt in an ear-bleeding rant but was cut short by Willow blowing a whistle. 

Suddenly a burly man entered the room, his eyes were dull and sunken, and his expression was just as brainless as everyone else outside. "Please escort Miss Liddell out of the building, I have no time for her whining," said Willow.

"Whining? You pompous, bast-" A hand came over Alice's mouth as she was picked up and carried out of Dr. Willow's office. 

"I must send my apologies to Dr. Wilson, that Dr. Willow is not a man I wish to make acquaintances with for a long time. Has there ever been one such as detestable then he," said Alice aloud as she stormed down the street seething in rage. The nerve of Dr. Willow had caused annoyance in Alice to rival Radcliffe. If Alice had no self-control, she would have taken back her father's pocket watch by force. 

"I believe I one said red doesn't suit you, your face could certainly use less red." said the Cheshire Cat as he appeared beside Alice walking along with her. "You, you weren't much help, why did you hold me back?" said Alice angrily, "Because I do not wish to see you end up in a cell." Alice rolled her eyes, "I recall you saying an insult should never go unchallenged, Willow has insulted me and my family, why should I not challenge him?" remarked Alice as she stormed down the street each step making a loud thump. "His possession of your father's watch is backed by coin, thus making it his, your family's history with it is void." Alice snorted in annoyance, "So you are saying, I can't have what belongs to my family?" The Cheshire Cat, made a light purring sound that almost resembled a laugh. "Intuition Alice is what you need, playing the brute doesn't suit you. Perhaps find a way to make Willow's claim to the watch void, then claim what is yours." 

Alice questioned what the Cat meant, she pondered it over before it clicked. "The watch was stolen, if I find the one who stole it and make him confess, I can possibly have my father's watch back," said Alice aloud. "Purr-cisely," said the Cat before he disappeared.

Alice continued to stroll about across the street, this time with considerably less anger, as she walked she noticed a familiar face, it was her nanny, Nan Sharpe. She was wearing a large red overcoat and hat, Alice didn't recognize her at first. From what Alice could see, she was putting up a poster on the wall. Alice guessed it was an advertisement for her new brothel. Alice walked over to greet her former nanny, Alice walked up and tapped Nan Sharpe on the back. Her Nanny jumped a bit before turning around with distress, however, once she saw it was Alice she quickly calmed herself. "Oh Alice Liddell, it's just you. Didn't I teach you not to sneak up on people girl?" Alice shook her head, " I don't believe you did, however, I'm sorry for scaring you. What have you so spooked?" asked Alice. Nan Sharpe sighed, she pointed to the poster she had put up.

The poster was not an advertisement as Alice suspected but in fact a wanted poster. The poster showed a fiend in a mask, the suspect looked sinister with a sack over his head and a helmet. His mask was unnerving with its skull-looking paint, and the two slots for his demonic eyes. "This bastard is what has me bothered Alice. He broke into my brothel, killed my security, killed two of my patrons, injured one of my girls, then jumped out the window into the night," explained Nan Sharpe. 

The poster brought a feeling of displeasure to Alice, she felt like it was watching her. Of course, with London, anyone could be a killer, let alone this killer in particular. "Who is he?" asked Alice as she tried to look away from the poster. "That's what I want to find out. Damned police can't do shit, searched all over where he escaped too, but came up with nothing. When I find out who the bastard is I'm a hang'em outside my business to warn off any more loons in masks."  

"Well I hope he is caught soon then," remarked Alice. "Indeed, this city is damned enough without some bloody demon prowling the night. That's why I'm placing a bounty on his head, £ 100 for the bastard's head, and a free night with any one of my girls." Alice stood in shock, "Nan, really that much for this man?" asked Alice. "Of course dear, I've had enough of these bastards thinking they can barge into my business and make hell. He's gonna regret the day he came crawling out of his mother," said Nan Sharpe as she spat on the ground.

Alice nodded as she slowly started to walk away, "Well then, I shall leave you to it." Nan Sharpe nodded and waved, "Be good now Alice, stay out of trouble." Nan Sharpe returned to plastering up more wanted posters, as Alice walked away she pitied the masked killer, whoever he was he had messed with the wrong person. Alice had learned from experience what Nan Sharpe is capable of when she is angry, and that was just when she was her normal nanny, but as a pimp, this killer would be better off turning himself in.

As Alice walked away she noticed a man watching her, it was the same burly man that she sat next to at Dr. Willow's office. The man once he noticed Alice saw him began to run. Alice gave chase after him wanting to know what he thought he was doing watching her. The man ran a corner and Alice followed soon after, for a man of his size and lucidity he could run pretty fast to Alice's amazement. 

"Stop you fiend!" shouted Alice as she tried to catch up. The man didn't respond he just kept running, the man was a good distance away from Alice, and was actually gaining distance. Alice wondered if he was a cheetah in a past life or some other fast animal.

Alice was almost out of breath when the man turned another corner. Alice followed right behind and was met with a big meaty fist to her torso. Alice hit the ground with a thud, all the air in her body was knocked out, and it felt like one of her ribs had broken. Perhaps her heart was pushed up into her throat because Alice found it hard to breathe.

Alice winced in pain as the brute who hit her stood over her with unblinking eyes. The man gave out a snarl, as he spat on Alice before running off. Alice felt her body melt like jelly as she attempted to bring air back into her lungs. She tried to use as much energy as she had left to enter the man's Otherland, but she was too out of energy to do it. Alice lay on the ground out of breath and in pain.

Wilton Radcliffe, lit a small lamp as he stood up from his desk. It was an hour past midnight, Radcliffe had spent the former half of the night looking over the expenditure of the late Dr. Bumby's orphanage. The late doctor had a large amount of wealth left over after his death, most wasn't even from his former orphanage. It was a strange anomaly, as the Bumby family was not rich, and his father left him with nothing. This would raise suspicion to any banker or lawyer who would see it. Luckily, as per the request of the late Dr. Bumby, Radcliffe would watch over his fortune. Since it was left unclaimed, and to Radcliff's knowledge Angus Bumby had no known relatives or inheritors, the inheritance would then go to Dr. Bumby's lawyer, as in Radcliffe. He would take up the leftover wealth, for safekeeping of course. Radcliff was sure the good doctor would not mind.

Of course, Radcliffe knew Gout would want a piece of Bumby's fortune as he was involved in the late doctor's business, but Radcliff suspected he could convince him to let him hold onto the money for the time being.

Thinking about Bumby always made Radcliffe's mood sour. His true business while unpleasant did produce a large sum of wealth, but was best to not dwell on. What really bothered Radcliffe was Angus' obsession with Alice Liddell, the doctor couldn't just leave the girl alone for whatever reason, and of course, his sudden choice of killing himself didn't help Radcliffe's situation. Whatever reason Bumby "killed" himself he didn't know, but he did suspect Gout to be behind it.

Radcliffe exited his office and entered the hallway, Radcliffe slowly walked to his room as he gave out a yawn. He passed his antiques from the Orient, how he prized himself on his collection, honestly he wished to return to the east and far away from Gout and Bumby's mess, at least in China and Japan they new politeness. 

Radcliffe stopped dead in his tracks as he saw upon his sword stand, his katana was missing. Radcliffe ran over to see if it fell somewhere. As he searched his heart stopped as Radcliffe froze still. Radcliffe saw in the corner of the hallway a figure standing still. Radcliffe slowly raised his lantern, to see a figure in red, with a sack over his face. Fear consumed Radcliffe as he saw the eyes of the figure stare at him. They were green and bloodshot. 

The figure lunged at Radcliffe with his katana, Radcliffe yelled as he ran for his life. Loud footsteps followed behind Radcliffe as he ran straight for his office. Radcliffe slammed the door behind him and locked it. He couldn't stop shaking, his hands couldn't hold still. A blade pierced through the wooden door, before it was kicked open by the stranger.

The figure looked at Radcliffe and raised his sword. "Wait please don't kill me, I have money, I know people, I can get you whatever you want." cried Radcliffe. The figure didn't respond he just began moving towards Radcliffe. Radcliffe began weeping, "Did Gout send you, please I swear I didn't do anything, if its about Bumby's money, it was all his, I was going to-" Radcliffe was cut silent as a hand gripped his throat. The Katana pierced Radcliffe's chest, Radcliffe made an inhuman gurgle as the blade slid through him like butter.

The figure noticed the dead fireplace next to the two of them, he then turned back to Radcliffe, he grabbed the lantern from Radcliffe, and threw it into the fireplace causing a fire. The Figure then took Radcliffe and put him face-first into the fireplace. Radcliffe screamed in pain as his face was engulfed by the flames, his skin boiled and charred as he was burned alive. Eventually, Radcliffe stopped squirming, becoming still as the fire burned his upper body. 

The Soldier looked at his dead target with little interest now that he was dead, he then turned around and walked away his mission now complete.

Chapter Text

A loud knocking sound railed against Alice's door, it was like the sound of cannons firing. Alice walked over to the door to see who it could be. She opened the door slightly and peeked out to see the police standing there. "Alice Liddell, may we come in?" said a brutish police officer. Alice's heart sank a little, was the charade up, did they finally figure out Bumby's death wasn't a suicide? Alice tried to reassure herself that it couldn't be true no one else saw her do it, or at least she hoped so. Was this about Archibald Alice wondered, however, their expressions didn't show a hint of gratitude.

Alice carefully opened the door to the two officers, as they stepped inside. Alice recognized one of the officers as he was nice to Alice, Fred was his name. Fred was a bulky man. His legs were quite short while his torso was toned and large. He had light brown hair and a beard. The second Police officer Alice didn't recognize, he maintained a neat navy blue police officer uniform consisting of tail coats, trousers, a top hat, and black boots. His top hat has a golden badge on its front. His waist is tightened and is quite thin from the belt. He had darker hair and a face with friendly mutton chops.

"You may want to take a seat Alice," said Fred, with a less than happy tone. Alice slowly nodded as she nervously walked over and took a seat by her small wooden table.

The Police officers towered over Alice, she felt like she was being interrogated which didn't help her mental state. Fred took off his hat, and formed an upset expression. "Alice, we are sorry to be the ones to tell you this, but your family lawyer, Wilton Radcliffe, has been murdered." Alice's eyes widened as her jaw dropped. Alice was speechless, Radcliffe was dead? Alice could only then explain the feeling as a celebration with fireworks. Ode to joy played in Alice's head as she forced herself not to form a large smile. If Alice was not in the presence of police she would stand up and cheer. 

Wilton Radcliffe was a fat greedy miser then sucked his fangs into her family's fortune the second her family died. The greedy parasite whispered in her ear how to spend and save her new fortune, explaining how she should buy marble statues for her family's funeral and he suggested she should leave her inheritance to him so he can invest it and earn her more money. When she didn't he just took the inheritance and left her with nothing, he even took her rabbit. Alice was planning on getting her rabbit back, but along came her powers and one thing came to another and she didn't have time to take action.

"I know this must be hard for you Alice, but its true. We found him dead in his office, someone shoved him face-first into a fireplace." Alice let out a single chuckle, before covering her mouth in shock of what she just did. The idea of Radcliffe's bloated body stuck in the fireplace was the funniest thing to Alice. Fred and the other officer, looked at Alice in shock of her reaction. "My apologies, I its so much to take in, it just burst out." Fred nodded in agreement, "I understand Alice, it is shocking, it is a hard thing to process." Not for me, thought Alice. "I mean it is kind of funny," said the other Officer. Fred shot his partner a dirty look.

"Do you know who killed him?" asked Alice, she wanted to know so she could possibly thank them. "No, I'm afraid not, but we are investigating it, so don't you worry," said Fred. Alice wasn't worried, she was thankful the blood-sucking parasite was gone. 

 "Well Alice, there is another reason we came here. With Radcliffe dead, your family inheritance has been returned to you. You need to go to the bank to collect it." Alice froze in place. Was that true was her family's wealth hers again? "Congratulations Miss Liddell." said the other officer. Fred smacked him on the head, "A friend of hers just died you daft cod." The officer rubbed the back of his head, "Oh come on she is rich now, she can get over it." And Alice did approximately one second after she heard Radcliffe died. 

"Ignore him, Alice, he's a bit dim. But I brought you this, we found it in Radcliffe's home it had your name on it," said Fred as he pulled a grey rabbit out from his jacket. Alice's eyes locked onto the rabbit, her little rabbit. Alice's hand instinctively reached out for it. Her whole world became fixated on the rabbit. It was hers, it was everything to her. Fred gave Alice the rabbit. It's fluffy exterior felt so soft even after all these years. Alice held the rabbit tightly as she looked at its button eyes. It was hers again. 

Fred said something but Alice couldn't hear it, she was so fixated on the rabbit. She felt her soul burn as if it was healing. Her heart burned as she felt everything come back together. 

Alice looked up and noticed, that Fred and the other officer were gone, she was alone again. But this time she had her rabbit. Alice looked back down again at the rabbit's button eyes. She had her rabbit, her sweet rabbit. it was hers again.

The Bank of London was massive, a steel colossus dedicated to money. Marble pillars held up the building like Atlas to the world, and opulence was stitched into every piece of stone in the bank. Alice was like an ant in the bank, surrounded by a sea of men on their way for a deposit. Alice was so small in comparison to the interior, it was as if she had taken a drink-me potion. Alice walked up to one of the many receptionist desks, a marble barrier, that stood taller than Alice. A short pale bald man reached his head over to see Alice standing there. "Name..." asked the man in a sharp but still dull voice. "Alice Liddell," said Alice.

Alice played with her apron, her hands curling the fabric as she stood nervously. The man raised an eyebrow before looking down at something Alice couldn't see. There was a moment of silence, the man read off something under his breath, Alice was left fearful of what he may say. Alice questioned if she should have brought Reggie, he was more accustomed to this sort of thing than she was.

"Ah Alice Liddell, yes here we are. It appears we were expecting you, now if you please go to your right miss we will have you sorted with your inheritance." said the man as he pointed a small finger to a dimly illuminated hall. Alice curtsied to the man, before walking towards the hallway. Alice had to fight her way to the place as she was elbowed and bumped into by all the passerby's who possibly didn't even know she was there. 

Alice's arm was grabbed by the little man, "This way Miss Liddell," said the man as he began to tug on Alice's arm. Alice looked at him then back to where he was sitting wondering how he could have gotten to her so fast. Alice was taken into the alley, up a set of stairs, and brought to a glass office. Inside was a series of small doors, in the middle of the room was an old woman scratching words on the list of papers. 

"Do you have the Liddell family ledger?" asked the man. The old woman looked up at the two of them, she didn't say a word. She simply stood up and walked over to one of the boxes, and pulled out a large book, and carried it over to the man. The man opened up the first page and scrolled through it with his finger. "Yes, I see here." said the man as he examined the book. Its black leather exterior was like the one held by Archibald only larger. Something was off about the book, the longer Alice looked at it the more it called to her, like the souls of her family reaching out to grab her.

"You have inherited much Miss Liddell, it seems both your family and Mr. Radcliffe have made sure you are well off. You have a large deposit waiting for you, as well as investments made by Radcliff. Perhaps it's time to call yourself Lady Alice, you certainly now have enough to earn a title." Alice was at a loss for words, she had looked over the man's shoulder and saw all the zeros. She had expected to only find moths waiting for her, but there was enough in there to possibly buy the bank itself. "It seems you are to inherit, the contents of your Liddell house or what remains. You are now the owner of the Liddle estate or what is left if it, the Liddell mausoleum in Oxford, and the Houndsditch orphanage."  

Alice's heart stopped, everything around her froze. It was as if time stopped completely. Alice's eye twitched that accursed place, the den of sin used by her abuser. The orphanage run by her family's killer was now hers. Her family had never owned the place, Alice would remember if so. Her father and mother had such a care for children that they would have had the children of the orphanage live at their house instead of Houndsditch. Alice quickly figured out how it was possible, Alice felt vile hatred fill up in her soul. Radcliffe that disgusting rat, he was enleagued with Bumby. He must have known the entire time, the fat bastard knew when she turned up at his house. Radcliffe must have combined Bumby's and her inheritance, Alice now owned the hell pit where she was nearly destroyed. Alice felt like she was going to vomit or worse kill something. 

"Miss Liddell?" asked the man, causing Alice to snap out of her thought process. "If you will follow me, I have some papers for you to sign. Just a few signatures and this will all be yours." the man grabbed Alice's arm again and guided her out the door. Alice had little reaction to give, she was so focused on her family's Judas. 

Alice stood before the Houndsditch Orphanage. Its exterior was decerped, and its doors and windows were boarded up. It was as if no one had ever lived there. It was like returning to a nightmare, a haunting reminder of her failures. Alice had never returned to this place since she killed Dr. Bumby. She couldn't face the children, for how could she when she was guilty of ignorance?

Alice walked up to the orphanage door, it had seen better days. A window broken open was the first to great Alice. Alice placed a small metal key into the door and unlocked her past of sin.

Alice entered inside the orphanage to find a hollow skeleton of a building. It was scavenged by looters or the bank, either of which had left the interior a wreck. Alice walked into the hallway, toy blocks left forgotten on the floor and the stains of chalk on the walls were the only reminder children had been there. Alice wished they hadn't, no child should have ever been in this place. 

Most of the building was lifeless, everyone on the bottom floor was empty of anything that wasn't spiders or rats. However one room did catch Alice's eye, inside the room in the empty corner, stood a number on a name tag. Alice's heart stopped, she just froze as she looked at the wretched name tag. The icon of cruelty sat there watching her, and it was all her fault, she chose not to notice, she ignored the evil within this house. Alice had to pull herself away less she throw up. 

Alice slid down against the wall, she sat there thinking about her guilt, she did nothing, she was a victim, yes but she still didn't act. Alice put her hands to her face, what a fool was she, what twisted game of fate had she lost for this to happen to her? She was no better a criminal, if she had only acted sooner, perhaps she would be less mad, and the victims of Bumby be fewer.

Alice gave out a sigh, perhaps coming here was a mistake thought Alice. Alice pulled herself off the ground and continued through the building. Most of everything had been taken, though Alice could faintly understand why, there was nothing of value here. It real "products" were long gone, and it wasn't like Bumby had a taste for fine furniture.

The top of the orphanage was just like the bottom, picked over. Alice walked to her old room, she opened the door to find nothing there. Just cobwebs, this however was expected as she took everything out of here not long after Bumby met his end. Alice closed her old room and walked towards the devil's room. Alice opened the door, to Dr. Bumby's old office. The inside had been completely emptied, footprints were made in the dust on the floor. Alice guessed it was probably someone who knew Bumby's real profession. 

The hell beast's office, only held memories, there was nothing for Alice there. What was the worst thing about the room however was the memories themselves. They were not bad memories as Alice hated to admit, they weren't good either. Every time she was in this room Bumby would make her forget her past. Now she hated knowing what he was doing, back then he was just a stuffed shirt doing his job. She hated that she didn't hate it before. 

As she stood there standing in the office of the man who ruined her life, Alice noticed something off about the wooden plank in the far corner of the room. It had a hole and was slightly higher then the other planks. Alice walked over to the loose board and removed it. To Alice's surprise, she found a small compartment. Inside was a small book, a letter, and a wad of black hair. Alice picked up the wad of hair first, disgust filled every part of her body, she knew why it was there and what Bumby probably used it for. Alice however didn't know if it was hers or her sister's, which made her even more upset, she wouldn't know if this was the last piece of her sister she had, or a piece of her own body that Bumby had stored away. either way, it was an uncomfortable thought. 

Alice picked up the letter, it held the Oxford seal on it. Alice opened the letter and read it aloud to herself.

Dear Angus,

I am writing to you once, and only once. I wish for you to stop pursuing my daughter Elizabeth. She has come to me crying about how you keep following and harassing her wherever she goes, she explained to me in full detail how you followed her into the ladies' toiletry. I want you to stop this behavior immediately, I am giving you one warning as dean of Oxford and as a father. If you continue I will have you expelled from Oxford and call the authorities. You are not to communicate with, make eye contact with, or even make an interaction with my daughter again.

Arthur Liddell, dean of Oxford University.

Alice read the date of the letter, it was one day before her house burned down. Alice felt sick, she assumed this is what pushed him to murder her Family. Alice dropped the letter on the floor, her heart ached, she wanted to scream, but it was too late. Bumby was dead, her family was dead, and it didn't matter anymore, all Alice was left with was pain. 

Alice picked up the book and scrolled through it, what Alice saw struck a deep fear inside of her. Cutouts of pornographic artwork with her sister's face attached to it, a picture of her sister and her. The book was Bumby's diary, it held vulgar and disgustingly depictions of his perverted lust for Alice's sister. Every line Alice read made her sick, "Eyes of emerald," Alice read, describing how he wished to have his way with her sister while staring into her eyes. He described in painful detail how he wished to taste her flesh as he penetrated her. The worst came when Alice's name came up, the diary described how she reminded him of her, how if her chest was larger and she less dirty he would have made her his.

Alice suddenly vomited onto the floor, her stomach contents splattered onto the floor as Alice let go of the book. Alice clenched her stomach, as tears filled her eyes. Alice winced in pain as she sat there. 

"Alice..." a voice called out Alice raised her head, "Alice..." said a voice again. Alice looked where the voice had come from, she looked down to see the diary open up, and a black tentacle shoot out. The ruin-covered tentacle wrapped itself around Alice's neck, and more tentacles wrapped around Alice's body and arms. The ruin forced Alice's mouth open and entered inside as doll parts entered her causing Alice to choke. 

Alice awoke on the floor of Dr. Bumby's office. Her head was spinning, she pulled herself up to find herself wearing her wonderland dress. However, Alice didn't believe she was in Wonderland. Alice looked around in confusion, something was off here but she didn't know what.

Alice exited the office of the hellraiser. The hallway was the same as before, though Alice had the unmistakable feeling that she was being watched. "Cat are you there?" asked Alice. Though there was no response. Alice walked downstairs to see if she could find out what was going on. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, a red ball rolled out from one of the rooms. Alice's heart sank, and she quickly ran over to see who rolled the ball. 

Alice found three insane children lying dead on the floor, their bodies were mutilated and chopped up. Someone had taken a knife to them and shredded them into pieces. Alice took a step back in terror, as she did she was grabbed by an oozing skeletal hand. Alice looked to see Bumby standing there, a decayed corpse. His skull was exposed and his face was falling off. Ruin dripped from his body as his eye sockets stared at Alice. "Remember me Alice!" screeched Bumby. Alice screamed as she pulled out her Vorpal blade. Alice attempted to kill her demon again but instead, he caught her arm. "You know what you did Alice, there is a place for you in hell with me." 

Bumby shoved Alice forward, and Alice fell backward as she fell her line of sight drifted to her right. Her mouth opened as she witnessed a train come straight forward and hit her.

Alice awoke in her bed, she was covered in sweat. Alice placed her hand on her heart as she felt it nearly pop out of her chest. She took a deep breath and held her rabbit tightly. It was just a nightmare. She was safe and Bumby was dead, it was not real. Alice cursed his name under her breath, perhaps it wasn't a good idea to have visited Houndsditch earlier today. She found nothing inside but bad memories and spiders, there was nothing there worth returning for. 

Alice laid back down and placed her head on her pillow, as she took in deep breaths, calming her racing mind. A familiar grin appeared next to Alice. "Night troubles?" purred the Cheshire Cat. "I'm not in the mood, I wish to sleep..." grumbled Alice. "If that is what you wish... though perhaps dream about your father's watch instead of orphanages from hell." Purred the Cat. Alice grumbled, "I am working on it Cat, I will visit Archibald's thief tomorrow, perhaps his word will weigh more than Dr. Willow's."

Francis looked into his mirror, he stared into his reflection and was disgusted at what he saw. The disheveled face that stared back at him was nauseous to Francis. His baggy bloodshot eyes, held no emotion but bloodlust, there was no green left in his pupils. The scar that went down his cheek held a dark reminder to Francis that he couldn't escape, his sins would always be with him. The unkempt blonde hair, was left to grow out, he no longer cared about appearance, it was why his face was left unshaven. 

Francis eyed his double with hatred, he stared unto the face that for so many others was their last. It wasn't getting any better, Dr. Willow's treatment only made it more intensive, he just wanted the bloodlust to stop. He prayed to God for it to stop.

"Do you think God will forgive you?" said the man in the mirror.

Edger H Prescott sat in his bed coughing up a fit, his fever had him bed-bound for three days. Prescott's throat ached as his temperature rose, he just had to fight through the sickness, Gout wouldn't tolerate any more absences and Prescott feared what Gout would do if he was gone for much longer. Radcliffe and Clement were dead, and Gout wanted answers, Prescott had none to give which made Gout furious. The masked killer was taking them out with ease and there was nothing they could do.

Prescot feared for his own life, he had hired some thugs to watch over his home while he recovered, he didn't know if Mr. Death would pay him a visit, he didn't even know if he was just one man or even if it was a man at all, he heard a rumor he was a young girl with black hair. All that he did know was that the killer came in the night and by morning you were dead. Prescott feared it was only a matter of time till the masked lunatic came for him. 

Prescott was Gout's secretary, in the traditional sense of course. Keep tabs on what Gout wants, find out whatever he needs, and send out whatever information Gout wants to be known. He was the middleman in the entire organization, he kept the lists, he held the names, and he had the biggest target on his back. So to Prescott, it wasn't a matter of if but when his head would roll next.

A scream echoed outside Prescott's room, a gunshot rang out as Prescott hid himself under the covers, he was shaking in fear. He crept his eyes out and stared at his locked door, "Please God don't let it be tonight..." muttered Prescott. His guards screamed as the sound of footsteps made noise along the house's wooden floor. Prescott pulled out a pistol from his nightstand and aimed it at the door. 

Prescott felt the sweat drip from his head as his heart pounded rapidly. Prescott noticed it was suddenly very quiet, there was no sound coming from the outside of his room. Prescott's heart sank as he saw his door nob move. it stopped halfway as the lock kept it from opening. Prescott was trembling in fear, this wasn't supposed to be how it ended.

Suddenly the lock to the bedroom door is blown off. The door is kicked open as a red figure enters the room. He turns and faces Prescott, his white mask hides his face but Prescott can see those demonic green eyes of his. Prescott fired his pistol into the figure, but it didn't seem to faze him. He tilted his head at Prescott, he stood there analyzing him. "Please don't, please don't kill me, please I beg you, I didn't want to do it, Gout he forced me to do it on the threat of death!" begged Prescott.

The figure didn't say a word. In his right hand, Prescott saw an oil lantern, and in the other a hand cannon. Mr. Death threw the oil lantern onto Prescott's bed and then proceeded to shoot it. Burning oil splashed everywhere as flames quickly consumed Prescott in his bed. Prescott screamed as the fire melted his skin, the flames boiling his flesh as it turned into a crisp black. 

The last thing Prescott saw was the figure of death standing still and watching him die.

Chapter Text

Alice stood before the door of Felix Brown, Archibald's thief. It was a disgusting odorous mess, even from the outside Alice could smell something foul. Alice opened the door, and to her immediate horror, she discovered where the smell had been coming from. Hanging from the rafters was Felix Brown. He had hung himself, and from the looks of it, he had been dead for a few days. Flies lay in his open mouth, as his body drooped. 

Alice covered her mouth in terror as she screamed, what had happened here? Alice ran over to the body, the flies flew around his corpse like vultures around a dead animal. Alice was too late, her one chance at reclaiming her father's watch died with Brown. Alice muttered something under her breath, she didn't know what to do now, her options for retrieving her watch were looking quite small. Perhaps she could just go back and take it from Dr. Willow.

Alice sighed, she would have to deal with that later, for now, she felt it was right to take the poor man off the noose. Alice stood up and a wooden table, and removed Brown from his necktie of death. When Alice went to place Brown on the ground a notebook fell from Brown's pocket. Alice immediately noticed the little grey book and picked it up. 

Alice opened the book to find almost every page missing, however, what remained left a clear picture. Meet Jack Splatter was the clearest path the book was illuminating. Alice recognized the name, he was a brute that burned down Alice's aunt's first brothel and briefly beat Alice unconscious. However, Alice figured the next encounter between the two would end in a far less favorable outcome for Jack Splatter. 

From the notebook, it was revealed to Alice that Jack Splatter was involved with Archibald, and if Alice could get the spineless weasel to squeal for her, the watch would be hers. 

Francis opened the door to his house, his head hurt and all he wanted to do was sleep. Francis dreaded closing his eyes, he always feared what would come out of him if he did but tonight felt different Dr. Willow said it would be different. Dr. Willow had given him a cure-all remedy from China,that was supposed to clean him of the evil within, Francis didn't buy it, and he bet neither did Willow, what it was was just a medicinal to calm his nerves, it tasted like opium which meant it probably was but it made Francis feel better so when in Rome do as Dr. Willow do.  

Francis walked into his bedroom when he suddenly froze in place, his heart pounded as he saw a figure standing by his bed. It was the killer from the paper, the red ripper, Mr. Death, the Soldier. Francis fell to his knees as a terrible thumping pain arose in his head.

The Soldier didn't say a word he just stared at Francis, the stare was fierce, it was almost accusatory. Francis looked up not with fear but with guilt, he couldn't bring himself to say a word. The Soldier's face was a white skull, a hollow shell that held nothing behind its eyes, but Francis could tell what it thought about him.

"Look at you, you are weak, a frail man looking for a cure for himself." said the Soldier, tears filled Francis' eyes as he clenched his heart. Francis's lips trembled as he tried to force a defense from his mouth. "You are a killer, you always were. You deny yourself, yet still hunt. What kind of hunter are you?" asked the Soldier. "I am not a hunter... I am not a killer" blurted Francis. He clenched his fist and hit the floor. "Yes you are, you can lie to yourself but you can not lie to God." 

Francis shook his head, "I don't answer to you," hissed Francis. The Soldier shook his head. "You do, you just respond to another..." Francis wept as he pulled on his hair. It wasn't true, he wasn't a killer. "You kill and hunt like an animal, don't deny your nature, you are a hunter, admit your bloodlust." Francis shook his head, he spat out blood from his mouth, he would not be judged here, not by him. "Deny it if you wish, but you are a hunter. You kill for others, hunt their prey, and you like it." 

"I DON'T LIKE HURTING PEOPLE!" shouted Francis. "Yes you do, it is your nature. You know you do it, and like a coward you ignore it, push it down. You are still a soldier following orders." Francis covered his ears as he tried not to listen.

The Soldier pointed at Francis with his bony finger. "You are still a soldier Francis, deep down you've always liked it. Now ask yourself are you just a dog following orders, or was this all an excuse to kill?"

Alice arrived at Jack Splatter's home, to be accurate it was more of an old warehouse. Jack Splatter and his thugs had turned an old distillery into a little base of operations. Supposedly this was where Jack Splatter made moonshine but it was never proven. Jack Splatter prowled around here most nights when he wasn't out pressuring others for their wealth. 

However tonight would not be a pleasant night for him, Alice would make sure of that. She had been meaning to go after him for some time though other interruptions kept occurring with more insidious men needing to be punished appearing. However now she finally could enact some revenge for her and her nanny.  

Alice opened the door ready to enter the mind of anyone who tried to stop her, but what she found instead was a completely different scene. Before Alice was a gory mess, a thug with a cleaver stabbed into his head as he was missing both his arms, and another thug beheaded with an axe deep into his back. Two thugs lay dead on the floor, one had a bullet wound through his head, and the other had his neck snapped. Alice looked at the utter mutilation before her, her stomach turned as she wondered what had happened. Who could have done this? questioned Alice, it was a massacre, and nobody was left whole. Chunks of flesh and limbs lay scattered across the room, a head there, a liver there, it was a gorefest. Alice felt sick, she had done disturbing acts herself, but only in Wonderland or someone's Otherland, never like this.

Alice walked on through the distillery, she wondered if Jack Splatter was even alive. Alice also feared what would happen if she met the mutilator responsible. What inhuman mind awaited behind the hell beast responsible?

Alice walked around a large distillery tan and found four more bodies. One body had his head smashed in, the other was missing his head though Alice found it by the next cadaver. A mutilated mess of gore, limbs removed and head cut open was what lay before Alice. Alice felt a little queasy, the smell of blood ironically always made her nauseous, perhaps it was a result of her treatment in Rutledge, luckily the blood in Wonderland had no smell. The final body lay still against a metal staircase, the final victim had a machete sticking out from his chest, and someone had jammed it into him. 

The more Alice saw of the gore the more she feared meeting the monster behind it. Alice climbed up the staircase and entered a small room, with flipped-over chairs and a body with his intestines covering the floor, his facial expression was entrenched with shock. Alice began considering the fact that Jack Splatter may be dead, and she should just turn back around and leave.

"Second thoughts Alice?" said the Cat with a grin as he appeared on a flipped-over table. "Easy for you to say, I don't see you facing down a mad killer?" rebutted Alice. "Nonsense... I am always with one." Alice rolled her eyes, she may be mad, and she had a taste for violence but she wouldn't do THIS, it was barbaric. "Do you have any suggestions before I meet the devil's henchman, or are you just here to berate me?" asked Alice. "Caution is key, they are unpredictable, but so are you. You have a mind unlike another, perhaps they should get acquainted with it." Purred the Cat before disappearing. Alice assumed that was helpful, she could never really tell with the Cheshire Cat.  

A loud scream was heard coming from a steel door directly in front of Alice. "Get away you bastard!" yelled Jack Splatter. Alice hearing the voice of Jack, immediately rushed to the door and pushed it open.

Alice was greeted by Jack Splatter nervously holding a shotgun as he pointed at a nightmare in red. The figure wore military clothing and had a white mask, Alice immediately recognized him as the man on her Nan's wanted poster. Alice watched in horror as the Red Ripper grabbed the shotgun away from Jack Splatter with ease. He turned the shotgun on Jack, "No wait-" cried Jack as the Ripper blew his head off in a burst of red gore.

Alice watched as her chance at reclaiming her father's watch fell to the ground dead. The Red Ripper dropped the shotgun to the floor before turning around and heading for the exit. The Ripper stopped right before Alice, he studied Alice with his demonic eyes, though there looked to be no killing intent only curiosity. There was a strong scent coming from the Ripper, it reminded Alice of Rutledge's infirmary, that of blood and cigars.

Alice fearing for her life tried to enter the Red Ripper's Otherland. Alice was hit with chaos, she could only see red, as black scratch marks whooshed across. There was only the sound of screaming, as Alice was sent right back out of the Red Rippers Otherland,

Alice stood still in confusion, "How..." she muttered, it wasn't possible. Blood dripped from Alice's nose as she fell to the floor. The Red Ripper gave little mind to Alice, and just walked over her, leaving her alone. She was nothing to him, she was no threat or target, and she was none of his concern. 

Alice lay on the floor with blood dripping from her nose, her whole body was shaking.

Alice opened her eyes, and behold she saw Wonderland. Alice pulled herself up from the ground and looked around in her world of madness. Dodoes flew overhead as giant toadstools formed a line in front of her. To Alice, the Vale of Tears was a sight for sore eyes. The lush trees brought back memories of days of yore when Alice first arrived in Wonderland. It looked wonderful, for such a place destroyed by the Infernal Train, it looked like the forest had completely healed itself.

"Back from your waltz with Mr. Death are we Alice?" purred the Cheshire Cat. Alice crossed her arms in annoyance, "I shall be the one to complain here cat, you weren't the one who had to stare down the eyes of that hellspawn." Alice could still see his eyes, they were dark and mad, they were like the eyes of a demon. "Yes, and fortunately the masked killer considered you no more a threat than a house plant, or else we may not be talking." It indeed was fortunate for Alice, she feared what inhuman action would the Red Ripper do to her if he felt like it, Alice recalled the bodies and she didn't wish to end up a gory mess on the distillery floor.

"Cat do you know what happened to me? Why was I unable to enter the fiends Otherland?" asked Alice. In all the time Alice has had her abilities, she has never been blocked from entering someone's mind before. Alice worried that this was the start of something very bad. "It is just as much of a mystery to you as it is to I, perhaps his bloodlust had degraded his mind to a point to that of a mere animal. Perhaps his madness is too much even for one such as yourself. You may need to find another way of defeating him." Alice scoffed at the cat's suggestion, "Another way unless he is by a conveniently timed train, I see no option to stop that beast. I get lightheaded just yelling at a stubborn fool while he lost no sweat cutting through an entire criminal hideout!" shouted Alice. "I never said you had to fight him, there are other ways to kill Goliath." Alice guessed then she would have to start looking for a slingshot.

"Well Cat, if you wish to enlighten me today with knowledge, why am I here, I should be back in London running for my life, not taking in the scenery in Wonderland Woods." Alice feared just what might happen to her while she was unconscious, all nasty things she wished she couldn't dwell on. "Your mind brought you here to protect you, a defensive instinct to save you from harm."  purred the Cheshire Cat. "Sounds to me like an easy way to kill me, if this happened during the fire I certainly would have perished," remarked Alice. "Then consider yourself lucky you aren't in a burning building, now hurry along Alice you have a train to catch." the Cheshire cat disappeared before Alice's eyes, right before she could ask him another question.

"Mangy cat, I ought to put a leash on him, maybe then he can stay and answer all my questions for once," grumbled Alice.

The Vale of Tears seemed mostly restored from Alice's last encounter here, which was a good thing since the last time she was here it was only a few chunks in the sky. Alice strolled along the forest, looking for a way out of Wonderland. It didn't take long for her to find the giant statue of herself. It stood crying a pool of tears before dear Alice, if she had time she would take a swim and maybe shrink to the size of an ant. However, lateness was not something wish to welcome, as the White Rabbit would remark tardiness is never good.

As Alice walked she inevitably found what remained of the great Ruin, the tar abominations stood frozen as their goo had hardened. The creatures that nearly destroyed Wonderland were now all dead, only statues of what once were. Alice looked at her handy work with pride, what was once her greatest threat was now dried-up husks. Alice walked up to one of the dried-up Ruin, a colossal Ruin by the look of it, and tapped it with her finger.  The giant figure immediately collapsed on contact blowing away in the wind as dust. Suddenly the ground began to shake, Alice looked below her to see the floor cave in. Alice fell down and landed on a dirt slide. Alice was zipped down the shoot and was shot out.

Alice's dress caught her and gently flouted her down onto the remains of the Infernal Train. The remains of the hellish Infernal Train were almost a welcoming sight. The train was nearly in pieces, the gothic carts had all been derailed, and the engine had exploded. The greatest sight of all was a giant skeletal figure lying dead with dried-up Ruin. 

Alice landed next to the remains of the Doll Maker. Her tormenter and destroyer was dead, and could never harm her again. Alice took in the moment, at least the Ruin and the Dollmaker would never harm her again.

Suddenly a skeletal hand grabbed Alice's shoulder and turned her around. Alice's eyes widened as the rotting corpse of Dr. Bumby stood before her. "Miss me Alice." said the Ruin infused corpse. Alice shook her head. "No you're dead, I killed you!" shouted Alice as she pulled out her Vorpal Blade. Dr. Bumby shook his head, "You can't kill the devil." 

Alice raised her Vorpal Blade to strike down Bumby, but as she prepared to, he stopped in his place. Dr. Bumby began to gag as a hand shot out from his chest, holding his black heart. The hand was pulled out of Dr. Bumby as he melted to the floor before disappearing. 

Before Alice stood the Red Ripper. He smashed Dr. Bumby's heart with his hands as he turned to face Alice. "What are you doing here? I was going to kill him you vile demon." hissed Alice. The Red Ripper began to circle Alice. "Tisk Tisk Tisk, poor little Liddell so lost and blind. You have been given the power of sight yet you still can't see." hissed the Red Ripper. "So you can talk. Now tell me what are you doing here?" asked Alice as she tracked him with her blade. "Conversation isn't what I came here for. You opened the door for me when you saw something you shouldn't have. Your soul is weak Alice, and you will perish."

"We shall see." hissed Alice as she lunged forward attempting to run the Red Ripper through but instead he grabbed Alice by her arm and lifted her in the air. "Let go, Alice, unleash the madness inside you. The truth is you like hurting people." said the Red Ripper as he shoved his hand into Alice's chest, she felt him grab something inside of her and began to pull it out. Blood sprayed everywhere as the Red Ripper pulled not something but someone out of Alice. 

Alice fell to the floor as a white figure stood where she once was. She was nearly completely white with the only other color being blood. Alice's eyes could not believe who it was. It was her, or to be accurate her Hysteria form. Hysteria screamed in fury as the Red Ripper let her go.

Hysteria turned to Alice and screamed. "She will destroy you, Alice, she will cull your weakness and you will become what you were always meant to be." said the Red Ripper. Hysteria formed a large cleaver in her hand as she leaped forward to kill Alice.

Alice blocked Hysteria's swing as she tried to stab her double in the throat. But the copy just hit Alice's arm away. Hysteria swung furiously at Alice nearly hitting her with each swing. Alice lunged her blade into Hysteria's chest, however, it seemed to do nothing, Hysteria looked at Alice with a grin before some sort of red force blasted Alice back and off the Infernal Train.

Chapter Text

"She is waking up," said Dr. Wilson. Alice's head felt dizzy, as she opened her eyes. Everything was so bright, it was hard to see. Alice could barely see where she was. The figures stood over Alice, they hovered over her like specters. Alice could barely see them, she blinked a few times. Suddenly the figures became skeletons, with see-through bodies. Alice brought her hands to her eyes as they burned like hellfire. Everything was so fuzzy she tried to keep herself from passing out.

Alice opened her eyes once more, her eyes had adjusted to the light. Alice found herself back at her home surrounded by familiar faces. Dr. Wilson stood to the right of Alice, while to the left was Officer Fred and his partner. Dr. Wilson placed his hand down on Alice's shoulder. "Alice child are you alright?" asked Dr. Wilson. Alice blinked once or twice before taking in a deep breath. "Yes doctor..." muttered Alice as she rested her head on her palm. "How did I get here?" groaned Alice. All she could remember was falling down after meeting the masked killer, she didn't recall returning home, unless she learned how to sleepwalk back home. 

"That ties into why we are here Alice, we have some questions for you lass," said Fred with a stern tone. Alice dared to believe an accusatory tone. Alice sighed internally, she believed she knew where this was headed, and it most likely involved either a straight jacket or a jail cell. Alice contemplated knocking them all on conscious and dashing out the door, though she didn't know if that would make things better or worse. Possibly the latter as Alice had nowhere to hide from the police, and she didn't really want to hurt either Dr. Wilson or Fred.

"Miss Liddell, do you mind telling us why we found you in Jack Splatter's rathole, and why we found blood and corpses decorating the walls." asked Fred, "And why Jack Splatter ended up like his name," said the other officer. Alice felt their eyes stare down at her, she knew they were accusing her of killing everyone in the building, though how one was to explain how she could have done that was what she wanted to know. 

Before Alice could answer, the door to Alice's room swung open as Nan Sharpe busted in. "Harry if you put my dear Alice Liddell in another coma I will put you in one with her!" shouted Nan Sharpe as she stomped into the room. Dr. Wilson turned to Nan Sharpe in a defensive manner and prepared himself to be hit. Fortunately for Dr. Wilson, the two police officers stepped in. "Calm down Madam Sharpe, we have enough patients here," said Fred.

Nan Sharpe stopped in her tracks, she crossed her arms. "Very well, I came here when I heard what happened. Someone attacked little Alice Liddell, I came to see how bruised they made her." remarked Nan Sharpe. "We were about to receive an answer before you charged in like a rampaging Elephant," commented Dr. Wilson. "Apologies doctor, you can say I'm a bit sentimental of the ankle biter I once watched over. I was her mother goose in a sense." 

"Well if we can get back to the problem then, that would be swell." said the second Officer. He turned to face Alice, unlike Fred, he was more direct and to the point. "Miss Liddell what were you doing in the distillery, and next to the gory remains of the poor sods inside." asked the Officer.

"It wasn't me who slayed those men if that is what you insinuating. I saw the monster responsible, it was the Red Ripper who killed them, not I!" shouted Alice. Dr. Wilson, Nan Sharp, Fred, and the other officer's eyes widened. "Alice... are you saying you saw the nightmare in red himself," said Fred with true concern etched in his voice. "So Mr. Death splattered Splatter, I always figured that thin rat bastard would die in a pile of gore, though I wish I was the one who could have done it, however, Tim can rest easy now," said Nan Sharpe. Alice recalled Mr. Tim, he was Nan Sharpe's old bouncer before Jack Splatter put a knife in his gut. "That's enough Sharpe. Now Alice are you absolutely positive it was the Ripper," asked Fred. 

Alice recalled his eyes, mask, and the distinct cigar smell. She could never forget someone like him. "Yes, I saw him. I could not mistake him for anyone else. His eyes were like a demon from hell, and his mask was painted white to look like a skull. He wore a red coat like every military man." Fred looked at his comrade in fear. "Girl were the bastard's eyes, a bloodshot green?" asked Nan Sharpe. Alice nodded. "Yes, they looked as if they had never met sleep," Alice remembered them, light green with a bloodshot exterior. He had bags under his eyes, and they were sunken in. Reminded Alice almost of her own pair. "That is him that is the godless mutilator," remarked Nan Sharpe.

"Indeed, it matches his description, though how he didn't see you I don't understand?" said Fred. "He did see me, he stood right in front of me and stared at me with those devil eyes. He looked at me as if I was some houseplant. He didn't move he just stood there, I fainted at the sight of him." Everyone in the room held a shocked expression. "You are some kind of lucky I say." said the second officer. "Alice child, what in God's name caused you to enter that den?" asked Dr. Wilson. To find a way to receive her father's watch, of course, however, Alice felt explaining the whole situation may lead to a scolding by all parties involved and may lead to the police telling her to stop trying to attain the watch. " I heard screaming, I entered the building to find the place covered with gore, that was where I saw him," explained Alice.

"Alice tell us everything you saw, did he say anything to you, did you notice anything about him?" asked Fred. Alice paused for a second as she recalled the killer. "I remember him smelling like cigars, though it smelled different than most brands." The second officer chuckled a bit, "So we can narrow it down to 98% of London." joked the second officer. "Dudley!" hissed Fred as he shot his partner a look. Fred turned his attention back to Alice. "You said his cigar stench was different?" asked Fred. "Yes, it smelled more pungent, though I can't describe it." Fred took out a notebook and began to write something down.

"Did he say anything to you? Did he even speak at all?" asked Officer Dudley. Alice shook her head. "No, he was mute. The only sound he made was heavy breathing." Fred wrote Alice's words down. "Makes sense, it's all madness behind those eyes, he doesn't have the mental capacity for talk," said Nan Sharpe. "Madam Sharpe please," commented Fred. "Alice child, why didn't the fiend attack you, you were just a little lamb and he the wolf, yet he didn't strike?" asked Dr. Wilson. That was a question Alice herself wanted to know too, the fiend just stood there watching her and didn't attack, it was as if she wasn't worth it or perhaps he wished for her to be a witness. "I don't know he just walked up to me and stared at me."

"Interesting, now can you remember anything else?" asked Fred. Alice shook her head, there was only so much that happened in the brief moment she met the killer. 

"I say it's because she's a fellow friend of the funny farm," said a familiar voice. Alice looked to her right and saw the Mad Hatter standing where Dr. Wilson once was. "No what is there to kill, she doesn't have much bones or meat to cut, she's practically a skeleton." Said the Mock Turtle standing where Nan Sharpe once was. "Wait what is happening?" yelled Alice. "What is happening, you should know by now, why are you always late to grasp things?" said the White Rabbit standing where Fred once was. "Always oblivious this one, who knows maybe the Ripper did stab her and she was too dim to notice." said the Duchess as she stood where once Officer Dudley stood.

Alice felt her nose begin to bleed. Alice's eyes widened as the Red Ripper entered the room and walked up to Alice. He reached out his hand causing Alice to scream.

"Alice!" yelled Reggie, as he held Alice tightly. Alice stopped yelling as everything turned back to normal. Alice's eyes darted around the room as everyone looked at her in confusion. Reggie who had suddenly appeared looked Alice in her eyes. "Alice it is alright calm down." Alice looked at Reggie and blinked a few times, she didn't know what was happening. "Hysteria, I believe, possibly caused by her meeting with the Red Ripper. She should be fine, so long as she stays in bed," said Dr. Wilson. "God girl, don't go mad on me again," said Nan Sharpe.

"We better leave then better to let the poor girl rest." said Fred, "We have a killer to hunt anyhow," said Officer Dudley. The two police officers then left Alice's apartments. "I believe I should go fly too, I am needed back at Rutledge, now goodbye Alice, I shall return to my nest," said Dr. Wilson as he made his way to the door.

Alice watched everyone but Nan Sharpe and Reggie leave. Reggie let go of Alice and looked her in the eyes. "Alice I heard what happened I nearly died thinking you had perished. Did the fiend harm you at all, if so I will go and give him a good whacking." The thought of slim-framed Reginald beating anyone caused Alice to smile. Well, that was not the case, his form of beating would require anyone who faced him to be talented athletically, though knowing Reggie, he would still lose even then.

She appreciated his concern and his care. If she was not in the presence of others, she may have kissed him on the cheek. 

"Now Alice who is this cherub, never pegged you for the romantic type, figured you to die alone with a cat and your stuffed rabbit," asked Nan Sharpe. While a bit too blunt Nan Sharpe was right, Alice was not a romantic; however, it was never really romantic when Reggie was involved. He was like a brother to her, though she admitted she found him quite pretty; sometimes she just wanted to hold him, squeeze him, and pet him like Dinah. But those were just inner thoughts; she doubted she would ever do it. Alice wondered if Reginald felt the same way; she had overheard that his late parents had wished him to marry some old-money girl. Which slightly sullied Alice a bit, though if it was true, she would be happy for him.

There was a whisper in the back of her mind to be romantic with him, but she often shunned it. Alice and her sexual desires had never been on good terms. Their relationship was and wasn't platonic it was paradoxical. A kiss would be too informal and would possibly leave a bitter taste in her mouth. 

"This is my friend Reggie, he is a cricket player," explained Alice, though she wondered if she should have used air quotes. "It is a pleasure to meet you, miss, I presume you are Alice's nanny?" said Reggie. "Oh he is a polite one, said Alice I can get you two a room at-" Alice's face turned red as she stopped her Nan. "NAN!" shouted Alice. Reggie's face was also cherry red with embarrassment. He looked at Alice, then at the floor, as he shook a little. "I couldn't... Alice... she's so perfect... But I could nev- No wait I mea-" Reggie stumbled over his words as Nan Sharpe laughed. "Reggie, it is right. Now, Nan, stop harassing him," said Alice. "Very well, Alice, now if you excuse me, I will leave you two to it. I've got to go hunt that masked bastard."

Francis passed the crowd of souls waiting to see Dr. Willow. Francis never liked any of them; they always seemed so creepy. Each of them was far too eager to do one of the doctor's group experiments. The doctor had some fascination with the human soul and talked more about the spirit than the Archbishop of Canterbury. A lot of it was esoteric, some Francis questioned was even legal, but that was what the weird bastards did with Dr. Willow, and Francis couldn't judge. Francis heard the stories, some called Dr. Willow the greatest hedonist in all of London. Some even called him a serpent with the apple, but Francis ignored it; what Dr. Willow was offering him was a cure to his past.

Francis entered Dr. Willow's office just as some aristocratic lady exited. She looked posh and proper, something uncommon with the rest of the people waiting, though from what Francis heard, Willow was big with the aristocrats. They did things at night that should be kept secret. Francis heard rumors, and "heard" rumors about what happened under Dr. Willow's roof, drugs, orgies, cannibalism, summoning demons, and other more esoteric claims. Who's to say they were true or not? Francis knew he had no right to judge anybody. Francis didn't really care what others saw Dr. Willow for; he saw Dr. Willow for his own reasons, as they did for theirs. Was Dr. Willow a degenerate, maybe, maybe not? He had not been arrested for any of his 'parties,' so what crime was there to complain about?

Francis entered Dr. Willow's office, where Dr. Willow sat examining some sort of stone. Dr. Willow smiled at the sight of Francis. "My dear Francis, how are you?" asked Dr. Willow as he stood to go shake Francis' hand. "Not good, doctor, the nightmares are getting worse. My bloodlust isn't stopping," exclaimed Francis as he sat down on a couch. Dr. Willow sat down next to Francis. "I see, anything else you wish to tell me?" asked Dr. Willow as he placed his arm around Francis. "I see things that aren't there, I hear voices, not the voices of the war, but my own voice. I wake up bruised and bleeding, and I don't know what is happening. Worst of all is my hunger for blood, I just keep wanting to kill."

Dr. Willow nodded slowly, "I believe I know what the problem is, for so long we have focused on your mental state, that we have neglected your soul." Soul? Francis wondered, did Dr. Willow mean God or some mystic mobo jumbo? Francis was hesitant; if so, he didn't know how he could face himself in the mirror again, some sins can't be forgiven.

"What did you have in mind?" asked Francis. "I believe we should start opening our souls more. It needs room to travel." Dr. Willow stood up and walked over to Francis, placing the stone in his hand. The stone was small and tan, with an Egyptian ankh on it. "Hold this and place it under your bed, perhaps your soul can expand, it may be able to even reach Aaru."

Francis looked at the stone and then glanced at Dr. Willow. "You're joking?" said Francis bluntly. "I'm not, the ancient Egyptians believed words held power, some could even extend the soul." Francis blinked, "Doctor, if you weren't as smart as you were, I would tell you to make way for a padded cell," said Francis. In truth, Francis was kind of pissed; he had real problems to deal with, and his doctor gave him a damn stone. "I know you have doubts, but try it, you may find an enlightened experience." Dr. Willow picked up the rock from Francis's hand and placed it in Francis's jacket pocket. 

"Listen, doctor, I don't believe in your occult shit, I have a problem, and a fucking pebble isn't the solution!" yelled Francis. Dr. Willow didn't seem to react to Francis's outburst. "Listen, Mr. Grimm, I know it's hard for some to believe in soulcraft, but many end up believing here in the White Rose Society. How about this, I'll let you into a gathering tonight at my home. It will be me and other high-ranking members, we can show you that it is not a mere fantasy."

Francis shook his head. He knew damn well what Dr. Willow did at those parties. "I'm not interested in orgies, doctor. Or whatever you and your hedonistic comrades do," remarked Francis. Dr. Willow laughed. "It's not that type of party." Francis rolled his eyes. "Doctor, I am sure you, the Grand Mason, and William Westcott will find enjoyment in resurrecting a dead cow, but I would rather stay in my home and read." Dr. Willow's face grew stiff and unhappy. "I know you have your doubts; everyone questions the validity of my work, but trust me, Francis, just one trip to euphoria can change your life." Francis's sight, he guessed he had nothing better to do tonight.

"Fine, doctor, I'll be there."

Alice walked out of her home to get some fresh air; her head was fuzzy, and she still couldn't get over what happened last night. Alice stretched out her arms into the open air before popping her neck. However, Alice soon felt the unmistakable feeling of being watched. A shiver went down Alice's spine as she looked around the nearby area. 

In the far corner, Alice saw who had been watching her; it was the man from a few days ago who had hit her in the stomach, the man from Dr. Willow's clinic who had been stalking her. Alice scowled at the pervert and, like a cat at the sight of a mous,e ran to the man. Seeing a charging Alice, the man panicked and began to run. "Stop you pervert!" shouted Alice as she chased the man. 

The man kept running until he reached an alleyway, where he took a turn to escape Alice. "Halt, fiend!" shouted Alice as she ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She was not going to be stalked like her sister; if the pervert wanted an eyeful of her, he would have to settle for Alice hitting him with Hobby Horse.

Alice turned the corner and ran down the alley. There, she found the man who had accidentally trapped himself. "You perverted brute, spying on me from a distance, are you!" shouted Alice as she formed her vorpal blade in her hand. She latched onto his mind, though something felt off. The brutish man turned to face Alice. His eyes were sunken, while his pupils were dilated, and his mouth was hanging open as a soft moan came out. And he looked half awake, and not fully there mentally. 

"You fiend, I am talking to you, why were you following me? Wanted a peek at my garments, wanted my money, well?" said Alice as she prepared to cut the man into pieces, mentally, of course. The man didn't say anything, he just swung one of his fists at Alice. Alice dodged out of the way and began firing pepper shots at the man. The man tried to block the pieces of pepper with his hands, but it did little to stop the assault as the pieces of pepper pierced his flesh. 

Alice stopped firing her Pepper Shaker and rushed forward at the man with Hobby Horse in hand. Alice hit the brute across the face with a strong swing before jumping up and slamming the metal toy down on his head. The thug was out cold in reality, though when he woke up he sure would feel as if Alice had hit him for real. However, Alice still had questions to ask him, and she wasn't going to wait till he woke up again, not that he was talkative before. Alice looked into the man's psyche and entered his Otherland.

Alice fell down and out of the top of a chimney and fell into what looked like an alternate London. Alice's dress caught her mid-fall and she floated down into the OtherLondon. Alice looked around at the new domain, it was an entire world in the shape of a circle like an angel's halo, this whole world was in a massive ring that went in a giant loop. Alice had fallen from the top of the ring and was falling to the bottom. Alice had to admi,t despite the weirdness of the man, the brute did have an interesting domain. Perhaps if he had a more playful personality, he would have imagined a train going all around the loop, Alice would have loved to ride such a thing. 

Alice landed at the "bottom" of the ring or perhaps it was the top, it was a ring after all it had no real top or bottom. Alice looked around the weird London and found the buildings looking almost distorted. Their gothic designs looked similar but just felt off in no way in particular, but still felt that way. The people of this ring London or Ringdon looked normal except they had the heads of squid. Their arms and tentacles faced upward with their mouths and their heads were technically their bodies, with human limbs still in the right place. The squid men moved like clockwork not paying Alice any mind, it was almost like they were hypnotized. 

Alice walked over to one of the squid men and tapped him on the shoulder. The Squid stopped and looked at Alice with one of its eyes, it waved a tentacle at Alice. "Ahm, yes, a pleasure to meet you Mr. Squid man, I am looking for someone, a brutish man about yea high, and looking half asleep." Alice tried to mimic the man's grunts to give the squid man some more clues. The squid gave out a clicking noise as it pointed at a white house. Alice gave a little curtsy to the squid man. "Thank you, Mr. Cephalopod," said Alice before walking away,

Alice ran over to the large white house. It was large and seemed almost similar to Dr. Willow's clinic. Alice guessed Dr. Willow had made quite an impact on the man's psyche.

Alice opened the door to the white house and walked inside. The inside was large and empty except for the man who stood completely still in the middle of the building. "There you are, you pervert, I had wondered where you had hidden, I wish to have a word." Alice formed her vorpal blade in her hand as she walked closer to the man. The man turned and faced Alice, but something was wrong, his face was covered by a white mask, and the mask looked like the Melpomene. The man didn't move; he only watched Alice. He moved with curiosity as he scanned Alice's movements, and stepped back when she got close.

Alice lowered her vorpal blade. Something was wrong here. This wasn't the mind of a pervert; this was something else entirely. Alice leapt forward and grabbed the man by his arm. The man didn't struggle, only watching Alice. Alice reached up and grabbed the mask on the man's face and tore it off. Alice let go of the man and screamed as the man had no face only a hole. 

"My brother... he drowned while I wasn't watching him. I left him by the pond, I went to talk to a girl. I should have been there," said the man through the hole in his head. Alice took a step back; she didn't know what was going on. She was about to respond to what the man said when another voice rang out. "A tragedy always occurs when we put ourselves first. Shame for your brother, the loss of a sibling is leaves quite a scar," said Dr. Willow. 

Alice looked around to see where the voice had been coming from. "Please, doctor, I just want the guilt to end," begged the man. There was a light chuckle from the voice of Dr. Willow, and Alice felt her spine shiver at the sound of it. "Don't worry, fixing guilt is rather easy; it's the price that's paid, that is the hard part."

Suddenly, the ground began to shake as everything turned white. "Wait, I'm not finished," shouted Alice

Alice was sent out of the man's mind, and the whiplash hit her like a sledgehammer. Alice shook her head as she looked down at the unconscious man, who was mumbling something as he groaned. "Hey, brute, why were you stalking me?" said Alice rather bluntly and annoyed. She wanted an answer. Alice kicked the man in the head out of frustration.

"Watch and observe," mumbled the man. "What?" replied Alice. "Observe and report," muttered the man before passing out completely. Alice scratched her head, "Watch, observe, report," she repeated. Had someone told him to stalk Alice, who would have him do that, and why? She had no enemies, and no one knew about her powers. Who would want her spied on? Alice tapped her foot as she thought it over, and a light bulb popped in Alice's head. The man had only seen Alice before at Dr. Willow's clinic, so perhaps it was time to pay Dr. Willow a visit for an answer.

It was late into the night, and Francis was tired; however, he had come as requested by Dr. Willow. Francis's eyes were sore and very baggy; he felt as if he was going to pass out soon. Francis hadn't realized how tired he gets at night; he usually falls asleep earlier. Francis reached Dr. Willows's house. It was a large grey building that wasn't very inviting. It was a tall white house with a grey roof, and there was no light from inside the building.

Francis opened the front door and walked inside. Francis was greeted by a large wooden staircase. "Dr. Willow!" shouted Francis into the dark building. There was a brief moment of silence. Francis believed he may have come late or, worse, entered the wrong house. "Franci,s you arrived," said Dr. Willow. Francis looked up and saw Dr. Willow standing on the top step dressed like an Egyptian pharaoh. "I did, now I think I shouldn't have," said Francis. "Nonsense, Francis, nonsense, come the night is young and the hour of the spirits is nigh." Dr. Willow gestured to Francis upstairs. 

Francis sighed, he knew this was a bad idea, and possibly a massive waste of time, but Dr. Willow was his doctor, so he didn't know best. Francis pulled out a cigar and lit it. He might as well get this over with. 

Francis followed Dr. Willow up the stairs and into a dimly lit room whose only light was provided by candles. In the room, Francis could see only four other people, each of them dressed in the same purple robes. They had Egyptian and other occult symbols over their robes. Francis didn't recognize any of the cultists, except for two; one was the owner of the London Opera House and the other was the governor of the Bank of England. 

"Francis is you please stand in the corner," said Dr. Willow as he pointed to the wall. Francis rolled his eyes and walked to the corner. He took a puff of his cigar as he watched with disinterest.

Dr. Willow stood in the center of the room and looked at his four followers. "Gentlemen, tonight we shall convene with the dead, the spirits surround us even now, but tonight we shall summon a specter." Francis looked around the room. He wondered if God wanted him to be here, for if the dead were really going to speak tonight, he knew they would have a lot to say about him.

Dr. Willow and his followers drew a Star of David on the floor before drawing a circle around it. The men then placed candles on each end of the star. Finally, Dr. Willow placed a burnt clock down in the center. 

Dr. Willow went and grabbed five shot glasses and handed them to the men, "Drink, gentlemen." All of the men drank whatever was in the shot glasses, though Francis was willing to bet goat's blood. "SUN ARAW!" shouted Dr. Willow. A bowl was brought before Dr. Willow, and he poured a dark liquid into the bowl, followed by a mysterious fluid he dripped in. Finally, Dr. Willow pulled out a small bundle of raven hair. "The piece of the child," said Dr. Willow as he dropped it into the bowl. There was a burst of blue fire. 

Francis' eyes widened, no, it couldn't be, he thought it just wasn't possible. Dr. Willow placed the bowl by his feet before he began to chant with a golden snake staff. "Arise, travelers, I Sol Ra call upon you from Saturn. I call upon one whose sphere has left this plane, I come calling this vessel. Arthur Liddell, come forth!" shouted Dr. Willow. "Vade Ad Infernum EA!" shouted the cultists, "EA Est Pessimus!" shouted Dr. Willow, "EA Sugit!" shouted the cultists.

"Arthur Liddell, do you hear me?" asked Dr. Willow. There was silence in the room, Francis felt his heart pound a little. Francis took another puff from his cigar as he watched on with more interest than he would like to admit.

However, nothing happened; there was nothing. Francis expected as much; it was all a waste of time. "Brothers, something is interrupting the pathway to the spirit plane!" Shouted Dr. Willow. The men then got down on their knees and began to recite words in Latin. Dr. Willow sat down before the watch and grabbed the burned hair from the bowl. Dr. Willow waved the hair in the air as he began to cry Arthur Liddell's name. "Arise, traveler Liddell, come greet thee, I Sol Ra call upon you. Arise from your inferno and meet with us upon this plane, come forth, your daughter lives." 

Nothing seemed to happen at first, per Francis's guess, until all the candles were snuffed out at once. There was then a knock on the door. Francis dropped the cigar from his mouth. No way was this real, he thought Willow was full of it. The chanting continued as everywhere around Francis became pitch black. Francis couldn't see anywhere in front of him or around him. "Arthur, hear us, the fire is over, your youngest daughter walks amongst the living, answer us here, tell us, does she see?" 

The knocking continued, although with much more intensity. "Are you going to get that, Francis?" said Dr. Willow. Francis looked around for the doctor, though he could not see him from the abyss. Suddenly, the door appeared before Francis, and another knock came from the other side. Francis walked over to the door and opened it up; however, instead of the ghost of Arthur Liddell it was the Soldier. Francis took a step back and yelled. "Doctor, is it him!" shouted Francis. "Yes, I know, it is him," replied Dr. Willow. 

The soldier stepped forward and grabbed Francis' shoulder. "I told you, but you didn't listen," said the Soldier. Francis yelled as he punched the soldier in the gut, but instead of harming the soldier, Francis found his arm covered with black goo. Francis saw the walls around him catch fire as he yelled out in terror. "You are weak..." said the soldier as he gripped Francis' neck. 

Francis fell to the ground screaming as the cultists and Dr. Willow continued chanting.

Chapter Text

Francis awoke in a sweat, everything was so hot like he was being cooked alive. It felt like a steam hammer was hitting his chest. Francis held his head as he tried to breathe. "Ah you're awake," said Dr. Willow as he walked into the bedroom with coffee. "Doctor what happened?" asked Francis in a daze. "Your soul was opened, as I said it would." Dr. Willow placed the coffee down on a table beside Francis. Francis leaped up and grabbed Dr. Willow by his shirt collar. "You bastard you call that helping me, it was like I was in hell!" shouted Francis. Dr. Willow looked unphased by Francis grabbing him, Dr. Willow raised his eyebrow, "But you rose above our mortal plane and saw him." remarked Dr. Willow.

Francis' face turned red, "I saw the damn Soldier, he appeared before us, how did you not see him, he grabbed me before everything went black." Dr. Willow's eyes widened in shock, "Wait, you didn't see Mr. Liddell, hmmm that is fascinating." Francis let go of Dr. Willow, "You said I wouldn't see him, and yet he still appears like the plague?" asked Francis in anger. "I believe your mind must have crossed with his, when I cast the spell. Perhaps I miscalculated and accidentally summoned him." Francis groaned, he knew coming to see Dr. Willow was a mistake, all of his occult magic was nothing but a tole on him. 

Dr. Willow sat down next to Francis and wrapped his arm around him. "Now now, Mr. Grimm, now don't fret, we are so close to fixing you. Your soul and mind are sick but we will cure them." Francis shoved Dr. Willow off of him, "No, you have been telling me this since forever, when will I be cured doctor, everything you have done for me has made things worse." hissed Francis. "Francis,  don't lie to me, before you came to my clinic you feared a violent outburst every time you walked outside, now your rage no longer erupts in the day. You feared you would kill someone did you not?" Francis slowly nodded, it was true, he feared his bloodlust would take over and he would kill someone, that urge to kill was like no other, he just had to hunt. "I went to you seeking a cure and I have received nightmares instead. I wanted you to fix what I am, I am a killer, I wanted to kill because I liked it, I like hurting people, and I hate that!" shouted Francis. Dr. Willow patted Francis on the back, "I know Francis, you feared facing the gallows or worse Rutledge, but simple night terrors are an improvement from what we started with, come with me back to the clinic, let us try something new."

Francis hesitated at first, but he felt himself guided by Dr. Willow. "Now Francis..." said Dr. Willow, and he obeyed.

Alice entered Dr. Willow's clinic with hate in each step she took, she stomped over to the receptionist and slammed her hand down on the desk. "I need to see Dr. Willow." Hissed Alice. She was going to lay into that little worm, she wanted answers, and if she received one she didn't like there would be hell to pay. "I'm sorry Miss Liddell, but Dr. Willow is not here right now." responded the receptionist in a cold tone. Alice slammed her hand down again. "Then where is he?" hissed Alice. 

"I am right here," said Dr. Willow, Alice turned around to see Dr. Willow standing in the doorway with a familiar-looking blonde man. There was something familiar about him, he smelled of cigars. "wait..." said Alice before she could say anything Dr. Willow placed his hand over Alice's mouth and brought her inside his office. Alice pushed herself away from Dr. Willow and punched him in the arm. "Get your hands off me you miscreant!" yelled Alice. "MY apologies Alice, I hadn't expected you, though I always have time for Arthur Liddell's daughter."

Alice spat at Dr. Willow, as she pointed at him in anger. "Don't play nice doctor, one of your minions has been stalking me, he said he was told to observe me!" shouted Alice. Dr. Willow didn't seem too surprised, in fact, he didn't say anything at all he just walked over and sat at his desk. "Are you listening you bastard, I will press charges!" shouted Alice. And she was serious, she may have been seen as a loon before but perhaps her newfound attention may benefit her. Alice wanted her watch and answers and she wanted it now.

Dr. Willow smiled as he pulled out a tea set. "I hear you Miss Liddell, and I just have to say it is my deepest apologies that this has happened. These sorts of things tend to happen, after all my patients here in the White Rose Society, all have a problem they come here for. Some tend to misinterpret what we teach here as orders to attack. I merely seek for them to observe the changes in their minds, not to seek out their desires." explained Dr. Willow. He placed a few sugar cubes in the tea cups as he poured out some tea. He then sprinkled bits of powder into the cups causing them to steam. Alice didn't know if Dr. Willow was lying or not, though she leaned more to the former, she had become very distrustful of Oxford psychiatrists, and Dr. Willow was no doubt a viper waiting to eat her.

"Alice come take a seat, Let's talk this over," said Dr. Willow as he gestured for Alice to come sit down with him. Alice grunted before finding herself taking a seat, "I will not be bribed!" shouted Alice as she crossed her arms. Dr. Willow grinned. "Oh Alice I am doing nothing of the sort, why would I bribe you, I am not responsible for my patient. Though I will still compensate you for whatever they had damaged, let us say three pounds?" Alice's face turned red, "I do not want your money, I want my watch!" shouted Alice.

Dr. Willow rolled his eyes, "This again Alice, please I'd say you're obsessed, but you have already proven that. Here have some tea." Dr. Willow handed Alice a cup of tea, she raised her nose at the idea, she would not be bribed, she wouldn't be. However the tea smelled so good, and Alice felt her mouth start to water. Alice looked down at the tea, "damn you doctor." said Alice as she grabbed the tea cup and began to drink it.

Dr. Willow smiled, "See tea, can always calm a heated confrontation." Alice was livid, though she admitted her addiction to tea was far more overpowering than her annoyance with Willow. Alice slurped the tea as her eyes rolled into the back of her head, it was so good. A smile formed on Alice's face though she tried her best to keep it from forming. "Now Alice let us end this tension between us. The watch is mine, let it go. Before a few days ago you hadn't even known it existed. I have owned it for years, it belongs to me."

Alice's head shot up as she eyed Dr. Willow. "But it's my fathers, it was stolen, you bought a stolen watch, it belongs to me." proclaimed Alice. Dr. Willow sighed. "If I buy you a watch will you let this issue rest?" asked Dr. Willow. Alice looked insulted, she could buy herself a watch, well now anyway, however, it wasn't about the watch, it was about it being her father's. It was a trinket of his, something that he still has in this world, she needed it. "No, I need that one doctor, and I will bring this to a judge."

Dr. Willow burst out laughing. "Alice I have owned that watch for far longer than you have known about it, you never even knew it existed till you found it in Archibald's journal, it belonged to your father not you, he is dead and it is a burnt relic. I have friends in high places Alice, you are a loon from an Asylum who will the court side with?" Alice felt a blood vessel pop, she was about to burst into an ear-bleeding rant. Except she didn't she saw the Cheshire cat appear in the corner and he shook his head." Alice bit her lip as she slammed her fist against Dr. Willow's table. "Fine doctor, I'll go to Archibald, he will confess, the criminal's word carries much more weight than your strings doctor."

Dr. Willow's smile went away, he stared at Alice blankly. "Oh I see you understand now, yes doctor, Archibald has to know about the transaction and how the watch was stolen, I can have him sing to the court about it all." Dr. Willow's mouth hung open for a second before he snapped out of his daze. He began to smile again, "Oh we will see won't we." said Dr. Willow as he sipped his tea.

Francis entered Dr. Willow's office, he found the doctor covering his mouth as he tried to hold in his rage. Dr. Willow tapped his finger on his desk furiously. "Doctor you alright, I saw that girl waltz out of here with a large smile on her face." Dr. Willow looked up at Francis and formed a smile. "It is nothing Francis, nothing that concerns you personally. Please take a seat." Francis took a seat on the couch and laid down on his back. "So what is it we are going to do?" asked Francis. What was the new plan Dr. Willow had for him, Francis hoped it wasn't any more midnight ghost calls. 

Dr. Willow walked over to Francis with his golden watch and a cup of tea. Dr. Willow handed Francis the tea without saying a word. Francis took the tea in confusion. "Doctor, I thought you said we are doing something different." Dr. Willow shook his head, "I don't have the proper ingredients, well do it tomorrow for now just drink." said Dr. Willow passive-aggressively. Francis drank the bitter tea and slurped it down in one gulp, Francis always hated tea, it was either too bitter or bland.

Dr. Willow let the watch swing in front of Francis. "Now Francis, look at the watch, think about what you wish to forget, think about Africa." Francis stared at the watch and thought back to the accursed hill. Then everything went white. Francis' body relaxed as his face formed a neutral expression.

Dr. Willow's smile went away and was replaced with an annoyed frown. "Awaken Soldier, you have a job to do. We have a problem, a little brat is going to make a fat pig squeal. I order you to head over to the jail on Mortier Street and kill Archibald Jessop. Kill anyone that gets in your way. Kill police, bystanders, and anyone who tries to stop you. Time is of the essence, move fast." Dr. Willow snapped his fingers and Francis tensed up, he began to move again as he slowly blinked. "Sorry Mr. Grimm, but I can't wait till tonight for him to come out. Francis blinked in a daze unaware of what Dr. Willow was saying. Dr. Willow grabbed the tea cup from Francis and smashed it over his head. Francis laid back unconscious. For a moment Francis did not move, but then his bloodshot eyes opened.

The Soldier climbed out of the sewer and stood before the Mortier Street Jail. In the broad day, he stood out like a sore thumb, however, if anyone was smart they would know not to approach him. The Soldier rushed towards the jail. Two policemen stood outside guarding the jail, and one of them saw him running towards them, the policeman's face turned into that of terror as he tried to pull out his baton and scream. The Soldier greeted him with a bayonet to the throat. He turned and faced the second police officer, who had taken out his baton and charged at the Soldier. He grabbed the policeman by his arm, he then pulled him closer and snapped his neck. The soldier dropped the limp body to the ground turned to face the jail door, and kicked it open. 

Inside there were three guards, two standing by the door and one at a desk. They all noticed the Soldier and were consumed with fear. The Soldier rushed to the first police officer and sliced open his stomach, the second police officer rushed towards the Soldier with a club in his hand. He hit the Soldier in the helmet, however, the Soldier repaid him by slitting his throat. The officer's blood splattered on the Soldier's face, however, it didn't bother him. A gunshot rang out from the third officer. the bullet hit the Soldier in the chest, however his chainmail blocked it. The Soldier looked at the confused and terrified guard and pulled out his hand cannon, splattering the guard's head along the wall behind him. 

The Soldier moved forward and was greeted by three more guards. They all had pistols and began to fire. Two shots hit the Soldier, one in the leg and the other in the torso both shots didn't penetrate him. The Soldier shot his hand cannon blasting a large hole into the first guard. He then hid behind a wall as the guards fired back. The Soldier peaked around the wall and fired a shot killing another guard. The final guard ran around the corner and tried to shoot him, the Soldier instead grabbed his gun from his hands and as a reward for his stupidity, hit him to the floor. The guard looked up at the Soldier just in time to see him stomp in his head, the Soldier gave four good stomps till the guard's head was a bloody pulp.

The Soldier moved on, he passed the remains of his victims and towards the stairs at the end of the building. From the top ran down an officer with a shotgun in hand, the Soldier quickly threw his bayonet into the officer's skull causing his body to fall down and land next to the Soldier's feet. The Soldier picked up the officer's shotgun, he checked the bullets inside before running up the stairs. He was met with two officer's one was a brutish man with muttonchops and the other was shorter but more burly with a brown beard. The two officers opened fire on him hitting him a few times in the chest, the soldier raised his shotgun and blasted the first officer's head off. 

The Soldier tried to shoot the final officer but before he could he was hit in the knee and then shot another five times. The Soldier fell to the floor, his chainmail may have protected him, but one of the bullets had gotten lodged in one of the chainmail plates, it did not pierce his skin but it would bruise and hurt like hell for a few days.

The Officer walked up to the downed soldier and cocked his pistol as he aimed it at the Soldier's head. "Dumb sonovabitch, think you can walk in here and kill us?" said the officer. The Soldier didn't respond, he instead stabbed into the officer's leg before standing up and putting his blade through the officer's skull. 

"Fred!" cried out a voice. The Soldier looked in front of him to see a black-haired girl standing outside of a jail cell, the Soldier eyed the girl as he marched over to her. The girl looked terrified of the Soldier, her green eyes held back tears as she raised up her arms as if to prepare for a punch. The Soldier tilted his head and studied the girl, she wasn't a threat, she was meaningless. He turned away from the girl to his target in the same cell. A fat man pissing himself in chains. "Oh god," he cried as he saw the Soldier standing there.

"Stop!" shouted the girl, the Soldier looked back over to her as she glared at him with tears in her eyes. She raised out her hand at him, suddenly everything felt off for a moment, Francis felt his body ache like he had been shot. However, that moment ended. The Soldier looked at the girl, her nose began to bleed as her legs began to wobble. The Soldier grabbed the girl by the throat. She gasped for air as she weakly hit his arm. The girl struggled to free herself as blood dripped from her nose. The Soldier then slammed her head against the cell door. BANG, her head hit the metal bar. Her limbs reacted as if she had no bones crumbling beneath her. The girl fell to the floor motionless. 

The Soldier turned his attention back to the target. The fat man stood shaking in fear, he tried to flee but was chained to the floor. "Please I don't know what you want, I did nothing to you,  I never stole anything, please. I-" The Fat man was cut silent as the Soldier grabbed him by his neck, the Soldier forced him to the floor, before wrapping his chain around his neck. The man's face turned from red to purple as the soldier began to tug. The man gagged as he slammed his hand to the floor. His eyes were popping out from his head as he struggled to free himself. The Soldier just pulled harder for all the man's efforts to escape.

Soon the man stopped moving entirely. The Soldier waited another minute before letting go, he brought his finger down onto his bloated and bruised neck and felt nothing. The Soldier stood up and walked away now finished with is mission.

Alice awoke with a sharp pain against her head. Alice raised her finger to her head, it hurt like hell and worse it was wet and gooey. Alice winced in pain, this hurt worse than Nurse Cratchet's brain operations. Alice looked to her left and nearly screamed if she could only muster enough strength to do so. Archibald lay dead, his face curled into a grotesque expression, his face was purple and bloated. There went another lead. Alice wasn't even able to get him talking before the Ripper came.

Alice cursed the Ripper under her breath as she tried to stand. But Alice wasn't strong enough. Alice unable to walk began to crawl, she crawled out of the jail cell and into the blood-filled hallway. Alice's vision began to become fuzzy. Alice crawled over to the body of Fred. She placed her hand on his lifeless corpse, and tears dripped from Alice's eyes, "I'm sorry." muttered Alice. Fred was one of the few people in the world who was nice to Alice. When she was taken to jail a few years back, Fred would always try and lift her spirit. Alice cursed the Red Ripper, she vowed that the bastard would pay for this. 

Soon Alice's vision became extremely blurry, and everything became white.

Chapter Text

Alice awoke in a jail cell. There was the unmistakable sound of clocks ticking everywhere. Alice raised herself up off the ground and looked at her current environment. She was in a compacted room, with gears and clocks moving on the walls. Alice walked over and tapped one of the clocks, the clock once touched stopped ticking, and turned around revealing a red eye. The eye blinked a bit as it stared at Alice. Alice took a step back, the little clock looked like an eyepot. Except without the boiling tea.

"My my look at the mess you have found yourself in," said a familiar voice. Alice turned to her cell door to see the Mad Hatter standing there. "Hatter where am I?" asked Alice looking at her small environment. "You are in prison, what's it look like? The why of it, now that is a different story." said the Hatter. "Hatter please tell me what's going on, something is terribly wrong." cried Alice. "Indeed, we had to lock you in there for your own safety, that masked ripper and that ghoulish form of yours is tearing up wonderland like how the Ripper tour up the jailhouse." 

"What happened to me, I feel all weird?" asked Alice. "The Ripper ripped you a new one, that's what happened, obviously you're not dead but you are bleeding out, for your own protection we have placed you here." explained the Mad Hatter. Alice began to panic, she couldn't bleed out. "Hatter I must get out of here, I can not die now." cried Alice. "Always with demands, Hatter I must know about the Infernal Train, Hatter what has corrupted my memories, Hatter let me out of this cage. You know if you took as much time thinking as you did asking you may not be here." complained the Mad Hatter "Thinking about what, what is there to think about I am on death's door as it is, there is no time to waste." cried Alice. "Wasting time you're right there is no time for that, but thinking oh my girl there certainly is. You though appear to be unable to do just that, fortunately, you are a very good listener, so perhaps listening is your next best option."

The Mad Hatter pulled a switch from out of Alice's point of view which caused the door to her cell to open. "Come on now Alice, it's time to see your lawyer." said the Hatter. "Lawyer, since when have I ever needed a lawyer?" asked Alice. She had a distrust for lawyers, after all, she had to deal with that pig Radcliffe taking her family's fortune. Alice was only thankful Radcliff was dead, she would never have to see his pig-like face ever again. "I believe this one is more for your liking." said the Mad Hatter

 Alice followed the Mad Hatter out of her cell and into a massive clockwork prison. Each Prison cell shifted and turned with the gears moving from place to place every minute. Alice and the hatter stood on a little white square that was moved by mechanical pistons and track. The two were lifted up and moved forward. "Hatter, what is this place?" asked Alice. "A clockwork prison, built to hold all the insidious thoughts in your mind, was made so we would never have another Infernal Train incident, though you have made one yourself," said Hatter. "Well it wasn't my intention to unleash that infernal hell beast here," replied Alice. "Yes, it may not have been, but when has that stopped you from bringing forth your own destruction."

The floor plate stopped as it arrived at a long white hallway. The Hatter and Alice stepped off the platform and walked down the Hallway. At the end they reached a metal door, the Mad Hatter opened the door for Alice and walked her inside. The room was a decent size with a brown table with a tea set on top. There were four red chairs surrounding the table. However, one of the chairs was occupied. Alice formed an expression of surprise to mild displeasure. "You?" said Alice with utter annoyance. She pointed at her "lawyer" with anger. "Yes it's me." said the Cheshire Cat. "I will leave you two to it, client confidentiality and all that." said the mad Hatter as he closed the door behind Alice. 

Alice ran over to the cat, she wanted answers and she wanted them now. "Cat, explain yourself, what is going on." said a very annoyed Alice. "You want to know what is happening, what is happening is that there is a killer on the run and you are on the ground bleeding." Alice took slight offense to the Cheshire Cats' comment, "What it isn't my fault I am dying." remarked Alice. "Your right, you are not dying, but the reason for all this is your fault." Alice shook her head, how was this her fault, there was no crime she committed, she was the victim. "How so?" asked Alice as she crossed her arms. "Your obsession with your father's watch, you've made the trinket your whole world. You've stopped looking at the world around you and only looked at that watch. A killer is loose in London and you cared only for the past." remarked the Cheshire Cat. Alice scoffed. "It wasn't like he left a paper trail, I don't even know who he is." hissed Alice. The Cheshire Cat shook his head, "You do, you've just been too distracted to look." Alice stood in confusion, where had she seen the Red Ripper, would she have even known if she had, he wore a mask? "Who is it then, where would I have met the butcher?" asked Alice. "Alice, only you know, perhaps seek out the Ripper in your own mind, perhaps he has the answer." Alice gave a light groan sometimes she hated the Cat's answers.

Alice sighed and placed her hands on her hips, "Tell me cat, why is that hell raiser in my mind, and how is Hysteria now alive?" Alice wanted to know how the Ripper could be in her own mind and be able to block her from his Otherlands. Unless he had powers himself, Alice believed she was the only one with such an ability. "You brought him here when you entered his mind, the creature you brought exits in every living thing, the two of you just happen to have that piece be Alice, the ripper has the ripper as you have Hysteria. Bloodlust is a word for it." explained the Cheshire cat. "Anyway to stop the two of them, one is invincible after all?" asked Alice. However, the Cheshire Cat shook his head. "What did the Mad Hatter tell you about asking, perhaps you should start thinking, now get going they should be here soon." the Cheshire Cat then disappeared before Alice. Alice scowled, "Mangy cat," spat Alice. 

Suddenly a wall opened up next to Alice. It revealed an elevator for Alice, seeing the way out Alice entered the elevator. The inside was cramped but also had over a thousand buttons, however, there was only one lit, Alice with literally no other option pressed the button. The doors closed before Alice followed by the elevator shaking, and the elevator began to move. Alice stood in the belly of the elevator for around a minute before it opened up revealing a massive maze of rotating doors.

The doors were long and silver and would fit together when they met one another, though after a minute they would rotate again. Alice walked out and stood before the series of doors. She guessed they were built in an x shape from the way they fit into the ceiling. As Alice stood there, from the floor came up a silver lever. Alice noticing the lever grabbed it and pulled as hard as she could. A large clicking sound was heard as the doors began to shift again, a path opened up in front of Alice. Seeing the Nealy opened path Alice walked into it.

Alice was halted again by another blocked passageway. Before she popped out four levers, Alice looked at the levers with confusion, how was she supposed to figure this out? She loved puzzles almost as much as she loved tea, but this seemed a tad bit confusing. Alice with little instruction, pulled the first lever to her right, the door to her right opened as the door behind her moved shut. Alice tapped her finger to her chin and pulled the lever to the left of her. The door to her right closed and the door in front of her and to the left of her opened. "Ah I see it is a sequence," said Alice aloud. Alice ran straight forward into the door ahead of her. Alice once she figured out how the puzzle worked became quite good at the maze.

However, it didn't take long until Alice received the feeling she was lost. "No this isn't right, I believe I have been here before," said Alice. Alice feared at this rate she would die in the maze before she died back in the real world. Alice in an act of desperation picked a random lever, the door to her right opened. Alice went to go through the lever but froze when she saw the Red Ripper walk by, though this time he looked like he was melting, Ruin was dripping from his feet and hands. Alice pulled out her vorpal blade and ran into the room after him, though to Alice's shock, he had disappeared. 

Alice looked around for Mr. Death, he couldn't have gone far Alice believed. Suddenly a loud scream occurred right behind Alice as some sort of blast sent her flying across the room, Alice hit the wall with a thud before falling to the floor. She looked up to see Hysteria standing before her. Hysteria pointed her flesh-covered vorpal cleaver and screamed at Alice. Alice stood up and charged at her double with her blade. The two locked blades followed by the two of them slashing their blades together. sparks flew through the air as Alice brought her blade against the copies. 

Hysteria hissed at Alice and reached out and grabbed her by the hair, Alice yelled as Hysteria tugged on her hair and pulled her to the ground. Histeria brought out her bandaged-covered Hobby Horse and tried to smash Alice with it. Alice seeing she was about to be flattened rolled out of the way, just as Bloody Horse hit the ground. Alice stood up and fired her tea cannon at Hysteria, the tea burst onto the copy, however, it did little to damage Hysteria, only making her rage more intense. Hysteria leaped forward and tried to gut Alice. Thinking on her feet Alice turned into a cloud of butterflies to avoid her impending gutting and dashed away.

Alice reappeared behind Hysteria and pulled one of the levers, one of the four doors opened and Alice dashed inside. Once inside Alice pulled another lever closing the door on Hysteria. Alice took a quick breather as she barely got away with her life. Things were quite more difficult when the foe she was fighting was invincible, and also one of her former forms. Alice tried to calm her mind. "Focus, I need to find a way out of this accursed place, and possibly kill Hysteria without her killing me."

Alice turned and pulled another lever, and a different door opened up, from the door flew in a swarm of ravens that appeared before Alice. Suddenly Hysteria formed from the ravens and charged Alice. Alice dashed out of the way of Hysteria's strike and when given the opportunity Alice thought of the only thing she hadn't tried, or well was desperate enough to try. Alice ran over to Hysteria, fist clenched, and punched her double right in the cheek. The punch hurt Alice's hand, she shook her hand in pain as she kissed the spot that hurt the most. Hysteria on the other hand felt where Alice had punched her before turning to Alice with pure rage in her red eyes. Alice reading the room began sprinting away,

Alice ran through the door Hysteria came from and into a wider more spacious room. Alice ran into the center, where the ground began to lift her up. Hysteria came running up behind Alice with her blade aimed at Alice's heart. Alice turned into a cloud of butterflies and moved out of harm's way. Hysteria then turned into a pack of Ravens and tried to eat Alice's butterflies. Alice reappeared and began trying to blast the ravens out of the air with her tea cannon the birds dispersed before reappearing before Alice. Hysteria reformed herself and tried to fire off her bloody pepper shaker at Alice. Alice pulled out Hobby Horse and hit the blood shaker away from Hysteria. Hysteria screamed at Alice before trying to leap onto her with murderous intent. Alice moved out of Hysteria's way, this time taking a page out of her book, Alice grabbed Hysteria by her white hair. Hysteria made an ear-bleeding scream as she tried to butcher Alice with her cleaver. Alice with all her might pulled on Hysteria's hair before tossing her off the rising platform. Hysteria hissed all the way down as Alice was lifted up into another room.

Alice became blinded by light as she was lifted up on top of a giant pocket watch. Alice looked around her to see a view of most of the Hatter's domain. Suddenly everything seemed to go dark, greenish-black ooze appeared on the ground, it looked to be ruin. No, it could not be, it was something else, something more corrosive and acted more like blood. "There you are, girl." Hissed a voice coming from behind Alice. She turned and was greeted by the Red Ripper dripping ooze from every opening in his body.

"Come here to finish the job?" snarked Alice. The Ripper shook his head, "No I believe you will do that for me." said the Ripper in a mix of a male and female voice, there was also a more animalistic voice in between. "What are you rambling about, if you have something to say then say it." hissed Alice, she had no time for the Ripper's vagueness. "You don't know? Alice this puzzle is bigger than you, more pieces than you realize, you've wondered so long in the dark you hardly notice that it is raining. Perhaps you should open your eyes." Alice rolled her eyes, "Is there a point to this, last time we talked I recall you saying I liked hurting people." The Ripper laughed. "There always is, we just don't realize it, some don't understand it, and others don't want to. What if I told you Alice that deep inside you are an animal." Alice  again rolled her eyes, "Care to explain or do I have to interpret everything you say as some vague metaphor?" The Ripper shook his head. "Maybe wake up Alice. You are a wolf like a man in the mask, but here you are a lamb. You are in a concrete jungle, and it's almost midnight, the wolves are out hunting, will you be the prey or the predator? You have the force to be queen of the jungle, to hunt, to rule. We all have a bit of animal inside of us."

Alice scoffed, "I am not some killer, I don't find amusement in murder. I am not like you or the Ripper!" shouted Alice defensively, she had no desire to hurt the innocent, evil was to abundant in this world, it was to easy to be an abuser, she wouldn't use her powers like her tormenter, she would be the savior of the innocent. "You can lie to me, you can lie to yourself, but you can't lie to God. Hysteria is alive and well in your mind. You hurt people, evil people yes, but still people, that isn't a bad thing, you just have to admit it." explained the Ripper. Alice shook her head, that wasn't true it was different she only killed Bumby the others she just punished for their crimes. And she couldn't be blamed for Hysteria, Hysteria was just a remnant of her shattered mind, a product of her damaged psyche under Bumby, it wasn't her, no wait, it wasn't truly her. "That is nothing but a ghost of a damaged mind." The Ripper shook his head, "No, it is much more. You know it, I know it. Stop denying it. She existed in you always, since the fire. A little bloodlust wanting more, you just have denied her the satisfaction. You should let her out." 

Alice pulled out her Vorpal Blade, "Well she can keep waiting, I will not be like the masked killer." The Ripper shook his head again, "Two sides of the same coin, you two cut and maim, though he does have more blood than you. I say you are both born from trauma and carved by the same scythe. Did you ever wonder who the man was behind the mask, what burden the Soldier bears as well?" explained the Ripper. "I assume you know, you came from his mind after all?" The Ripper nodded, "I do, and you know too, you just need to wake up and see. It is time for you to smell the roses."

Alice didn't understand what the Ripper was saying, but then she smelt it. "Cigars I smell cigars... no they are different, a strange brand, I smelt it before on the Ripper and on someone else?" said Alice. Her head began to pound, and Alice winced in pain as she gripped her head. The Ripper's face began to melt, his helmet and mask fell off revealing ooze-covered hair, and a doll mask. "Think Alice, think, before death comes." said the Ripper.

Alice shook her head, "No, wait what is happening?" cried Alice in pain. Suddenly everything went white.

There was a light buzzing sound as flies flew around the room, everything was cold, Alice lay on a small bed with a thin sheet covering her. Her clothes were gone, except for a white hospital gown. Alice looked around where she was, everything was white, the walls, the ceiling, the floor. Beside Alice was a metal slab with bloody cloth sitting atop it.

Alice felt a sharp pain in her head, she raised her hand to her forehead and felt a pair of bandages wrapped around her head. Alice winced in pain as she touched her wound. Alice leaned up and looked around for anyone, but there was no one, she was left alone. "Come now Alice, there is much work to be done." said the White Rabbit, from somewhere unseen. Alice felt a sharp pain in her head, and the world around her became fuzzy.

 Alice tried to stand but fell to the floor. Her legs were numb and weak, they couldn't hold Alice's own weight. Alice lay on the dirty blood blood-covered floor. Alice looked up and saw a metal door, a way out. Alice began to crawl, she tried her hardest to move, however, Alice was very slow, moving at a snail's pace as she tried to push herself forward. "Hurry now Alice, there is no time to doddle, time waits for no one." said the Mad Hatter from someplace Alice couldn't see. 

Alice kept crawling and with each inch she made her vision only blurred more. Alice crawled over to the door and used her mass to pull herself up and grab the door handle. "Come now Alice, no more games, it is time to move." said the Cheshire Cat. Alice pulled open the door and everything went white.

Francis awoke in a sweat, he began to cough profusely. He lay bruised and in pain on his bed. His room was a mess. His mind raced, he couldn't remember anything past visiting Dr. Willow's office, that was besides that black-haired girl. Who was she? 

Suddenly Francis felt something foul build up in his stomach, he pulled himself out of bed and ran to the bathroom. Francis barely reached the toilet when he began to vomit. He felt putrid bile exit his mouth, he watched as black ooze left his body. His head raced as his stomach hurt. 

"Francis," said a voice. Francis looked to his right to see the Soldier standing there. Francis yelled and fell back against the wall. Francis pointed at the figure with his shaking hand. "Go away, go away, get out of here!" shouted Francis. The Soldier shook his head, he walked over, and knelt down in front of Francis. "There is much work to be done soldier, get up boy." said the Soldier. "No leave me alone!" shouted Francis. "You are weak, you are a killer, you keep denying your nature. This story only ends one way, and we both know how. You know what is happening don't you." said the Soldier. Francis shook his head, he wasn't a monster, he wasn't a killer. "No, no, I am not listening to you, get the hell out of here!" shouted Francis. 

"You deny your purpose, you know what is going on, you are not the victim. Wake up soldier, stop denying what you are, we are all animals whether you like it or not. Whatever road you walk ends the same, you know it as well as I do, so why are you still walking?" Francis didn't respond he just started hitting the back of his head against the wall, he yelled out in pain, and he screamed in agony as he tried to cover his ears. 

"You like it, you can pretend to hate it but you like it, that is why you have done nothing. You are weak, you keep playing the prey, so you become the prey. But that was just an excuse, wake up soldier, stop your crying. The blood was always on your hands." Francis still said nothing, he just stopped moving, and his lips began to quiver as he gritted his teeth. "You keep lying, why, we know, you know, God knows. Stop lying, just stop lying."

Francis stood up and shoved his hand into the Soldier's chest, she tore it into his stomach and ripped out the vile black goo. The Soldier then began to laugh as Francis tore more into him, and more vile goo came out. All Francis could do was scream.

Chapter Text

He entered the dark warehouse, this was where his target was hiding, this was where the target shipped his products, narcotics, silk, labor, and sexual pleasure, it was all right here. The Soldier walked towards the center of the warehouse and looked around something was wrong, suddenly light filled the entire room as lanterns were lit. About two dozen men stood surrounding the Soldier, each of them had a gun in their hand, whether it be a revolver, pistol, shotgun, or hunting rifle. 

Upon a balcony came a man in a black suit. He was not the target, he was someone unimportant. The man was bald and had only an orange beard around his mouth. "Look who finally showed up, the nightmare in red, Mr. Death himself. Oh what were you expecting Gout?" said the man. The Soldier said nothing only staring at the man. "Did you think we wouldn't catch on, it's not exactly a mystery, you were taking us out one by one, it was not hard to figure you'd come here. You thought you could fuck with the largest crime syndicate in London and get away with it? Well, guess again you daft bastard." The Soldier's eyes darted around the room, he counted how many men were standing there, how many held guns compared to knives, who and what was in arms reach.

"You've been a real pain in the ass for us, threw a wrench in the whole operation you did, and we had to relocate the "product" from this here warehouse because of you. I bet you are real overjoyed." said the man. Still, the Soldier said nothing. "Quiet are you, so we've heard. I'll admit you are one crazy sod I'll give you that, you killed all those blue shirts with ease, and now you come for us, you got balls I tell you what."

The soldier looked around at the men pointing guns at him and then at the man, still silent. "I say you are a scary cod, with that mask. I wonder what is underneath, I heard you are some girl in a blue dress, others say you're the devil. I say your fuckin dead. You've fucked with us for the last time, now we are going to fuck you. Kill 'em boys, and avoid his head boss wants it as a trophy." 

The men moved out of the way of each other and began to open fire at the Soldier. The Soldier tried to pull out his hand cannon but was hit through the shoulder by a bullet, his armor withstood some of the bullets but the far better rifles pierced through. Seven bullets pierced through his armor. The Soldier fell to his knees as he fell to the floor. The firing stopped.

"So ends the Red Ripper, now take off his mask, let's see what he looks like underneath. One of the thugs walked up to the Soldier's body. He knelt down to grab his mask when a bayonet went through his head. "No way it's impossible!" shouted the man. The Soldier stood up, he eyed everyone in the room, the men that outnumbered him looked on in horror at the still-living Soldier. Mouths were hung open some were trembling, others looked on in anger. The Soldier took the dead man's pistol and his hand cannon and began to fire them both off rapidly, he spun around as he fired off shot after shot. The sound of gunfire was deafening, when it was over the only sound that could be heard was clicks.

Twelve bodies fell to the ground. The Soldier threw his guns to the ground and pulled out his bayonet. Four men made a run for the exit while the others stayed. 

The Soldier rushed towards the three remaining men, he ran up and grabbed the first one's head, and stabbed his blade through his eye. Threw the man to the ground and took his rifle, he pointed the rifle at the second man and shot a bullet through his head. The final man fired a shot into the Soldier, as punishment the Soldier threw his bayonet into his skull.

The Soldier walked up to the final man's body and pulled out his bayonet. He then walked to where the gang leader was standing. The once cocky man now stood in absolute terror. "What are you?" he asked the man as he backed away from the Soldier. The Soldier didn't respond he only moved closer. The man raised his arms up, "I surrender, please don't hurt me I can tell you where Gout is." said the man. The Soldier stopped in his tracks and tilted his head. "Gout is in his ivory tower down on Mosley Street. There only are a few guards there, he thinks you are dead." 

The Soldier grabbed the man by the neck and threw him off the balcony, the man hit the ground with a thud. The Soldier grabbed a nearby lantern he placed his bayonet inside. He then began to cauterize his wounds. Once done he took the lantern and walked down to where the man was lying. He had landed awkwardly and was unable to move. "Please, please no!" begged the man. The Soldier said nothing as he dumped the oil lantern on him, the man and the floor caught fire almost instantly. The man screamed in agony as he was consumed by fire. The soldier turned and headed for the exit as the building began to burn. 

The Soldier began to limp but he had to keep himself together, he had a target to kill.

"Alice, wake up please!" called out Reggie. 

Alice awoke in a bright green field. Dodos flew above her as the smiling sun shined down on her face. Alice stood up, and from the bed of grass she fell upon herself in a massive cricket field. "Of all the places..." Alice mumbled to herself. The field was massive with giant stands and balloons and stuffed animals. Alice felt it was too overtly cute, perhaps though Reggie would like it for the cricket only. 

In the center of the field, there was a gathering of puppets and doll children. They stood around a stage where Mockturtle stood. "And you need to go there, and the doll team will be here. Oh where is the balls, where is the coach, oh this is tragic." cried the Mock Turtle. Alice walked through the crowd and up to Mock Turtle. "What seems to be the problem?" asked Alice. The Mock Turtle looked down to see Alice standing there. "Oh Alice, it's you, I feared you were butchered, well no matter now that you are here can you help me out here," said Mock Turtle. "I don't play cricket," responded Alice. She hasn't and will never play cricket, she had no interest in the sport, and the only reason she put up with it was for Reggie. "Oh please Alice help us, you do not have to play you just need to find the referee." pleaded the Mock Turtle. "Wait, I thought you were the referee?" asked Alice. Mock Turtle shook his head. "Of course not, don't be silly. I am just here to organize the event." Alice stood and wondered what was the difference, could he not just be the referee himself? "Fine, but know I need to be somewhere soon. I need to find out the identity of the Red Ripper, he is somewhere in my mind," said Alice. The Mock Turtle nodded. "Oh, I see, the Red Queen may know, if you bring me the referee I will take you to her."

The Red Queen? Alice thought, what would she have to tell her? "Do you think the Red Queen is in a talkative mood?" asked Alice. The Mock Turtle nodded, "Oh yes she has been much more benevolent lately, I will send you to her, don't you worry." Alice laughed, "The Red Queen, benevolent, Wonderland has truly gone mad." said Alice. "It's the truth, believe it or not, now enough chit-chat, go get find me the referee. He is over in the rose garden," ordered Mock Turtle. Alice rolled her eyes, turned around and wadded through the crowd of people. 

Alice sighed and walked over to the rose maze, she wondered why no one else could do their own damn tasks.

Alice entered the rose. She had traveled the area before, once when she first arrived in Wonderland, a second time when she was in a coma, and a third time when she fought the executioner. Alice at this point knew the entire maze like it was on the back of her hand. Alice wandered a good distance through the maze until she found a wide open area where a cricket bat lay. Alice walked over to the bat and picked it up, it was slightly heavy but felt alright. Alice grabbed the handle and mimicked how Reggie would swing. It felt a tad bit good to swing, Alice understood now why Reggie liked swinging the bat.

Suddenly from all sides walked in men, in black suits, with white masks resembling the Melpomene and Thalia masks. They stood before Alice as they pointed at her, before charging with murderous intent. Alice readied her bat and swung at the first suit. He went flying back before bursting into smoke. Two more suits ran at Alice. A ball formed in Alice's hand, she threw it up and hit it with her bat, it flew through both of the suits turning them into smoke. 

The two remaining suits stood still and looked at Alice, one ran to the left while the other ran to the right. Alice ran up to the left suit and hit his head clean off with her bat, the final suit ran up behind Alice, and before he could do anything she swung the bat into his chest causing him to burst into smoke. 

Alice spun the bat in her hand as she swung it in the air, "If cricket was more like this I may enjoy it" said Alice aloud. "Is that a smile on your face, perhaps you should not judge young Reggie anymore." said the Cheshire Cat with a grin. "I blame him for no such thing, I like he has a hobby he loves. He is so cute when he talks about it, though perhaps I was a bit too harsh on the sport." The Cheshire Cat nodded, "Indeed you have, perhaps next time pay closer attention... for Reggie's sake." The Cheshire Cat then disappeared without a trace

Alice walked on through the maze searching for Mock Turtle's missing referee. Alice wandered a bit before arriving at a gory scene. A doll child laid cut to pieces, its body parts spread everywhere. It was a gory sight to behold, Alice stood in horror at who could have done such a thing. The little Doll Child was utterly splattered and her little head which held a cricket referee hat was impaled on a stake. Alice tightened her fist, whoever was responsible was going to pay.

Alice's question was soon answered when she turned around and saw an oozing figure walk away. Alice pointed at the creature with her bat and called out. "Halt monster!" But the monster didn't listen it only walked away. Alice chased after the monster into the maze but quickly lost the monster in seconds.

Alice looked around, it was impossible it couldn't have just vanished, it was nearly a close distance from Alice. Seeing the murderous fiend had escaped Alice she ran back to Mock Turtle to let him know the bad news. As Alice made her way to the exit, a foul smell appeared, one that Alice recognized immediately, it was the smell of fire. Alice's heart began to race, as she ran as fast as she could back to the cricket field. 

Before her was a massive inferno, Hysteria stood before a gory field as she picked up Mock Turtle by his neck. The cricket field was covered in flesh and blood, bodies lay dead and dying as a path of mayhem led to Hysteria on stage. "Now please, as a member of the reptile association, I implore you not to rip my head off. I lost my train and my ship please don't take my head too."

Alice watched in horror as Hysteria proceeded to tear off Mock Turtle's head, "No!" shouted Alice at the sight of her friend's dismemberment, the mock turtle's body was thrown by Alice's feet. Alice knelt down and placed her hand on the Mock Turtle's body. Tears filled her eyes as she touched his arm. He was one of her oldest friends, she remembered how she helped him take back his shell from the Duchess, and how she fought off ship sharks with him in the ocean. Alice shed tears for her friend, he had made her an honorary reptile, and she patted him on his shell as a sign of respect. 

Hysteria screamed in rage as she looked upon Alice, Hysteria jumped off the stage and rushed forward at Alice. She pulled out her cleaver and prepared to cut Alice down. Alice stood up with fire in her eyes and hit Hysteria across the face with her bat. Hysteria hit the dirt hard, as Alice spat at her. Hysteria pulled herself off the ground and charged at Alice again. Alice dashed to the side and swung the bat into Hysteria's chest. Hysteria gripped her stomach in pain as her screams went silent due to the loss of air. Alice grabbed Hysteria by her hair and swung the bat into Hysteria's face. Hysteria fell to the ground in pain, she made light hissing sounds as she held her chest.

Alice stood over Hysteria prepared to smash her head in with the cricket bat, Alice lifted the bat up and swung it down. However Hysteria reached out her arm and caught the bat, she tore the bat away from Alice and destroyed it in her hand. Hysteria then turned into a swarm of ravens and flew behind Alice. The murder of crows united back into its host. Hysteria slashed Alice across the chest with her cleaver. Blood splashed across the field. Alice cried out in pain though was shortly silenced when Hysteria grabbed her by the throat. Hysteria picked Alice up and threw her into the surrounding stands.

The very wooden stands broke like twigs when Alice hit them. Luckily no observer was injured, everyone at the Mockturtles gathering had already fled the area so Alice had not hit anybody when she fell through the stands.

Alice pulled herself off the ground and dusted herself off. She popped her back and rolled her arms as she adjusted herself from her terrible fall. Alice cursed her own madness for Hysteria. Why couldn't her insane form be less violent, why couldn't her mind have created a form that sang nursery rimes or hymns when she fell off the mental edge, or something far less likely to throw her through a wooden stand?

While Alice thought over the current situation she failed to notice the world around her change in the blink of an eye. Alice looked around and found herself in a dark room. Large boxes were all around Alice. Sports equipment and doll parts filled up and out of the boxes, but what caught Alice's attention the most was a jack-in-the-box, made of grey fur. Alice walked over to the Jack in the Box and began to play with the toy. Suddenly a skull popped out of the box and sprayed Alice with a red mist.

Alice covered her face as the mist burned her flesh. Alice felt her heart burst into flames, horns grew out of her head, her nails grew long and sharp, bones pierced out of her back, her teeth grew long and sharp, and her skin turned a bright red. Alice let out a loud scream sharp enough to challenge any demon from hell. A formless smile appeared before Alice, followed by a feline body. "I thought you could use a boost, though Red does not always last on those who do not fit it." said the Cheshire Cat before disappearing.

Alice turned to the hole where she crashed in and leaped out. Alice landed back in the Cricket court where she stared down Hysteria. Alice and Hysteria both shot glances of pure hatred at one another. Hysteria charged at Alice with her cleaver aimed for Alice's neck. But when Hysteria went for the kill Alice grabbed her arm. Hysteria's eyes widened, right before Alice swung her around and tossed her up into the air. Alice pulled out Hobby Horse and hit Hysteria across the field. Alice made a sinister laugh as she watched Hysteria fly through the air and hit the dirt.

A loud scream was heard from Hysteria as she pulled herself up. There was a blast of energy from where Hysteria stood right before a swarm of Ravens shot forward at Alice like bullets. One by one they came to Alice hitting her with their beaks, though with her newfound strength, Alice felt nothing. Alice began to swat away the ravens as if they were flies to a body. Hysteria reappeared behind Alice and tried to cut off her head. However, Alice turned around and hit Hysteria in the face with the butt of Hobby Horse. Hysteria stumbled back before Alice tried to swing Hobby horse down upon her.

Hysteria quickly moved and grabbed Hobby Horse mid-air. The two rage-bound girls then began to pull Hobby Horse away from the other one. When Hysteria pulled Alice pulled harder back, when Alice pulled harder back, Hysteria pulled back even harder. But like with all fights over toys things turned physical as Alice shoved her claws into Hysteria's face. 

Hysteria let go of Hobby Horse as she screeched in pain. Alice then hit Hysteria over the head with Hobby Horse sending her face first into the dirt. Alice knelt down and began to hit Hysteria over and over again with her fists. Alice began to laugh over and over again as she hit Hysteria. However with each punch her intensity weakened, until Alice found her body changing back to normal. Alice looked down at her hands to see her normal snow-like skin and her arms spike-free. 

Alice glanced at Hysteria with slight distress as her double rose up with heat emanating from her body. Hysteria's eyes were literally on fire as her face contorted into pure rage. There was a loud explosion of pure rage, the energy blast sent Alice flying before landing hard on the ground. Alice let out a high-pitched croak as she hit the ground with a thump. Hysteria stood and laid on top of Alice, she grabbed Alice's hair as she raised her cleaver up and prepared to cut off her head. 

Suddenly a red tentacle flew through the air and hit Hysteria off of Alice. Hysteria flew a good distance before hitting the ground. Alice leaned up just as a red tentacle wrapped around her and pulled her away into the rose maze.

The Soldier stood before the massive tower, it was at least four stories high and built with white marble. Statues of gargoyles hung from the sides, as the gothic design caused a haunting look. The windows all shined light from them, there were possibly over a hundred people inside, though the Soldier only cared about one. 

The Soldier walked up and kicked open the front door. The inside was a pearl, ivory, and marble cacophony. A reception desk stood with three men awaiting at least seven guests. The walls were decorated with Ivory pillars, an elephant head hung from the far right wall in a lounge of sorts, and to the far left was a bar. 

Everyone turned and looked on in horror at the blood-covered figure standing in the doorway. Every soul in the area looked at the Soldier in fear. There were two well-dressed thugs by the bar, even they looked on in horror, the Soldier could see the terror in their eyes, they contemplated attacking him but decided against it.

The Soldier walked on through the hotel, leaving behind bloody footprints with each step he took. The Soldier walked up to the front desk, everyone that was in line scattered when he approached, the poor receptionist stood completely still as sweat dripped from his brow. The Soldier reached out and took the key that hung from his belt. He then made his way to the steel elevator. The Soldier placed the key into a lock by the elevator door and opened it. The Soldier entered the elevator and pressed up.

The elevator began to move as it lifted the Soldier up, it took about three minutes for the Soldier to reach the top. He was met with three well-dressed thugs. They pointed their pistols at the Soldier and opened fire. The three shots hit the Soldier without doing anything, the Soldier rushed forward with his bayonet and slit the first thug's throat. He then took the gun from the first thug and shot the second thug through the head with it. 

The final thug tried to shoot the soldier in the head but his gun jammed, he looked forward and screamed as the soldier shot him through the chest. The Soldier proceeded to reload the pistol before marching onward. The Soldier walked a good distance before rounding a corner. Before him was a large ivory door. The Soldier walked up to the door and kicked it open.

The Soldier was greeted with a large open room. A lion skin carpet stood before an ivory desk, surrounded by other stuffed wildlife, a stuffed bear to his right and a stuffed gorilla to his left. The walls hung with trophies from almost every big game animal, tusks, fangs, and heads, all hung from mounts on the walls. Most interestingly of all human hands were mounted to one wall decoration. Sitting at the very end of the room by a large window was the target. A burly man with short brown hair, and a friendly muttonchop beard. His eyes were a dark blue with a scar going down his left cheek. He wore a white suit with a red tie and held human teeth as tie and cufflinks. The most noticeable piece of the man's wardrobe was the human finger necklace he wore around his neck.

Alister Gout sat with his legs on his desk next to a human skull. He lit a cigar and gave out a puff of smoke. A smile crept along his face.

"So you are the one who has caused me so much trouble, I heard you are supposed to be dead." Gout gave a light sigh, "You killed the men I sent didn't you?" The Soldier didn't respond. "That's right you don't talk, do you? You know I always knew this day would come, always anticipated it to be by a lion, or the hangman's rope, or even a bullet by the better man. But here I am about to be done in by the ghost of Rutledge." The Soldier still didn't speak. "Tell me, please tell me, just what was all of this for? Did I kill your brother, whore your daughter, or get your sister hooked on dope?" There was only silence. Alister Gout chuckled to himself. "Figures... so here we are, me the king of the jungle and you the nightmare in red. You've thrown quite the wrench into my operation, killed my lieutenants, killed my lawyer, killed my suppliers, and killed the men I sent after you. I have to say you are one crazy cod."

The man took another puff of his cigar. "The paper seems to believe you just started slaughtering my men two months ago, but I think it has been longer. I think you killed Dr. Angus Bumby. A suicide was too coincidental. You know I was going to buy that Liddell tart from him but never got around before the train got him. A master hypnotist that one, took a while to recover my products after he died, had Willow try and make up the loss in stock, though the creep couldn't ever reach the amount as Angus. I wonder, why haven't you killed him yet, did you even know?" 

"I wonder how long have you been at this, you are good, far better than me. Was it you who burned down the Liddell house as well?" asked Gout with a smirk. The Soldier didn't respond, but he did begin to start walking towards Gout. Gout saw this and began to laugh. "No your right too far back." Gout took another puff of his cigar. Gout didn't even move as the Soldier grew closer, his shadow reaching his. Gout smiled and pulled out a pistol. He gave out a chuckle as he put the pistol to his chin. "Did you think I would give you the satisfaction soldier?" Gout fired the pistol killing himself right before the Soldier could reach him. The Soldier stopped before Gout's desk, he pulled out a lighter and lit it. He stared at the fire for a second before throwing it to the floor.

The Soldier turned and walked out, his mission now complete.

Alice inside of a large house with tall wooden walls, and with blight lamps lighting the area. Alice was greeted by a twin staircase, which both slithered around a statue of Alice in the center. Alice looked around the room she was in for any way out, but she found none. Alice with no other option ascended the stairs to the top, she was then greeted by a large wooden door. 

The door suddenly swung open and a red tentacle flew out, the tentacle grabbed Alice and dragged her inside.

Alice instantly found herself at a long table stretching horizontally, with a variety of food covering the table. Sitting in front of Alice was the Red Queen, who sat there eating a tart. The Red Queen looked different she looked much older than the last time Alice saw her, she looked less like Lizzie and more like Alice's mother. Her pale face looked sharper than before, and her mouth held less of a frown. She sat with excellent posture as she placed the tart in her mouth.

Besides the Red Queen to Alice's surprise were the skeletal remains of Dr. Bumby, and to the right of the Red Queen were the skeletal remains of Radcliff, finally next to Radcliff's remains was the skeleton of the Jabberwock.

"Eat up Alice, you are practically all bones." said the Red Queen as she took another bite of her tart. Alice snapped at attention picked up the small pie on her plate and ate it. "Cover your mouth girl, you weren't raised in a stable." barked the Red Queen. "Sorry mo-I mean your majesty." Alice watched the Red Queen dab her mouth with a napkin, before taking a sip of what she believed was either wine or blood or perhaps both.

"You've changed," said Alice bluntly. "So have you." said the Red Queen just as bluntly, before she picked up a cooked dodo leg. "I won't pretend this is normal, so just tell me then, what do you know, what do I know about the Red Ripper?" asked Alice.

The Red Queen dabbed her mouth again. She didn't speak at first, she took a sip of her wine before returning her attention to Alice. "Are you so lost that you ask me about what you already know?" said the Red Queen. "I ask you because I don't know, there are pieces trapped in my mind, I have seen him somewhere, I must know so I can stop him before he hurts others." The Red Queen didn't say anything for a few seconds, she only continued to eat. Finally, she spoke. "There are more dangers here than there are out there, you have lost yourself, and will succumb to a worse fate than death." 

Alice scoffed, she had heard this all before, back during the Doll Maker's attack to now. Was complete madness all that ever awaited her? "Shall it be a return to Rutledge or a workhouse?" asked Alice with a snarky tone. "It will be the gallows." said the Red Queen before she took a sip of wine. "What you have let in will find comfort in your skin, it is the awakened form of primal instinct I once wished to quench, your bloodlust." 

The Red Queen took another bite of her dodo leg, before wiping her mouth again. "Well that leaves quite an unsettling feeling, what shall I do about it?" asked Alice. "Do as you always do, confront it, and tear it down." said the Red Queen before taking another bite of her meal.

Alice sat quietly as she tried to think how she was supposed to deal with both the Ripper, Hysteria, and whatever the abomination in her mind was. "Mr. Cat, do you wish for something to eat?" asked the Red Queen. The Cheshire Cat appeared beside Alice with his trademark grin. "No thank you your majesty." said the Cat, "Why thank her, she had once cut off your head?" remarked Alice. "Yes, but that was a different time." said the Cheshire Cat. "Indeed it was." responded the Red Queen. 

"Well now that you are here, please can you both tell me where can I find the identity of the Red Ripper, or Soldier, or whatever his name is?" asked Alice. The Red Queen and Cheshire Cat paused and looked at one another then at Alice. "Think Alice, think for yourself. You must seek the answers yourself." said the Cheshire Cat. "Me, I hardly understand my own powers, let alone this madness, how am I supposed to know, where am I to look?" cried Alice.

"Think Alice, stop asking, stop begging, stop forgetting. There are no excuses to be made, think Alice, think of where you have seen those devil eyes." said the Red Queen. Alice stood with her mouth a gape in confusion, how was she supposed to remember that? "Mouth closed girl." said the Red Queen sternly. Alice shut her mouth, "But how am I supposed to remember such a small detail?" asked Alice. "You remembered the fire." said the Cheshire Cat. Alice was about to say something but stopped herself, they were right. 

Alice tried to think about where she saw those eyes before, she saw them with that smell. That putrid cigar smell. She recalled them twice once at Mr. Archibald's and at... Alice struggled for a moment, no wait it was three times. They were at Dr. Willow's clinic twice. Alice cursed Dr. Willow's name it all tied back to him. Alice recalled the blonde man, she remembered his sunken eyes and the scent of cigars. "That man, he was one of Dr. Willow's patients, he... he is the Red Ripper. But who is he, I don't know him?" asked Alice. "But you do," said the Red Queen, "All of London does, think Alice." said the Cheshire Cat. Alice closed her eyes and tried to think. She pictured the man, his rough face, his sunken eyes, his displeased look. Where had she seen him before?

Suddenly everything around Alice went dark. Both the Cheshire Cat and Red Queen disappeared and in the Queen's place sat a shadowy creature. It dressed like the Red Ripper, wore a dark oozed stained uniform, which looked more like a straitjacket than a military uniform, with a dark grey helmet, but its hands were bones. It had a female shape very similar to Alice's, but its face was covered by the Ripper's mask, the mask suddenly peeled off revealing a white doll mask of Alice. "Who are you?" asked Alice. "Me? I have always been here, I'm a part of both you and the Soldier, I am a part of everyone. Though for you I have formed from the pieces of the Red Ripper, Doll Maker, Hysteria, and Red Queen. You can call me the Dead Queen or the Ruin Ripper whichever you like." said the creature with a distorted version of Alice's own voice.

"The isn't much to "like" about any of this," said Alice. "You don't have to like it, to be honest, no one does. Animals rarely care about like and dislike." said the Dead Queen. Alice tried to get up from her chair but found herself stuck. "There's no escaping it Alice, it's just who we are. To deny what we are will lead you directionless, and you end up riding straight into the grave. In fact, the path you are taking is coming up on a dead end." explained the Dead Queen. "I don't recall asking you for advice." hissed Alice. The Dead Queen laughed a bit. "Alice you survived the fire, you survived your tormenter. You are a survivor, yet you still choose to die over and over again, you haven't made your survival mean something." 

"Don't talk about what I have done I have survived all that life has thrown at me, I choose what I want to do, I am not a slave. I choose to fight for the helpless, I choose to stop the vile. You have no right to tell me what I must do!" shouted Alice. "How many centaurs have you stopped? Look at you, despite your survival you are still alone, still hungry, and still mad. Perhaps it's time to go back to the beginning and try again."

Francis woke up in a hospital bed. He had bandages all over his body, his chest ached like hell. Francis leaned up and felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. He immediately laid back down. "What the hell happened?" Francis said aloud. 

Suddenly Dr. Willow walked through Francis' bed curtains, "Ah Francis, you are awake," said Dr. Willow. As he reached in and handed Francis a bowl of potato soup. Francis weakly raised up his hands and took the soup. "Doctor what happened to me, I feel like hell?" asked Francis as he took a sip of his soup. Though once tasting the soup he spat it out, it tasted terrible, his mother would be furious at whoever had made such a dish. 

Dr. Willow smiled his usual fox-like grin, "Well my boy, you were mugged walking home last night, someone shot you around seven times, all your money was taken, and if someone hadn't found you in time you would be dead." Francis raised his eyebrow, he didn't remember going out last night, or did he... Francis' head began to hurt. You are very lucky, the doctor said that every bullet managed to miss any vital organ. So see Francis, there is magic after all." said Dr. Willow with a large smile. Francis wanted to roll his eyes, but perhaps he had a point, there may have been divine intervention on his side, though why God would save him was beyond Francis' reasoning.  "So what now doctor, what about my treatment?" asked Francis. "Well, I believe you should just rest for now. I have some pills you should take, now I think our main session has reached its end, I will let you rest for a week then drop you off some new pills," said Dr. Willow. 

If Francis wasn't bedbound and too in pain he would have screamed what was the point then? However, he was too weak to do that. "Very well doctor." winced Francis. "Rest up Mr. Grimm you will need it," said Dr. Willow before walking away.

Francis sat alone with his soup, Francis looked at his own reflection in the bowl when he saw the figure of the Soldier appear. "He is lying." said the Soldier. "Go away." muttered a defeated Francis. "Now you are lying." said the Soldier. "Go away!" shouted Francis as he threw the soup to the ground.

Chapter Text

Alice stood before The Houndsditch orphanage. She stood now before her home of trauma, staring without care, she had one mission and that was to kill the target. Alice pulled on the Soldier's outfit, and placed the mask on her head before she pulled out her Vorpal Blade. Her red uniform turned a dark blue, as an omega symbol appeared on her helmet. Her ribbon and skull reappeared around her waist as a belt and belt buckle. And her white skull mask turned purple. 

Alice moved towards the orphanage, she ran up the steps and kicked in the door. Inside were three suits. Their faces were white with the only emotions they held were comedy and tragedy. Alice ran forward and cut the first suit down, she then rushed forward and slit the third suit's throat. She turned to face the final suit and threw her knife into its skull. 

Now that was taken care of, she turned her attention to the stairway. Alice ran for the stairs just as another suit ran down. Alice pulled out a cork gun and blew a hole in the suit's head. The body of the suit fell down the stairs and turned to smoke by Alice's feet. Alice rushed up the stairs and ran towards the doctor's room. Alice kicked open the door to the doctor's room where she found a suit that wore a pair of small spectacles and held a watch and key. 

Alice saw her target and rushed forward, she grabbed the suit by his arm and cut it off. She then grabbed his head and threw it to the floor where she proceeded to stomp on the suit's head till it turned to a bloody pulp. 

Once her target was dead she turned around and kicked in the door in front of her. Alice entered her home, she was greeted by a suit in the living room. It was dressed like her mother. Alice raised her cork gun and shot the suit in the head. The suit turned to smoke when its body hit the floor. Alice ran threw the living room where she found another suit dressed like her father, he was working on a camera. "Almost got it," the suit muttered to itself. It did not notice when she snuck up behind him and jammed a blade through the side of his head. Alice watched her father melt down into smoke before her very eyes. 

Alice left the library and made her way to the stairs. Alice reached Lizzie's room and kicked in the door. The suit turned to face Alice, its face was different it looked like Lizzie only her skin was white. She looked on in fear at Alice as she stood there standing in the doorway. "Please no... please no I want to live!" cried Lizzie Suit. Alice didn't respond, she just walked up to the suit and grabbed her by the neck. The suit began to cry just as Alice stabbed her repeatedly in the chest. The Lizzie then turned to smoke. 

Alice left her sister's room and made her way to her room. Suddenly the door to Alice's room was kicked open from the other side. Out from Alice's room came Alice, dressed in her wonderland dress, and stabbed the Blue Ripper in the chest with her vorpal blade. The Blue Ripper then stood up and with a massive blast of energy turned into Hysteria. "This ends now," said Alice as she grabbed Hysteria and threw her into her room. 

The walls of Alice's room burst into flames, as the entire house burned down around them.

Hysteria lunged forward at Alice with her Vorpal Cleaver, to try and finish Alice off early. Alice was ready and pulled out Hobby Horse and hit Hysteria down onto the floor. The floor suddenly gave way and the two fell down and both landed on the dining room table breaking it. Alice held her arm while Hysteria held her leg. A piece of the table had stabbed into it.

Alice pulled herself up but was grabbed by Hysteria who slammed Alice against the wall. Hysteria then proceeded to punch Alice in the face causing her to spit out a tooth. Alice spat out blood on Hysteria's eyes and then kneed her double in the stomach before kicking her off of her. Alice pulled out her tea cannon and blasted her double into the hallway. Alice ran out after Hysteria and prepared to run her through with her Vorpal Blade. Hysteria seeing Alice coming turned into a swarm of ravens, she flew around Alice scratching and pecking her before reappearing behind her.

Hysteria pulled out Bloody Horse and swung it into Alice. With the full force of Bloody Horse hitting her in the sternum Alice was sent through the burning wall and into the library. Alice crashed into a bunch of books. Hysteria fired off a few shots from her Blood Grinder, sending hardened blood clots at Alice. Alice pulled out her umbrella and blocked the shots as they flew towards her. Hysteria ran through the hole into the library and at Alice, swinging her cleaver furiously. Alice quickly grabbed her father's camera and swung it into Hysteria's head. The camera broke over Hysteria's head causing her to stumble, Alice then grabbed Hysteria and threw her against a bookshelf.

Hysteria pulled herself up before turning around and punching Alice in the stomach, she then pulled out her Blood Cannon and shot Alice into the wall. Alice tried to stand up but was shot in the chest by Hysteria with her cork gun. 

Alice laid back against the wall as Hysteria raised her cork gun to shoot her. In that moment Alice found it quite humorous that if she wasn't fighting her Hysteria form she would have gone Hysteria by now. Alice before she could be shot threw a bunny bomb at Hysteria, the bunny bomb blew up in Hysteria's face and as she was distracted Alice turned into a swarm of butterflies. Alice flew to the left of Hysteria and reappeared with Hobby Horse in hand. Alice came down swinging smashing Hysteria to the ground.

Alice then grabbed Hysteria and pulled her over to the fireplace. Hysteria tossed and scratched and tried to break free of Alice but it was no use. Alice shoved Hysteria into the fireplace and held her there as the flames erupted out. Alice could feel the intensity of the heat as it blasted out. Hysteria screamed in agony as she tried to escape but Alice held her there. "There is no escape for you now, you were born here and you will die here!" shouted Alice as she held Hysteria. 

Hysteria's white skin began to char as her blood burned away. She hissed and screamed as her hair burned. As she turned to Ash she screamed out one final word "ALICE!" Hysteria's skin melted away leaving a black skeleton.

Alice pulled the skeleton of Hysteria out from the fireplace. Alice held the pile of bones still and watched as it turned to dust in her hands. Alice wiped her hand on her apron and then turned to leave.

Alice made her way out of her burning home, and with a heavy heart reached the door. She was far too tired to weep for her old memory, her fear of the inferno was long gone, she had moved passed the fire, and she had healed. Alice with tears in her eyes opened the door and left. 

Alice stood outside of her apartment, everything seemed to hit her all at once. She had just killed Hysteria and now here she was, outside of the Houndsditch orphanage, but she was still in her Wonderland dress. Alice felt her headache, and suddenly she remembered. Alice opened the door to find her former self-making tea for Dr. Bumby. 

Alice felt her heart sink and her stomach turn at the sight of her former devil. Bumby was sitting at a table reading a newspaper. Alice suddenly remembered, she recalled reading the headline of the newspaper Private Grimm awarded the Royal Cross medal by Queen Victoria. 

Dr. Bumby looked through the paper and snorted, "What a pointless ceremony." muttered Bumby. Alice walked over and placed the tea beside him. Dr. Bumby reached out and picked up the tea and took a sip. "Did you read this yet Alice?" asked Dr. Bumby. Alice shook her head, she never really cared for the news, however she did like the cartoons on the back. "No doctor, I have not, what happened?" asked Alice. Dr. Bumby pointed to an artist's rendition of a blond-haired man kneeling before the Queen. "The Queen rewarded, Private Francis Grimm with a medal," said Bumby with a scoff. "I'm sorry doctor, I do not understand, what is the problem?" asked Alice. "The problem dear Alice, is the whole reason for celebrating. All Private Grimm did was slaughter five other men with a knife and they treat him like Caesar marching back from Gaul."

Dr. Bumby just rolled his eyes, "Did I mention his entire company was nearly wiped out by the flu? Of course not, no one cares, it's all about how many skulls he took. Oh, how the masses cheer for blood when it involves the other side." 

Everything froze as the door closed before Alice. She took a deep breath, she was relieved she no longer had to see Bumby again, let alone hear his voice. Though suddenly it all clicked together, the Red Ripper was Francis Grimm, the war hero. He was the one she bumped into outside of Mr. Archibald, he was the one she saw at Dr. Willow's clinic. 

Then all of a sudden Alice felt like something had been lifted off of her feet. Everything then went white.

Alice opened her eyes, to see a grey roof above her. Her rabbit lay snuggled in between Alice's arm and body. Everything seemed so bright to Alice, she lifted her head up and saw Reggie sitting on a chair near Alice's bed. He was reading a newspaper as he smoked a pipe. Alice blinked once or twice as she looked around the small bedroom. 

The room Alice was in was one in Reggie's home, Alice remembered seeing it when he gave her the tour. Alice closed her eyes and squinted real hard. She opened her eyes again and blinked. "Reggie?" moaned Alice. Reggie dropped his pipe and jumped a bit, he turned to see Alice wide awake. He looked to be in complete shock as a smile erupted from his face. "Alice you're awake!" shouted Reggie with joy. He jumped up and ran over to Alice and hugged her. "You scared me to death, Alice, Dr. Wilson feared you would be in a coma," said Reggie. 

"Reggie why am I here, my head feels so strange," said Alice as she wrapped one arm around Reggie and placed the other on her head. Alice's eyes widened when she felt stitches in her head. "What is in my head Reggie!" shouted Alice.

Reggie let go of Alice and took a step back. "Alice that is a long story, you may want to calm yourself for this," said Reggie. Calm, did he say calm? thought Alice, she couldn't be calm there were stitches in her head, and who knew what else, she could have been lobotomized for all she knew. "My head feels like it was pounded in by a steam hammer, and I have six stitches in my head Reginald, now tell me what happened!" shouted Alice. 

Reggie took a deep breath, "Alice you have been asleep for about a week and a half." Alice's eyes widened and her mouth fell open. "What..." responded Alice. "After the Ripper gave you that gift on your head, you were rushed to the hospital, the staff operated on your skull, then found you passed out in front of the surgical door. They kept you there for about four days, before Dr. Wilson had you brought here. He had been stopping by every day now to treat you." Reggie clapped his hands together, he let his awkwardness show. He had no idea how to explain this to Alice carefully. So it seemed he would settle with the direct approach. "I'm sorry Alice I don't know how to really explain, it but you were nearly put into a coma," said Reggie. 

Alice sat there in shock. She had no idea, where to begin or what to say. So Alice defaulted to asking what her normal question was. "Reggie, what is wrong with me?" Reggie looked a bit nervous. "No Alice dear, there is nothing wrong with you, I mean nothing wrong with you currently. Mentally speaking of course. Never mind, back to what I was saying you should be fine, the doctor said there should be no lasting damage beyond what you already had before." Alice had a sigh of relief, she may be mad but she wasn't more so.

"Though Alice don't be mad, but the doctors cut your hair." Alice felt her heart stop, Alice slowly raised her hand and tapped the top of her head. Alice's fears suddenly became reality, her hair was much shorter. It was only slightly longer than her fingernails (an inch). "Alice I'm sorry they needed to cut your hair to operate," explained Reggie. 

Alice felt broken, her hair used to be a symbol of her resolve. The one thing she still held control over, the one thing she could choose to have and grow. It was now cut short. Alice took in a deep breath, she had to restrain herself. "Reggie, what happened to the Ripper?" asked Alice. She couldn't grieve over her cut hair, she needed to focus on the main threat. Willow and Grimm. "Oh, the Ripper? Well he killed a big-time mob boss a day after he put you in the hospital, but then he vanished without a trace, no one has seen the fiend since. Things have gotten so bad Parliament implemented a curfew for all of London, didn't seem to help though. Your nan tried to organize a mob to hunt down the fiend but after he disappeared for about a week the mob died down." Did he disappear? Alice wondered what could have happened. Did Grimm die, or did he finish whatever he sought to do? Alice knew there was no madness in the killings there was a plan behind it. Every victim was a criminal, but Alice didn't know the connection.

Alice also didn't understand just what Dr. Willow had to do with this, she knew he was behind it somehow but just how much she did not know.

Alice soon tried to stand up, but Reggie rushed to stop her. "No, Alice, don't, please just rest, I implore you to just rest, you shouldn't be up." pleaded Reggie. Alice shook her head, she pulled herself up but stumbled and fell into Reggie's arms. "Alice please, look at yourself, you need rest," said Reggie. Alice looked up into Reggie's eyes, she shook her head. "No, I need to go do this, lives are at stake. I know who the Ripper is," said Alice. Reggie's eyes widened. "You do? Who, who is it I can get the constable now and you can tell him everything." Alice again shook her head. "This is bigger than you think, the police can't stop him. I need to go," explained Alice. "but-" Reggie's words were taken from him when Alice kissed him on the cheek. "Please..." said Alice softly. 

Reggie hesitated before nodding slowly. Reggie released Alice. "Do what you must, Alice. I believe in you," said Reggie.

Alice dressed herself in her London garments, before placing a hat atop her head to hide her lost hair, similar to the one her nan used to wear. Alice now ready for the world stepped out from Reggie's home. It was dusk and the sun was setting in the sky, soon it would be night.

Alice had a plan, she was going to confront Willow and find out where Francis Grimm was. Alice began to march to Dr. Willow's clinic, she was going to finish this one way or another. How she was going to stop Grimm was a different story, he was dangerous and she couldn't enter his mind, but she guessed she would have to burn that bridge when she reached it.

As Alice walked she noticed men following her. Alice turned her head to see men in black suits wearing animal masks. Jackals, lions, and crocodiles are all displayed on their heads. Alice quickly began to walk faster. The men following her began to speed up as well. 

Alice began to run, the men then chased after her.  Alice sprinted across the open street as the men gave chase, they were fast Alice had to give them that. Alice ran as fast as she could, she turned a corner and kept running, she tried to lose the men by running into an alley. Alice made good distance until two of the masked men appeared in front of her.

Alice halted in her tracks and tried to turn around but found the other men standing behind her. The men stared at Alice in silence. They then pulled out clubs, bats, and metal pipes. Alice looked at the men surrounding her, she grimaced at the men before pulling out her vorpal blade, her dirty garments turned into her wonderland dress, while her hair grew back. 

The men charged at Alice, the first two came for her from the left. Alice dashed forward and sliced the first man in the chest. Before turning to the second man and stabbing him once in the chest and then slicing his head. The two men fell to the ground unconscious. 

Three more of the masked fiends rushed Alice. She pulled out Hobby Horse and spun it around. The first man to come close enough Alice hit in the chest with the butt end of Hobby Horse before slamming the toy across his head. The next unfortunate soul tried to hit Alice with his baton, but Alice swung Hobby Horse up knocking the man back. The final man came in swinging his bat hitting Alice in the chest with it. He tried to strike Alice again but she struck first, jumping up and slamming Hobby Horse down on top of him.

The final three then charged Alice. The first masked thug grabbed Alice from behind putting her in an arm lock. The second fiend ran forward preparing to hit Alice over the head. Alice slammed her boot down on the man's foot causing him to let go, she shoved him out of the way just in time for his comrade to accidentally hit him. Alice pulled out her tea cannon and fired at the men blasting them into a nearby wall. 

Alice turned to face the final man, a masked fiend wearing a cobra mask. He stared at Alice, as she stared back. She swung her Vorpal Blade through the air as to challenge him to face her. However, the man didn't seem to budge he just pulled out a long pipe and blew into it. A small needle hit Alice in the neck. She grabbed it and pulled it from her neck. She looked at the needle, just as her entire body began to feel weak. Alice suddenly became tired, her Wonderland attire disappeared as Alice fell forward onto the floor. 

A terrible pain struck Alice as she opened her eyes. In the dark of the night, she found herself in a nightmare. She was bound onto a table with her hands tied down. The scent of candles traveled beside her, her face felt odd like something was painted onto her, and worse of all she was blindfolded. 

Alice felt sick, what perverted miscreant had done this to her, what disgusting pig, what vile ogre had committed this act? Whoever it was Alice was going to make them very sorry. Alice tried to move but her wrists were held down, by rope. "What waste of a mother's love has done this to me? What vile degenerate did this, who is there, remove this blindfold so I may look at the eyes of my pervert!" shouted Alice.

Alice heard footsteps all around her. "Where are you demon?" yelled Alice. "Taeal alan 'arwah, namnahuk abnatuka." said a voice. Alice shook her head as she tried to move her blindfold off of her. "I saw who is it?" asked Alice. "Hudha abnat arthir. wulidat taht zahal, tamayazat bihibat albasari!" said the voice. The voice was muffled by something a mask Alice guest, though she swore it sounded familiar. 

Alice again shook her head as she tried to remove her blindfold. Alice tossed and turned as she tried to remove her restraints. She pulled on her rope as her small hands tried to slither out. Alice was given rope burns for her troubles, but she was almost able to free herself.

Alice felt something cold and metal be placed on her chest. The feeling caused Alice to squirm, and with a strong jolt forward Alice was able to lift her blindfold off of her right eye. Now unblind, Alice saw a man dressed like a pharaoh standing before her. He wore golden Jewry and wore an iron mask. Alice could see his eyes from where she laid, they were a cold blue. "A smaeni arthar, hal taraa tiflak watatahadath min khilalihi. Daeha tuetini hadiat albasari!" shouted the man.

Alice looked around her environment, she was somewhere outside, the stars were in the sky, and the moon was bright.

Alice looked down to see her father's watch laid down on her chest. Suddenly gears began to move in Alice's head, and a realization formed. "Dr. Willow?" said Alice. The man froze and looked down at Alice. His eyes widened when he saw her free of her blindfold. The man quickly searched around the table for something. Alice knew whatever he was looking for wasn't good for her, so she immediately began pulling on her restraints. With enough brute force, she pulled her right arm through the rope, pulled off her blind fold then untied her right arm.

Dr. Willow picked up a club and tried to hit Alice in the head with it. Alice grabbed the club from the doctor mid-swing. The two wrestled over the club, despite Dr. Willow's size he was no more as strong as Alice. Alice with enough force was able to pull the club away from Dr. Willow to his shock. Dr. Willow now disarmed ran away from Alice. Alice untied her feet from their restraints and finally picked up her father's watch. The little trinket she had gone through so much trouble for was now hers. Alice gripped the watch tightly, it was finally hers. Her father's watch was now hers. She would have burst into tears if Dr. Willow was not currently fleeing.

Alice stood up from her table and attempted to chase after Willow. it was then however that she realized where she was, she was in the remains of her family's library. The ruins of the Liddell House, as nearly gone. Grass and mushrooms had grown into the floor. All that remains of the house was a charred skeleton and black bricks. Alice's felt everything around her slow down. This was the first time she had been back to the house since the fire. 

Alice became lost in a trance as Dr. Willow successfully fled. Alice's eyes darted around the house as she reimagined where everything was. "There was the living room, there was the staircase. There is where my father sat with his morning coffee. Alice felt lightheaded. She felt herself come down with an extreme case of vertigo. Everything around Alice burst into flames as she fell back and into the void.

Alice's world cleared as she found herself back in time. The burned corpse of her home was now repaired, and Alice could hear music coming from a gramophone off in the living room. Alice found herself standing up atop the staircase, she looked around in confusion as to what was happening. 

The voice of Alice's father was heard from downstairs. Alice felt her heart tug towards the sound of her father's voice. She stepped carefully to the edge of the stairs where she saw him. Her father a handsome and majestic as ever. He was talking to three, men. One of them Alice couldn't really see, but two Alice recognized and very much knew. The first was the devil, a young Angus Bumby, slouched like an eel, and looking like a rat searching for his next meal. To Bumby's right was a young blonde man, with sharp glasses, he extended his hand and shook her father's hand. It was Dr. Willow. Alice stood still mouth a gape, the fiend existed this far back in her memory.

Alice blinked and found herself, looking over into the living room. Dr. Bumby and Dr. Willow sat next to one another, Dr. Bumby sat still looking like a ghoul from the grave, while Willow in contrast was smiling and laughing. "Oh Edger you are such a riot," said Alice's mother. "So I have been told, I try my best to liven up any party. Unlike Angus here who is as sociable as a slug with smallpox." laughed Dr. Willow as he put his arm around Dr. Bumby and shook him. Dr. Bumby shoved Dr. Willow off of him and gave him a glare. "I hope you are not trying to woo us now Edger, I am not one to be bribed." joked Alice's father. "Oh no sir, I wouldn't dare, that is unless it is working." laughed Dr. Willow, with a large smile.

Alice was snapped forward, to another memory, it was in the library. Dr. Willow and her Father sat in opposite chairs. Her father was showing Dr. Willow a book. "And that is my father, he fought at Waterloo against Napoleon," said Alice's father. "And on Delilah's side her grandfather, was at Trafalgar." explained her father. Dr. Willow rubbed his chin, "Very fascinating, and say how far can you trace your lineage back?" asked Dr. Willow. "You are very fascinated with my family, Edger. Before I say any more may I ask why?" asked Alice's father. "Just a conversation starter, sir. To get acquainted and such. Though I ask just out of slight curiosity, I heard a rumor, your family is the descendants of the magician Hobart of Canterbury?" Alice's father chuckled a bit, I knew you just wanted to be on my good side. But yes, that is true for what I know. My father wrote it down in this book, though there is no evidence that it is true other than hearsay. I don't know if it is true myself, no do I care."

Alice stood in bewilderment, she didn't know she was related to an ancient magician, and why did Willow care so much? Alice's father turned and looked at Alice. "Alice, what are you doing there?" asked her father. Alice froze, could he see her? she wondered. A small hushed voice came from where Alice was standing. "Daddy, I want to play, can we go outside and play Daddy?" asked young Alice. "In a minute dear, I am with a student from Oxford." 

Dr. Willow turned and looked at young Alice, and a sinister grin formed on his face.

Suddenly everything became dark, Alice and her father disappeared and where Dr. Willow was sitting appeared the Dead Queen. Her legs crossed, her black boots tapping on the floor. "I see you found your answers, were they what you expected, what were you expecting?" asked the Dead Queen. Alice pulled out her vorpal blade and pointed it at the Dead Queen. "I do not have to answer you!" shouted Alice. "No, you do... you in the end always answer to me, everyone does. We are all animals deep inside, we succumb to it sooner or later." Alice shook her head. "No, I killed Hysteria, I found out your identity, I know about Willow. There is nothing you can say that can stop me. I will not fall to you!' shouted Alice defiantly. "Funny, I don't remember saying that would stop me. Alice this is your nature, our nature, this is human nature. We are all animals, and that isn't a bad thing." exclaimed the Dead Queen. "And who are you to say either, you are not human, you are just a sickness inflicted unto me!" shouted Alice. The Dead Queen shook her head. "You couldn't be more wrong." the Dead Queen placed her hands over her mask and removed it. revealing Alice's face. 

Suddenly everything went dark, before illuminating again. Alice found herself wrapped up in greenish-black tentacles and the Dead Queen standing right before her. "Tell me Alice, what are you scared of? Your ghosts are gone, you can prowl around untouched by anything. Deep down inside you can do whatever you want, why stop yourself?" asked the Dead Queen. Why? Alice knew why, she knew what would happen if she let go, if she did not restrain herself. "I am not an abuser, I will not inflict my pain onto others, I have these powers for a reason, If I prey upon others I will be no better than him," exclaimed Alice. "There is no such thing as an abuser, there are only predators and prey. The world may have put up a new face but deep down we are all animals. There is no evil in instinct." proclaimed the Dead Queen. Alice shook her head, that wasn't true. The world was harsh and bitter, filled with evil, but also filled with good. "You are wrong, you give only excuses to hurt others. I am not an animal, I am not mad. This world is a terrible place, but that doesn't mean I should make it worse." 

The Dead Queen smiled as she shook her head, "But you are not making things worse, there is no such thing as worse. It simply IS, there is always a forest, there is always a lion, and there is always a rabbit. Now are you a lion or a rabbit?" asked the Dead Queen. "I am neither," responded Alice. The Dead Queen raised her eyebrow. "Then what are you? You are either an animal or one that denies it." proclaimed the Dead Queen. "I am Alice, that is what I am. I am human, that is what I am. We do terrible things sometimes but that isn't all we are. We are not just simple animals, we are just people. We have a choice, we don't just live off instinct or our primal urges. We can choose, we can choose to harm others or to help them. We don't live in the jungle, we don't have to hurt to survive." 

The Dead Queen crossed her arms. "You still don't get it, behind all of our fancy words, and customs we are just animals deep down." said the Dead Queen, "But it is our free will and control that separates us from the animals, it is what makes us human." 

Alice pulled her arm out from the tentacles and held in her hand her father's watch. "It is our control that keeps you at bay." The Dead Queen's expression turned to one of panic, she reached out her arm to stop Alice, but it was too late, Alice opened the watch.

Suddenly A bright light burst from the watch, and everything was consumed by the light.

Chapter Text

Francis stared in the mirror at his scars, seven marks crossed his chest. He rubbed his finger over the one closest to his heart. He wondered if it was fortune or a curse that it didn't land just a bit more to the left. 

Francis' focus was interrupted when he heard a loud knock on his door. The knock was loud and furious and was accompanied by a series of other knocks. Whoever it was was in a frantic state of mind. "Just a minute!" yelled out Francis. Francis grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head. 

The knocking continued even louder than before. Francis sighed and walked over to the door. Francis opened the door, to see a frantic Dr. Willow. The once-always-smiling doctor now looked terrified and looked nearly out of breath. He was dressed as a pharaoh, though his expression looked anything but grand. "Doctor?" said Francis as he took a step back. "Hello Francis..." said Dr. Willow as he shoved him aside and entered his apartment. Dr. Willow turned and slammed the door behind him. Dr. Willow slammed his fist against the door, "FUCK!" shouted Dr. Willow.

Francis was taken aback by Dr. Willow's current mood, he had never once seen the doctor angry, let alone like this. "Are... are you alright doctor?" asked Francis concerned for his psychiatrist's mental health. Dr. Willow turned to Francis and forced a smile upon his own face. "I'm great Francis how are you?" said Dr. Willow in a passive aggressive tone. "Uh I'm fine doctor, I've been doing better since I was shot. My nightmares have been le-" Dr. Willow put his finger to Francis' mouth. "That is great, great to hear, now sit down," said Dr. Willow as he shoved Francis down onto his bed. 

"Doctor what is going on?" asked Francis now very worried. Dr. Willow began to laugh as he placed his hands on his head. "All that planning, all that planning," laughed Dr. Willow. "It's all fucking worthless!" shouted Dr. Willow as he swung his fist in the air. "Doctor!" yelled Francis as he tried to get Dr. Willow's attention. Dr. Willow snapped his fingers and pointed to Francis. "It doesn't concern you." hissed Dr. Willow. Francis looked stunned, his doctor burst into his house near midnight and started ranting and then claimed it was not his concern. Francis sure felt it was.

Dr. Willow took in a huge breath of air before he turned to Francis. "Mr. Grimm how is your leg?" asked Dr. Willow as he walked over and leaned up near Francis. His eyes looked like they were about to burst from his skull. "They... they are better doctor." Dr. Willow nodded a bit. "That is good, that is very good."

Dr. Willow reached into his pocket, but whatever he was looking for seemed to not be there as he patted all over his body for something. "Son of a bitch, that whore has it, that wretched little whore has it." Dr. Willow punched his fist in the air again. "Damn it all, at least I have this one," said Dr. Willow as he pulled out his pocket watch and a small vial. Dr. Willow turned to Francis. "Good news Mr. Grimm, I have a cure for you, no more voices."

Dr. Willow approached Francis and tried to give him what was ever in the vile. Francis hesitated backing up from Dr. Willow. "Hey doctor, what's going on? You said you have a cure?" Francis couldn't believe it, after all this time, he wouldn't have to feel the bloodlust anymore. It seemed all too convenient and suspicious to Francis. Dr. Willow nodded. "Yes, now just open your mouth," said Dr. Willow as he tried to give Francis whatever was in the vial. "Now hold on," said Francis as he pushed away Dr. Willow. The doctor looked like he was about to pop a nerve, his face turned red like a tomato. "Take the damn vial, Francis," said Dr. Willow as he shoved his hand forward and fed Francis the vial. The vial tasted bitter and like all the other teas Dr. Willow would give him.

"Hey this tastes the same," said Francis. Dr. Willow didn't say a word he just grabbed Francis' head and started swinging the clock in front of him. Francis' eyes became glued to the watch, and he felt himself drift away. 

Francis stood at attention as a smile formed on Dr. Willow's face. "Oh thank spirit," said Dr. Willow. The doctor gave out a massive sigh of relief. He turned to the soldier and grabbed his head. "Listen here you stupid bastard, we have a problem, a very big problem. I order you to kill Alice Liddell, she has seen too much, and she knows too much. I want you to cut out her tongue, cut out her eyes, and cut off her head. Kill anyone she talks to, and when you are done burn her body. I want her dead, I order you, do you hear me, you idiot? Kill her and leave nothing left for her to be identified."

Alice entered her home, she held her father's watch in her hands, as she walked to her bed and placed the watch down by her pillow. If Reggie didn't have her rabbit, she would have placed the watch in its little arms. "All that trouble for that little toy, was it worth it, Alice?" asked the Cheshire Cat. There was no doubt in Alice's mind. To her it was. "Yes, it was. And I wonder now how soon could I have had it if only I took it from Willow, to begin with," said Alice as she turned to face the Cheshire Cat. "Alice, have you learned nothing?" purred the Cat. Alice smiled. "I am only joking, Cat." The Cheshire Cat made a light groaning sound. "Just be careful Alice, who knows what price you must pay to keep it."

Suddenly, there was loud and ferocious knocking at Alice's door. "Speaking of which," said the Cheshire Cat as he disappeared. Alice walked over to the door, she wondered who it could be this late into the night. Alice was about to reach for the doorknob when the door was kicked in. The door swung open, hitting Alice in the hand. Alice shook her hand in pain as she held it in between her arm and body.

Alice looked forward to seeing the Soldier standing there. Alice felt her heart stop and a terrible chill crawl down her spine. Alice covered her mouth as she screamed. Alice stumbled backward as she tried to head to her window. The Soldier began to walk towards Alice with his bayonet in hand. 

"Francis, stop!" cried Alice. Suddenly, the Soldier stopped. Alice took this opportunity to slowly unlock her window; she just had to keep stalling the Soldier. "Yes, that is right, Grimm, I know it is you. I know you are working with Dr. Willow. I know it is you under the mask." Alice felt the window unlock. She wrapped her fingers around the bottom of the window. She would only get one chance at this. "You were a war hero. Why do this, Francis? Why kill in the night?" The Soldier didn't respond, but he did tilt his head. 

Alice wondered if she was getting through to him; she knew his identity, and perhaps he could say something. Wondered Alice. The Soldier suddenly rushed at Alice. She then guessed she was completely wrong, and he was a dangerous lunatic. 

Alice pulled up the window and jumped out from the second floor. Alice hit the ground with a thud. Alice would have felt pain in her arm if the adrenaline had not caused her to feel anything. Alice stood up and watched the Soldier jump down from her room. "Run, Alice!" said the Cheshire Cat. Alice began to run as fast as her legs could carry her, faster than she had ever run before. The Soldier quickly followed behind. 

Alice began to scream as she ran. She called out for help while the soldier chased her. Alice ran into the open London street. There were a few people out this late at night, a few carriages and horses walking the street. Alice saw a horse and carriage that was open; it was hauling coal on the back. Alice began waving it down as she drew closer. The coachman sitting on the carriage saw Alice running, then saw the Soldier chasing closely behind. He quickly stood up and gestured for Alice to climb aboard. Alice ran and jumped up on the carriage just as the coachman cracked his whip. The carriage shot down the road, as the Soldier followed.

However, even for the Soldier, he wasn't as fast as the carriage. The Soldier stopped in his tracks as he watched Alice escape. Alice leaned back and took a deep breath. "You alright, miss?" asked the coachman. Alice slowly nodded, now she was, "Can you take me to the 'Mourning Mermaid?" asked Alice. It was the only place she could think to hide; her Nan had built up a mob wanting to hunt the Soldier, if Francis knew better, he wouldn't show his face. The coachman nodded, "Right away ma'am." said the coachman with a crack of his whip. 

Alice sighed. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. She had to figure out a way to stop Francis. She didn't know how to stop him directly; he was immune to her powers, and he was far stronger than she was. The only thing she could do was wait for an opportunity to arise.

Alice lay back against her seat. Things were much more difficult when she couldn't fight back. As Alice lay there, she heard the sound of a horse running. Except it was coming from behind her. Alice leaned up and turned her head to see the soldier riding a horse of his own. He was gaining ground; he held a pistol in his hand and looked like the Horseman of Death straight out of the Book of Revelations. The Soldier shot his pistol at Alice; luckily, the bullet missed, but she did hear it fly by her.

Alice turned to the coachman and tugged on his arm. "Sir, you need to go faster, he is gaining on us!" cried Alice. "I am trying my best ma'am, but these ain't exactly racing horses," said the Coachman. 

The Soldier chased them around a corner or until he had come close enough to where he jumped from his horse onto the back of the carriage. Alice stood in fear as she watched the Soldier climb up and stand before her. Alice was about to jump off the carriage when the coachman ordered the horses to stop. The Soldier went flying off the carriage and over the horses. He landed on the ground in front of them with a thud, and he even did a little roll. "Did we get 'em?" asked the Coachmen. Alice wondered the same thing. However, her hopes for a quick end to things were dashed when the Soldier stood up. His uniform looked a bit damaged, and his helmet was nearly broken in two. The Soldier, however, was not finished as he raised up his pistol and shot the coachman through the chest, killing him. 

The Soldier then aimed his pistol at Alice. Alice jumped out of the carriage just as the bullet hit the carriage. Alice began to run. She ran up to a nearby building, she opened the door, and ran inside. She had no idea where she was going; she just wanted to escape the Soldier. The Soldier chased closely behind, kicking open the door behind Alice, and followed after her. The Soldier shot out another bullet, which grazed the side of Alice's arm. Alice ran up a set of stairs and began to climb up the multi-story building. The Soldier, as before, followed closely behind; it seemed his fall did little to slow him down.

Alice ran all the way up to the fourth floor, she ran to the end of the hallway, and pulled down the ladder to the roof. The Soldier reached the fourth floor about thirty seconds later, and he pointed his handcannon at Alice. Alice turned and raised her arms up; she didn't know what that would do, but she was frankly out of options. The Soldier tried to shoot, but the gun jammed. The Hammer appeared to be stuck. The Soldier began to mess with the gun; he fidgeted with the hammer, trying to pull it all the way back, trying to get the weapon to work.

Alice took the opportunity to climb up the ladder to the roof. The Soldier noticed this and threw his gun down. He pulled out his bayonet and chased after Alice.

On the roof, Alice ran to the edge of the building. She looked over her shoulder to see the Soldier climb up after her. Alice, with no other options, jumped on the neighboring building's roof. She hit the top of the roof and rolled a bit before standing up and running again. The Soldier followed her, jumping over and gaining speed. Alice ran further and jumped onto another roof. Alice ran further and further, just wanting to escape; she prayed to escape; she just wanted to live. Alice turned her head to see the Soldier following her over to the next roof. As Alice was looking away, she tripped forward and fell into a metal chute. Alice slid down the chute and fell out into a dumpster. Alice looked up at her miracle and climbed out of the dumpster. She looked around the street she ended up in. She recognized she was near the docks. She was close to her Nan's brothel.

Suddenly, the Soldier slid down and out of the trash chute. He landed in the dumpster before standing up and making his way out of the trash bin. Alice, seeing her death coming closer, began to run again. Alice ran as far as she could before taking a left and running down to the docks. She could see the Mourning Mermaid from where she was. Alice felt almost at ease, she was almost there.

However, Alice's fortunes were running out as she heard the sound of the Soldier's boots hitting the pavement behind her as he chased her. "Run," said the Cheshire Cat in her head, "Run, Alice," said the Mad Hatter. "Don't let him catch you Alice," said the White Rabbit. Hearing the voices of her friends gave Alice just the small bit of energy she needed to keep going. Alice pushed forward and ran straight for the Mourning Mermaid. Alice saw the security outside. She began to wave to them for help, "Help, help!" cried Alice. The two guards in the front of the brothel noticed Alice, and more importantly, the monster following her. They stood up with machetes in hand and rushed toward the Soldier. Alice watched them run past her and towards the Ripper. She didn't dare look back to see what would happen, she only looked forward and opened the brothel door.

Alice burst into the brothel screaming for her Nan, the crowded bar full of drunks and prostitutes all stopped what they were doing to look at Alice. Nan Sharpe was standing at the bar when she saw Alice in her frantic state. "Alice, what is the matter girl, you look like you've seen a ghost?" Alice pointed to the door, "It's him, it's the Soldier, the Red Ripper, he's chasing me." Nan Sharpe and the rest of the patrons all looked at Alice with great concern. "Calm down Alice, where is he where is the bastard?" asked Nan Sharpe. 

Her Nan's answer would soon be answered when the door to the Mourning Mermaid was kicked in. The Soldier stood in the doorway with blood covering his mask, and a machete in hand. The patrons all looked on in shock, the Soldier seemed to ignore all of them and only focused on Alice.

Alice's Nan pulled her behind the counter and pulled out a shotgun. "You want her you sorry cod, then you have to come and take her," said Nan Sharpe. The Other patrons stood up in solidarity with Nan Sharpe, pulling out, bats, bottles, knives, pipes, and other assortment of weapons. 

Alice raised her head over the counter and watched from where she knelt. She remembered the massacre at the jailhouse and feared that the brothel would all be slaughtered on her account.

The Soldier stepped forward and walked to take Alice. Suddenly a man rushed forward and tried to hit the Soldier with a broken bottle, the Soldier swung his machete into the man's head killing him instantly, another man rushed the Soldier from his left with a knife, and the Soldier quickly stabbed the man through the eye with his bayonet. Three more men rushed the Soldier, the first swung a bat at the Soldier's head, the Soldier caught his arm and slit his throat, and the second man rushed forward with a machete. The Soldier hit the man between the legs and stabbed him through the side of the head. The third man came forward with a chain, he wrapped the soldier's arm around with it. And pulled his bayonet loose. Another man ran up and stabbed the Soldier in the chest with a knife. The Soldier pulled the knife out of himself and struck the man who stabbed him in the chest with his own blade, before tossing the knife into the third man's skull. 

Nan Sharpe raised her shotgun at the Soldier, the Soldier noticed this and took the knife from one of the dead men and then threw it into the arm of Nan Sharpe. Alice screamed in fear as she saw her Nan fall and slide down next to her. Alice rushed to help her Nan. 

The entire bar all at once seemed to rush the Soldier who picked back up his bayonet. 

Alice placed her hands on Nan Sharpe's wound. "It is okay Nan I am here," said Alice. "Don't worry about me dear, I have had worse wounds. It's that Ripper, he wants you. You need to leave, I don't think the boys can stop him." said Nan Sharpe. A revelation came to Alice, her Nan was right. The Soldier wanted her and only her, Francis wanted her dead, and he seemed hellbent on doing that. If she stayed any longer he would kill the entire bar. An idea popped into Alice's head, a very stupid idea.

Alice stood up and called out to the Soldier. "Soldier, over here. You want me, not them." The Soldier paused and looked at Alice. "Alice what are you doing?" cried Nan Sharpe. Alice had little clue herself, but hopefully, it would pay off. Alice began to run, she ran around to the back of the Brothel and out the door. The Soldier stopped his onslaught and chased after Alice. 

He chased her out of the brothel and into the docks. She seemed to have disappeared from sight, but it didn't matter, he would find her.

The dock was empty, only a bunch of barrels and boxes covered the port. There were few places for her to hide. There was only one ship docked in the harbor, and it was small enough for the soldier to search it within half an hour. It would seem the target had reached a dead end. 

The Soldier walked out into the center of the dock, suddenly he heard a splash coming from the water. He ran over to the edge of the dock to see a small barrel float in the water. "Francis!" cried out Alice. The Soldier turned around to see a massive boat hook swing down and hit him right in the face, sending him off the dock and into the water.

Alice jumped down from her ledge, standing up, she found a smile form on her face. She did it, she actually did it. She knocked the Soldier out. Alice gave out a massive sigh of relief. She did it, Francis was gone, he either was drowning or floating away unconscious but either way he was no longer chasing her. 

Alice turned and made her way towards the Mourning Mermaid. Alice wanted to see how her Nan was doing, hopefully she had put something over her wound. 

However, everything for Alice seemed to come crashing down as she heard movement behind her. Alice turned to see the Soldier now dripping wet and standing before her. His uniform was torn up, exposing chainmail underneath, his helmet was gone and his mask dripped with water. 

Alice attempted to run but the Soldier dashed forward and grabbed her. The Soldier wrapped his hands around Alice's neck before lifting her up and slamming her down against the floor. The Air was knocked out of Alice as she hit the ground. The Soldier knelt down and began strangling Alice. Alice squirmed as she tried to free herself. She grabbed onto the Soldier's mask and pulled it off his face. Francis Grimm stared down at her his eyes widened like all others that were in Dr. Willow's clinic. He seemed like he was in a trance, almost like the children of the Houndsdtich Orphanage. Alice wondered if Francis was hypnotized into killing, however, that thought wasn't focused on for too long as the Soldier choked the life out of Alice in a hail Mary tried to enter the Soldier's Otherlands. Alice felt herself enter the mind of Francis, but just like before she was hit with an utter barrage of horror. A red void with a screaming black mouth yelled at Alice with the sound of nails scratching a chalkboard. Alice was sent out of Francis' Otherlands, but it seemed to have caused the Soldier to lose his focus. Alice took her one opportunity to save herself and shoved the Soldier off of her.

Alice stood up and ran to a nearby warehouse. The inside was large, as it held a boat docked in it, Alice noticed a diving cage placed right by the boat. An idea popped into Alice's head, she ran into the cage and locked the door behind her just as the Soldier busted into the warehouse.

The Soldier turned and saw Alice in the cage, he ran over and attempted to grab her, but he was stopped by the metal bars. The Soldier pushed himself against the cage in an attempt to stretch his arm out and grab Alice. Alice leaned against the back of the cage as she watched the Soldier struggle to reach her. The Soldier looked at the door, and began to shake it, when that failed he tried to pull the lock off.

The Soldier took a step back and examined the cage, trying to find a way in. The Soldier took a step back and ran forward and kicked the cage, the cage door didn't budge. The Soldier hit the cage door again and gained, but still nothing. 

The Soldier slammed his foot against the ground before rushing forward in an attempt to grab Alice. Alice watched the almost hilarious attempt of the Soldier to reach her, she wondered which one of them would die first, her from laughing to death and him from tiring himself out. 

A loud ringing sound rang throughout the warehouse, to be accurate the entire area. It was a bell tower, the bell began to ring five times. It was five in the morning. The Soldier seemed to dislike this as he shook his head in pain. He turned to Alice and made a blade motion across his neck before running away.

Alice stepped to the front of the cage as she watched the Soldier flee. Once he was gone Alice slid down against the cage and gave out a sigh of relief. It was over. Alice felt so tired, she had run almost all night and she just wanted to go to sleep. Alice laid her head forward and closed her eyes, and quickly fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Francis awoke in his bed, he felt a terrible pain, he thought he had a nightmare that he was strangling some girl. Francis leaned up and froze in utter terror, he was wearing his army uniform. Francis winced as he brought his palms to his face, "why...?" cried Francis. "Damn it, why..." cried Francis. 

He looked down at his tattered uniform. Perhaps it wasn't what he thought, perhaps in his sleep he still thought he was in boot camp and put on his uniform by accident. "Yes, that was it," Francis said to himself. There was nothing for him to fret about, nothing for him to worry about. 

Francis stood up and walked into the bathroom, he looked at himself in the mirror, "There's an explanation for this," said Francis as he tried to reassure himself. "Why do you lie?" said a voice. Francis looked around for the Soldier, but he couldn't find him. That was until he looked back in the mirror. He saw the Soldier standing there, without his mask, blood covering his face, he had been standing there all this time, he always had been. It was him.

"I don't know what you are talking about," said Francis. The Soldier tilted his head. "Stop lying Francis, why do you still lie? Like Peter you have to wonder where will this lead, who will be crucified for this?" asked the Soldier. Francis looked away from the soldier, he began to shake his head. "I am not listening to you, I am not listening," said Francis defiantly. "You have been lied to, and you lie to yourself. You are a coward, you let yourself be pulled and prodded, and you lie to yourself that it is progress." 

Francis smashed his fist into the mirror, as tears began to run down his face. "The cat is out of the bag Francis, but if you will not listen to me, go listen to someone else. Maybe start with God, he may be the only one who will forgive you, but then again even he has limits. Ask yourself Francis, what is worse, your bloodlust or your denial of it?"

Francis stood before the massive crucifix, it had been a lifetime since he had been in a church, and he wondered if he was welcome in here if God would not smite him down. Francis often wondered whether God even watched him, after all he had seen was he even real? If he was real, was he too disappointed to even look at him? Francis wouldn't blame him.

How many times can a man be forgiven? How many excuses can he make that he will be better till is worth nothing? How much patience can even God have for someone like him? Francis wondered if he should have even shown his face, perhaps he should end it all, liberate the world from his plague. However Francis doubted it, he was too much of a coward to do anything good.

Francis dabbed his fingers in the Holy water and made a crucifix in the air. With tears in his eyes, he looked up to the crucified and said "I am sorry." 

Alice stood outside of the cathedral waiting for Francis Grimm. She had the courtesy to not disturb him inside, though she wondered if after last night he would do the same. It didn't take long for Francis to walk out of the church, it was there Alice approached him. Alice gripped her umbrella, it was really the only weapon she had to use against him if things with south, hopefully it wouldn't come to that because Alice believed hitting him with an umbrella would do very little.

"Mr. Grimm," said Alice. Francis stopped and turned to face Alice. "Look kid, already gave my penitence I ain't looking to waste more of God's time." Alice didn't say anything, it appeared her theory was so far correct, that he didn't recognize her, or at least pretended not to. Alice pulled out the Soldier's mask and held it up before Francis. "Missing something Mr. Grimm?" Francis' face turned pure white, he looked as if he had seen a ghost. There was a moment of silence before he took a deep breath. "Okay kid, if we are going to talk, we talk someplace else," said Francis. Alice nodded her head in agreement this place was a bit too public. "I believe I may know a place."

Alice and Francis stood at the steps of the Houndsditch Orphanage. The sight of the hell pit where she was nearly destroyed along with countless other children brought back terrible memories, however it was discreet yet close enough to the London Station where she could run to it. Also, she owned it now, she might as well use the decrepit idol for inhumanity.

"An Orphanage? This is a secret to you?" said Francis. "It was closed down not too long ago, after the owner died rather suddenly," Alice couldn't help but smile at the thought of shoving Bumby in front of a train. "Very well, then let's go," said Francis.

Alice led Francis into the orphanage, he walked through the building like it was any other building and not a breeding ground for child prostitutes, though he did not know that. Alice, however, felt only disgust being back here again. Alice led Francis up the stairs and into Dr. Bumby's old office. Alice didn't fully understand why she picked this room, but she guessed it just fit.

"So we are here, now where do we begin?" said Francis. "How about the beginning, why did you do it?" said Alice in an accusatory manner. "Listen, Kid, I didn-" Francis cut himself off mid-sentence as he squeezed his eyes shut before looking at something in the doorway, he shot whatever was there an annoyed glance. Alice looked but saw nothing. "It is a long story, perhaps you tell me first how you figured it out?" asked Francis. "You smell of cigars, the Soldier smells of cigars, and you both have the same eyes," explained Alice, though she was excluding her trip through her mind to find such information. Francis looked surprised, he then sniffed his shirt, before laughing to himself.

"Now your turn," said Alice. Francis avoided eye contact with Alice, and he sighed. "It started back in Africa, you probably heard the stories. After our regiment was nearly wiped out by the flu, we attacked Ordashu. A French Mercenary force had come to the camp for a raid, the French Government had not paid them, so they came to English territory looking for something to loot. When I and five others reached the famed hill, it turned into a blood bath. Turns out the Mercenaries had recruited some Ashanti tribesmen, I use the word recruit generously. I was shot two twice as I charged the green hill at the battle of Ordashu, with my rifle in my hand I took five mercenary warriors, they were strong as hell but I was blinded by bloodlust. I killed all five with ease before I even realized what happened." explained Francis. Alice remembered most of the story, though she had heard a few variations. "I thought you yourself had been struck by the flu, and that you were shot by two arrows?" said Alice. Francis shook his head, "That's a tall tale, the Ashanti had powder guns not bows and arrows, and I was one of the few men who avoided the flu. But anyway, since then I started feeling odd. For the rest of my tour I felt this itch, this bloodlust, I felt I just had to kill. In battle I would run ahead without a care only seeking blood, when we returned to Cape Town I remembered trying to get in a fight with any drunk or irritable sod I could find so I could have a reason to kill him. I just wanted to kill, I found I liked hurting people, I liked hurting others, it made me feel good."

Francis made a pose as if he was going to punch something. "It was this other half of me, it only wanted to fight, to hunt, to kill. Back in London I would seek out the most crime-ridden alley and travel down its path in the hope that I would be mugged so that I could kill anyone who dared to try and mug me. I went to bars looking for fights, and traveled by foot around gang-infested areas. It didn't take long for me to know that this was wrong, I found myself trying to sign up to go fight in another war. I couldn't handle it, I hated what I was becoming, and the bruises and cuts only kept growing on my body, Whenever I looked in the mirror, and saw a monster. I tried to murder it with alcohol but it made it worse, I began blacking out." Francis gripped his fist as tears filled up in his eyes.

Alice stood there with remorse. any preconceived notion she had of Francis was gone, she felt bad for him. Alice patted Francis on the shoulder. "I don't remember how but I arrived at Dr. Willow's clinic, he offered to help me, he offered to make the bloodlust go away, I didn't think twice I took his offer, I was so scared I was going to wake up in a padded cell or worse find I killed someone who didn't deserve it," explained Francis. Alice felt remorse for Francis, perhaps she could relate, not too long ago she feared waking up back in Rutledge, or an insane freak on the streets. She for so long feared the madness would consume her.

"What do you know about Dr. Willow?" asked Alice. "Willow, that is an even longer story. He's an eccentric cultist, his White Rose Society is a home for the outcasts of London needing help, or at night any posh git who wants to do something taboo. He has a love for the occult, but I never dipped my toes near it if you understand. I sought him for his medical skills, apparently, he knew a thing or two about making you forget your problems, he could make the pain go away. He sat me down and treated me for my bloodlust, it worked at first, no more rage, but I could no longer remember when I slept nor my dreams, it was blank, and then I had these nightmares, these hallucinations of a masked man." explained Francis

Alice scoffed as she crossed her arms, "You knew about the Soldier, you knew and did nothing?" said Alice in a very aggressive accusatory tone. Francis looked away in shame. "I... I didn't want to believe it. I didn't want to admit it. How would you react if you knew that whenever you close your eyes you become someone else? I told myself it wasn't me, It couldn't be me, I couldn't live with myself if it was. I went to Dr. Willow to make me forget, it became easier to tell myself it was nothing, but the nightmares just became worse, and I awoke with more bruises and cuts."

Alice couldn't believe it, he knew that he was the Soldier and he did nothing about it, how many people Alice wondered died because of Francis' cowardice. There was only so far sympathy could travel, and only a certain amount of denial someone could make before they became an accomplice. "You pathetic fool, you are just as to blame as him, you sat by and did nothing, those who witness a crime and do not seek retribution are just as guilty," explained Alice.

"From the pot to the kettle," purred the Cheshire Cat from someplace unseen. Alice then felt a little guilty herself, she really wasn't one to talk or point fingers. She had stood by and let Bumby's abuse go on, she sat by and did nothing only pretending to forget. Francis and she were both guilty of that, and they would both be punished for it.

"I don't have any more excuses Alice, I can't justify my actions. You are right I am not a victim, I am just as accountable as Willow. I truly didn't know at first but It didn't take long to realize he was the problem. He was the puppet master, who brought out the Soldier. The Soldier is just that a soldier, he takes orders and does nothing without being told, Willow was using him."

"Why is Dr. Willow using you?" asked Alice, Francis shrugged, "That I truly don't know." 

"So now what, you going to turn me in? blackmail me? Kill me?" asked Francis as he finally gave Alice eye contact. Alice considered turning Francis in, he could use the help, but he would likely end up at the gallows. No, she wouldn't do that, not yet anyway there was still a bigger problem at hand. "No, we have much bigger problems than you, there is still a demon on the loose." Francis raised his eyebrow. "What do you mean by we? You never told me what role you play in all of this?" said Francis. "Don't you worry, I've been in your shoes before? I had been after Willow for something he had, I was able to acquire it, but it appears I saw something I should not have, he sent you after me, but I lived obviously. Now we have to deal with him, I'm sure he is upset you failed and that I am still alive." Francis seemed to follow what Alice was saying, or at least pretended to only nod along to her words. "Well kid you forgot one thing, I am a ticking time bomb. Who knows if Willow knows how to pull some unsavory strings." Alice didn't think about that, but Francis was right, Dr. Willow was as good of a hypnotist as Bumby who knows if he could cause Francis to switch on a dime.

"I may have a way to solve that, I don't know if this will work but we need to try," explained Alice. "What, what did you have in mind?" Alice took a deep breath and prepared to enter Francis' Otherland, she had no idea if she could enter his mind or not, perhaps it was only when he was the Soldier that she was blocked. "It's hard to explain but I need you to open your mind, things may explain themselves." Francis scratched his head, "I uh... wait what?" Before Francis could get another word out he froze in place as Alice entered his head.

Alice appeared before a sea of blood and bones, the ground was solid for the most part. The sky was pitch black, and the only celestial body in the sky was a giant skull crying blood. Alice looked around her, she saw nothing but an eternity of blood and bones. That was except for a figure directly ahead of her.

Alice walked over to the shape, it appeared to be a statue of Francis. He was on his knees with his hands out, and two arrows in his chest. Alice reached out her hand and touched the statue. Just as she touched the statue did it turned to ash, and the floor below Alice gave way causing her to fall.

Alice fell down and landed on a slide, she was zipped down into the void and was shot out into a large jungle. 

The jungle was large, and the sky was as black as before. Alice looked on in horror as she found herself surrounded by flayed bodies, impaled on pikes, worst of all they were on fire. Alice almost screamed at the sight, to say Francis' had some problems was an understatement, though Alice was not one to talk about the madness of the mind. "This place is quite inviting is it not," purred the Cheshire Cat as he appeared next to Alice. "I say, perhaps Poe could have learned a thing or two from Francis' mind." proclaimed Alice, "It is quite "Grimm" isn't it, so keep a light foot Alice, who knows what dangers await in here." purred the Cat before disappearing.

Alice felt something warm move along her boots, Alice looked down and saw a stream of blood move eastward. Alice saw the trail of blood moving deeper into the jungle. Alice with few options followed the trail of blood into the heart of the great rainforest. She marched eastward until she made it to an encampment. It was a brutish place. Skulls were displayed on pikes surrounded by tents, flags flew with the skull mask of the Soldier. Alice walked into the encampment, where she found a rotting Elephant standing up. Its body was half decayed but it stood there moving like it wasn't dead. 

Alice slowly crept around the beast not wanting to gather its attention. Alice took each step with great care not to attract the animal. Once Alice gained some distance she began to move much faster, Alice neared the end of the encampment where she found Francis gagged and bound against a wall, his hands tied and his eyes blindfolded. He was wearing a military uniform. Before Francis stood five soldiers, they had no flesh only bones and their heads were only skulls. They held rifles in their hands and aimed at Francis.

Alice seeing Francis in danger morphed into a cloud of butterflies and flew straight in front of him, she reappeared before the firing squad with her umbrella just as they all opened fire at Francis. The bullets ricocheted off of Alice's umbrella and flew back at the soldiers. Alice pulled out her tea cannon and fired a lob of molten tea at the skeletons, the tea hit three causing them to milt down. The last two charged Alice with their rifles, Alice grabbed the first rifle and pulled it forward before stabbing the soldier through the head with her Vorpal Blade. The final skeleton jabbed his bayonet at Alice, she quickly dodged and threw her Vorpal Blade into his skull.

Once the soldiers were dealt with she turned to the bound Francis. Alice immediately untied the poor man. Francis once free of his bonds stretched out his arms, he looked at Alice with bewilderment. "I don't know what you are kid, but I just have to say thank you. They had me there for so long, always firing into me, the amount of my bones that are scattered across this world is endless," exclaimed Francis. "Think nothing of it, now I believe we have a meeting with Mr. Death, care to know where he is?" asked Alice. Francis slowly nodded, just this way.

Francis formed a hand cannon in his hand and gestured to Alice to follow him. Francis led Alice to a fort, on the outside stood four monkeys one covered his eyes, the other his ears, the other his mouth, and the final monkey covered his body. However, the monkeys were all covered with blood and held bullet holes in them. 

"This is it, he resides in here," said Francis as he turned to Alice. "Then let's not keep him waiting." 

Alice and Francis ran up to the front gate where a wooden door fell down. Out rode a soldier on an elephant's skeleton, followed by a company of skeletons. They all pointed their guns at the pair of intruders. The skeleton on the elephant pointed to the two, "Take them to see the Soldier." said the talking bones. Alice turned to Francis, and Francis turned to her. "Shall we go fighting?" asked Francis. Alice shook her head, "There is a time for fighting and a time for listening, let us go court the Soldier."

The two lowered their weapons and were taken through the fort, a massive compound of torches and tents. Alice and Francis were brought to a massive throne of ivory and bone, where the Soldier sat upon. He stared at the two, he didn't utter a word he just watched as they were brought before him.

Alice couldn't help but get deja vu, she felt like she had been in this exact situation before. Alice looked to Francis. "I assume you wish to talk with him?" Francis, grunted, "He already knows what I will say." The Soldier stood up from his throne and threw down a white mask, it was another Melpomene mask. Francis looked down at the mask with little emotion, he said nothing. "I am proud of you, you finally stopped lying. You finally opened your eyes to the truth. You are not as weak as I thought you were."

Alice stepped forward, "You vile creature, you torment him and murder for Willow. Your time of torment is over!" shouted Alice. The Soldier looked to Alice. "Is that what he has told you? We both know there is no such thing as innocence. I never claimed to be anything I wasn't. You are an anomaly but still irrelevant." said the Soldier. Francis stepped forward, he looked dead at the Soldier and pointed out his finger. "That is enough, I am sick of you, I am tired of fearing your shadow. I have come to end you, I want you gone!" shouted Francis. The Soldier laughed, "I have told you already, I can't be killed, I am a part of you like everyone else." explained the Soldier. 

Francis looked to Alice to perhaps see if she would disagree. However Alice shook her head, "He is right, but that doesn't mean he has to control you. You must be strong, you control your mind not him." explained Alice. Francis looked down at his hand cannon. He didn't say a word, he just closed his eyes and breathed. When he opened his eyes once again he walked up to the Soldier. "It is time to end this." 

Francis stepped forward before the throne of bones and gestured for Alice to stay back. The Soldier jumped down before Francis and pulled out a dagger. The two stared at one another before throwing down their weapons. Francis ran forward with his fist clenched sending a punch straight for the Soldier. The Soldier dodged and sent his knee straight into Francis' chest. Francis stumbled back as the Soldier ran up and punched him twice in the chest.

Francis grabbed the Soldier's arm and then hit him in the mask. The Soldier tumbled a bit as Francis ran forward and tackled the Soldier to the floor. Francis stood over the Soldier and began to punch him over and over again. Tears swelled up in Francis' eyes as he hit the Soldier. However, things turned sour for Francis when the Soldier caught Francis' fist and then twisted his arm. Francis turned with his arm and fell off the Soldier.

The Soldier stood up and broke Francis' arm. Francis screamed in pain as his arm bent the wrong way. The Soldier grabbed Francis by the shoulder and punched him square in the face. The Soldier then grabbed Francis by his head and began to smash his face into the ground.

Alice had to cover her eyes, she couldn't watch it. Poor Francis she thought, she wished she could do something but it wasn't her fight. 

The Soldier grabbed Francis by his shirt collar and pulled him up off the ground. He grabbed Francis by the side of his head and brought his bloody face up to his. "Is this what you wanted Francis?" Asked the Soldier, Francis didn't answer. "I told you this is where this road would end. Deep inside Francis, we are animals, you, me, her, everyone. This is the nature of things, it isn't that scary, it is just human nature." 

Francis didn't respond, he just smiled at the Soldier's confusion. Francis shoved the Vorpal Blade into the Soldier's heart. The Soldier winced in pain as he began to hiss. 

Alice looked down and to her surprise, the Vorpal Blade had vanished from her hands, she stood in amazement at Francis' feat, how did he do it Alice wondered. 

Francis grabbed the Soldier by his head and jammed the Vorpal Blade deeper into his heart. "You do not control me, I control you," said Francis with a thrust of the Vorpal Blade. The Soldier fell from Francis' grasp and onto the floor, a bright light shined from his heart, that soon engulfed everything. 

Alice and Francis both blinked in unison. Francis fell to the floor in utter disbelief. He looked up at Alice in shock. He was at a loss for words. Alice understood it was quite hard to grasp entering someone's Otherlands, she rarely explained it and has told even fewer about it. Only Francis and Reggie know about it, and Reggie doesn't even know the full about it, he believes Alice is just really good and reading people. 

"Kid I don't know what that was, or whatever you are. But thank you," said Francis as he pulled himself off the ground. "You're welcome, it is a gift I have. I can travel into others' minds, I don't know how but I just can." Francis seemed to laugh a bit, "Dr. Willow would love to have a look at you, you would fit perfectly with his occult gallery." joked Francis. Alice knew Francis was joking but there was truth to that, Alice wondered if that was why Dr. Willow kidnapped her. She thought he was just trying to kill her, but perhaps there was more to it. 

"You know kid, have you ever considered helping others with that gift? It could do a lot of good." Now that Francis mentioned it, Alice had never really considered helping others with her powers. Her first idea was to use it to bring the wicked to justice. She never thought about using it for medical practice. Perhaps it was her own history with the medical field that made her resistant to the idea. But perhaps Francis was right? Alice would have to consider that.

"So are all your burdens over?" asked Alice. Francis shook his head. "No I don't think it will ever be over, but at least now HE is gone. I will always have my bloodlust but the Soldier I believe is gone for good," explained Francis. He seemed happier than before like a great burden was lifted off of him.

"Then we have but one demon left to slay," said Alice. Francis nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's time for us to see the good doctor."

Chapter Text

Alice and Francis burst into the White Rose Society and marched up to the reception desk. The receptionist looked at the two with a very dull expression. Francis slammed his fist against the reception desk. "Where is Willow!" barked Francis. The receptionist didn't blink she only looked at Francis in a dazed look. "I'm sorry Mr. Grimm but Dr. Willow is not seeing anyone right now."

Francis looked at Alice they seemed to share the same idea. Francis and Alice walked away from the receptionist's desk and over to Dr. Willow's door. Francis then kicked in the door before the two of them ran in.

The duo found Dr. Willow sitting behind his desk frantically packing a leather suitcase. When he looked up and saw them his face turned pale. Francis and Alice rapidly approached Willow. He panicked and held out a stone with hieroglyphics on it. "You son of a bitch, you used me!" shouted Francis. "You are a vile perverted abuser, why did you do it, you controlled him like a puppet, and then you tried to have him kill me!" shouted Alice.

Dr. Willow laughed, "The why of it, is that why you have come here, answers is it? Or is that only the pretext for revenge?" Francis pulled out a pistol from his pocket and pointed it at Dr. Willow. "It can always be both." Dr. Willow didn't move, he stood there and looked down the barrel of the gun. "So you want answers, you want to know why? It is because of power you fools, power is the greatest procession a man can have. There is nothing like a power over another, it is a greater pleasure than any piece of gold or whore. Is that what you wanted, are you satisfied now?"

"That explains nothing, why the murders, why to try and sacrifice me?" asked Alice. "You wanted to know why, I told you the reason. But I guess you want to know about the finer details. Alright, you earned it. You see I played a bad hand in a long terrible game. In order to hold onto power you must do unsavory things to earn and keep it. I had allied myself with the thuggery, I supplied them with what they wanted and they gave me time and money. But then Angus had to get himself killed and suddenly the web of lies would come crashing down. So I had Francis here remove those who knew of my connections, the Soldier was my finest achievement, a sleepwalking killer, you worked wonders but it appears you have lost your touch."

Alice pinpointed a name amongst Dr Willow's ranting, she suddenly knew what type of product Willow sold. "You sniveling monster, you sold children like livestock!" shouted Alice. Francis looked to Alice in confusion, "Wait what?" Alice pointed to Dr. Willow, "His product was children, he replaced Dr. Bumby after he died. He brainwashed children into prostitutes." Dr. Willow laughed, "No I had their parents sell them into prostitution, less the ankle biters start pointing fingers. While Angus could always make them sing, it was always too close for my taste."

Francis cocked his pistol, "You bastard!" shouted Francis. Dr. Willow just stood there smiling. "Don't act like a hero Francis, you aren't a saint. You knew what I was doing, you knew you were the Soldier, and what YOU did at night. You just wanted to pretend, but you liked it, you missed it." proclaimed Dr. Willow. "But you carved a face for it, if it wasn't for you-" Dr. Willow cut Francis off, "If it wasn't for me you would have killed someone already, I just pointed you in a different direction."

"And me? Why kidnap me, why bind me to a table, why hold onto my father's watch?" yelled Alice. Dr. Willow rolled his eyes. "You know why you stupid moppet, I know what you are. I know what you can do. It is why I placed the enchanted chainmail in Francis' suit, and why I hold this stone. I know all about you and your family tree Alice Liddell." Alice's eyes widened, she was right he did know. "How? How do you know? What do you know?" shouted Alice. "I am a master of the occult Alice. I know you are the descendent of a great magician, I know that in every solar cycle, the celestial sphere will align and before Saturn, a Liddell will be born with the gift of sight. You were that one Alice, you were blessed by the heavens to see the Otherlands." proclaimed Dr. Willow.

Alice looked down at her hands, she felt shaken somehow, that wasn't the explanation she was expecting, was it a curse then? How many in her Family had it? Did her father have it, her sister, her grandmother? "The watch was an attempt to call your father, to see if he would reveal the truth, when that failed I had you watched, I had my minions spy on you for any hint of the gift. Once I knew you had it, I sought to take it from you, I tried to cast a merging spell, but you woke up first. So I tried to have the Soldier silence you so you wouldn't speak of what you saw."

"You are a disgusting little vermin," said Francis. "You shouldn't talk, you were my greatest patient, you were so perfect, Lanius, my butcher. My nightmare in red, all of London trembled at the sound of your boots, you had HER running for her life. But you failed, you couldn't kill this feeble girl. It's funny if she had not escaped I had planned on my next patient to kill you or simply ordering the Soldier to put a gun to your head, in the end, Francis you are just another loose end." 

Francis grit his teeth together. "You really aren't good at begging for your life," said Francis. Dr. Willow began to laugh, "You idiot you can't kill me, for if you do you will both hang for it." said Dr. Willow. Alice and Francis looked at one another in confusion. "You forget I am a war hero doctor, I think my words hold weight," said Francis. Dr Willow shook his head. "You spent your entire life after the war, staining any dignity you had. The whole city sees you as a drunken mess, a loner who at any moment will snap. And here she is already known as a loon, Rutledge's pride and joy." 

Alice stepped forward. "Then we will expose you for the monster you are." Dr. Willow laughed harder at Alice. "You stupid girl, Francis already destroyed any hint of evidence that could link me to the crime, and anything you have won't hold against me, I have friends in too high of places for you to harm me."

Alice clenched her fists in anger. The blood-sucking parasite couldn't get away with it. Francis grabbed Dr. Willow by his shirt collar and placed his pistol on the doctor's forehead. "Do it Francis, kill me and face the gallows. Let go, indulge your blood lust, let the Soldier out," said Dr. Willow with a grin. Francis headbutted Dr. Willow and threw him to the floor. Francis turned and stood next to Alice.

Dr. Willow picked himself up, he wiped a bit of blood off from his lip. "Happy Francis, did that feel good." Dr. Willow then extended his index and pinky finger at the two. "I curse you both, by the powers of Saturn and the Celestial Spheres I curse thee, let thou souls be trapped in the Nile." proclaimed Dr. Willow. 

Francis looked at Alice and then at Dr. Willow, he walked back up to the doctor, and Dr. Willow took a slight step back. Francis looked Dr. Willow in the eyes and snatched the Egyptian stone from his hand. "Now give that back!" said Dr. Willow. Francis turned to Alice with a smile. 

Alice smirked as her garments turned blue, and an apron formed around her. Dr. Willow took a step back in terror, Alice stepped forward and entered his Otherlands.

Alice fell from the stars and landed down onto a stone platform. Alice raised her head and looked around. Before her stood Saturn, its rings stretched across the sky. A grand Pyramid floated before Alice and Saturn, its golden top shined up into the heavens, and it was attached to a floating Thebes. Scarabs flew by Alice their wings made a loud hissing sound as they danced in the sky.

Alice tilted her head, this was by far the weirdest Otherlands she had traveled to so far. 

Alice walked along the path of stone till she reached the pyramid. There was a large entrance to the structure, large pillars held before it, with hieroglyphics depicting Alice and Francis' confronting Dr. Willow. Alice felt a shiver go up her spine, this place felt weird, it felt wrong, Alice felt like she shouldn't be here.

From the Pyramid came a creature, that horrified Alice. It looked like an Egyptian Pharaoh, it had a white face that was split in two, with one half being the Melpomene and the other the Thalia. "Come, child of Arthur and Delilah, does my appearance not frighten you? And what horror hides behind your eyes if mine do not?" said the creature. Alice pulled out her Vorpal Blade and pointed it at the monster. The figure laughed at the sight of Alice's weapon, in fact, he found it humorous. "I know why you are here child, I am Sol Ra, this is my domain. I am Pharoah." proclaimed Sol Ra.

"I am here for that sniveling degenerate Willow!" shouted Alice. Sol Ra began to laugh all to Alice's displeasure. "Be careful what you seek, you may not like what you find," said Sol Ra before he turned around and entered the Pyramid. Alice followed after Sol Ra, she was going to find Dr. Willow and make him pay. He had harmed too many people and it was time he paid his due.

Alice ran through the pyramid after her foe, however, the deeper she entered the catacombs of Dr. Willow's mind it became hard to see. Alice had lost sight of Sol Ra and she soon feared she may lose sight of herself. Alice placed her hand against the wall to make sure she was still in this plain of existence and not consumed by the void. A light appeared before Alice at the end of the tunnel, it was bright and almost mystical with a light rainbow tint.

Alice entered a slightly larger room, with glowing scarabs on the walls. Before Alice seemed to be a portal back in time. Voices from her past whispered unto Alice's ears, and hands of ghosts touched Alice's shoulders as the haunting memories revealed themselves. Alice walked up to the portal and against someone's much better judgment looked inside to satisfy her curiosity. Alice saw an absolutely terrible sight, it was Dr. Bumby, Alice wondered how often must she see his putrid face again, could she not be free from him forever?

Dr. Bumby stood in his office as Dr. Willow walked in. "Hello Angus, how are you?" said Dr. Willow with his usual smirk and venier. Dr. Bumby showed little of the same enthusiasm as Dr. Willow. "Come now, Willow take a seat." Dr. Willow pulled out a chair and sat before Dr. Bumby. "So why have you summoned me, Angus, have the children already driven you to madness?" joked Dr. Willow. Dr. Bumby was not amused. "Dr. Willow I am not here for jokes, I care little for you Edger in every possible manner. I care not for your strange perversions or your obsession with the supernatural. You are a degenerate and I would wish to never be seen with you." proclaimed Bumby. Dr. Willow chuckled, "You are one to talk Angus, I remember how you followed Elizabeth Liddell everywhere, how you sought her affection. Had me steal her panties for you. Probably when she died you snuck into her mausoleum and had one last goodbye." laughed Dr. Willow as he gave Dr. Bumby a wink.

Dr. Bumby was not amused with Willow, "Did you forget, It was in return for not submitting those letters you wrote to Allen Harris to the Headmaster." Dr. Willow rolled his eyes, "I would have done it regardless, looking back I should have stollen more."

Alice felt her stomach turn she wanted to throw up, she wanted to reach out and kill Dr. Bumby again, that vile parasite raped and murdered her sister, and Willow the fiend may have known. Alice felt pure rage build up in her chest, she wanted to scream. No screaming wasn't enough, there was hatred in her blood that wanted to boil out.

"Enough talk Dr. Willow. This isn't a social call, I need your skills. You were one of the few classmates I knew who had the skill and lack of morality to complete my task." explained Dr. Bumby, Dr. Willow leaned in he was interested now. "In this city, all appetites must be quenched and we are the only men who can do it, Alister Gout has offered us a large sum of money for our work. What will you say?" Dr. Willow smiled a wolfish grin, "I am all aboard." said Dr. Willow.

The portal closed before Alice, the light of the portal morphed and bent around the room before transforming into a small orb that fell to the floor. Alice felt sick, she wanted to throw up, but she held it in. She had an arch-fiend to find. Alice picked up the orb and kept on walking. Alice entered another room, like before, it was all sandstone and scarabs, of course, there was a foul energy nearby Alice could only make a single guessed what it was. Another portal awaited before her Alice walked over to the portal to see what was inside. Like before she peered into the window to the past, allowing the truth to reveal itself.

Alice saw in the past, Dr. Willow in a black suit and umbrella standing before an urn and a portrait of Dr. Bumby. Dr. Willow picked up the urn and smiled, he tossed it from one hand to the other. "Death has come in his train of cars, with moonbeam windows and with wheels of stars. So hush dear Angus, have no fear, the man on the moon, he is the engineer." Dr. Willow removed the top of the urn and placed his finger inside. He then pulled his finger out, it was covered in ash, with a smile Dr. Willow licked his finger before laying the urn back down.

The portal closed before Alice created another orb. Alice picked up the orb and placed it in her apron pocket. Alice had nothing to say, she didn't care. She only held disgust. She wasn't even shocked anymore, perhaps she had become used to it. Alice marched on from the chamber into the next chamber, wishing only to reach Dr. Willow. The burden of being trapped in the mind of a lunatic weighed on Alice, all she wished for was to finish her task and punish the abuser, yet the trial seemed unending. Alice wondered how many more portals she would stick her head into, if the Bill the Lizard was here Alice would much rather have him look in for her while she sat back and listened.

The next chamber was just like the previous two, a white portal stood waiting for Alice. Alice walked up to the portal, she leaned in. What she saw she almost made her sick. Alice saw Dr. Willow with a prostitute. A large bloody gash was on her neck. The prostitute slapped Dr. Willow making a loud smack as if Dr. Willow was hit by a fish. "You bit me you bastard!" shouted the prostitute. Dr. Willow said nothing, he just grabbed a nearby paper wait and smashed it over the prostitute's head. She fell to the floor unconscious as Dr. Willow stood over her. There was a flash of light the portal now showed Dr. Willow in his full Egyptian outfit standing over a mummified corpse. Stones laid beside the dried-up body, with paint and markings lining the cadaver. Dr. Willow hit the body with his fists. "Rise damn you rise!" shouted Dr. Willow.

The portal closed before Alice, leaving an orb behind. Alice picked up the orb and placed it in her pocket. Dr. Willow was making Alice increasingly sicker, he was a deranged fiend who deserved either the noose or the darkest prison cell the British Empire had. He needed to be stopped, and Alice knew for a fact she would stop him.

Alice traveled to the final room, there the portal awaited her, Alice walked over and leaned in. Alice was greeted with a memory of Dr. Willow and Alister Gout. Gout lit up a cigar and placed it in his mouth. "It is quite a shame about Dr. Bumby," said Gout with a less than genuine voice. Dr. Willow nodded. "A shame indeed, ironic it was the psychiatrist who had the inner demons. Went out like a coward." smiled Dr. Willow. Gout didn't seem to share Willow's humor. "This is a tragedy Willow, with Angus gone you will have to do double the work. I know you tried to weasel out. But I am putting my boot down. You will continue with our agreed amount, there are buyers out there, and we are the suppliers, and you will work till they are all satisfied." explained Gout. Dr. Willow stood up from his seat, his smile had all but vanished. "But I can't I don't have access to a lot like Angus did, my White Rose Society is made up of adults, and everyone knows what goes on behind my doors, if children showed up the police will come knocking!" Gout didn't seem to care for Dr. Willows's complaint he only puffed out smoke from his cigar. "I don't give a shit what you have to do Willow, I want more moppets, some Ottoman aristocrats want some young Anglos and they are paying handsomely for them," said Gout. Dr. Willow placed his hands on his head, he looked rather panicked. "I have given you every teen that has walked in my door, and I sold off the children of my patients, but I still can't possibly meet Angus' numbers."

Gout stood up to meet Dr. Willow's eye level. "Listen, Willow, I don't care how you do it, I want my shipment. If you fail don't be surprised if what happened between you and the prostitute is leaked. I kept that covered up for you, but things have a way of coming loose." Gout extinguished his cigar on Dr. Willow's chest. "Don't disappoint me, boy."

The portal closed and the orb fell to the floor, Alice picked up the final orb and placed it in her pocket. She now had her answer, she questioned if it was worth knowing. She now knew Dr. Willow was apparently always a degenerate and a far more vile one than she could have ever imagined. A fiend no greater than Nero if Bumby was to Satan. Alice wished only to punish the doctor, and once she was finished head over to Oxford and search for any other malicious abusers in training as it seemed young doctors from college have a strange habit of being vile monsters.

Alice walked out of the room where she came across a giant wall. The wall had multiple slots the same size as the orbs. Alice placed the four orbs in the slots. Everything began to shake, suddenly the ground below Alice broke and she was sent falling down. Alice's dress was able to catch her mid-air, and safely float her down.

Alice landed in a giant square throne room. Golden pillars held up the ceiling as beautiful murals depicting Egyptian myths were carved into the walls. At the far end of the room stood Sol Ra. He stared at Alice with a sinister expression, His mask morphed into the face of Dr. Willow. His ghoulish face curved to fit the head of Sol Ra, his mouth contorting into a V.

"You have come far child, I wonder have you found what you wanted, was it what you expected, is it even what you wanted?" asked Sol Ra. Alice marched up before the Pharoah and pointed at his wicked form. "You parasite, I saw what you did. You sold children like products, making their own parents abandon them. The depravity!" yelled Alice. Sol Ra descended the steps to meet Alice. "Child you know nothing, you were never anything but a lunatic, if Angus had his way with you your rebellious attitude would cease. Perhaps be more obedient."

Alice in a moment of blind rage, leapt forward and attempted to stab Sol Ra. However, the Sol Ra dodged out of the way. He began to laugh like a jackal as he flew up from the ground. "You should not have come Liddell Child, I will fix Angus' mistake. I will take your soul." proclaimed Sol Ra. The Pharaoh's face morphed into a skull as he began to laugh, though the laugh was nothing human, it sounded more like nails on a chalkboard mixed with screaming.

Suddenly two glowing purple hands appeared in the air. They flew down and tried to grab Alice. Alice turned into a cloud of butterflies and flew back from their hands. "There is no escape from the sun," said Sol Ra. Alice reappeared before the Pharoah and began to fire off pepper shots, Sol Ra flew through the air like a comet avoiding every shot Alice fired at him. He waved his hand causing the hands to come back and try and grab Alice. Alice pulled out her Vorpal blade and cut through the first hand however the second hand grabbed her. 

The hand lifted Alice up into the air, before squeezing her. Alice yelled out in pain as she felt her bones be crunched against the weight, the hand then was brought down and slammed Alice against the floor. Alice felt like everyone in her body was splattered. She tried to move but was hit by the purple hand. Alice made a high-pitched squeal as she felt the hand hit her.

The purple hand flew up into the air and formed a fist. The fist turned down and faced Alice. Alice raised her head to see the fist flying towards her, with what little might she had left, she rolled over on her back. As the fist came down she pulled out her tea cannon and fired at the hand destroying it.

Alice pulled herself up and faced Sol Ra. The Pharoah shook his head before forming a large ball of fire above him. "I am Sol Ra, I am the Sun, I am Pharoah." a blast of light engulfed the entire room, Alice was blinded, and she was unable to see anything. 

All at once she was hit in the chest by something hot. Alice was sent flying across the room where she landed on her back. Alice's eyes began to clear, she stood up and saw Sol Ra floating before her. He formed two balls of fire in his hands and tossed them at Alice. Allice pulled out her umbrella to cover herself, the fireballs hit Alice's umbrella and flew back and hit Sol Ra.

Sol Ra fell to the ground. Smoke emanated from his body as he struggled to stand. Alice took her opportunity and ran over to Sol Ra. She grabbed him by his golden collar and lifted him up in the air. Alice shoved her hand into Sol Ra's chest, with all the might she had Alice pulled out Dr. Willow from Sol Ra. Sol Ra fell to the floor as Alice held Dr. Willow by his neck.

Alice stared daggers at Willow as she brought her Vorpal Blade up to his neck. Dr. Willow chuckled. "Do it, do it, kill me, Alice. Take my place. Be Sol Ra, this world it isn't meant for people like you, you are stronger than them, you are a goddess in human form. Take this world, Alice, take it." laughed Dr. Willow. Alice glared at Dr. Willow, however she lowered her Vorpal Blade from his neck. "You are a pathetic rat Willow, you deserve death and all the fire hell can provide." Alice sighed "But you are not mine to kill." Dr. Willow's eyes widened, he looked at Alice with confusion.

Killing Dr. Willow would be too easy. He was a vile monster, that deserved the hangman's rope and much worse, but he wasn't Alice's to kill. She may have been harmed by him but Francis was his victim, Willow's life was in his hands not hers. If she killed him his vile nature would never be known just like Dr. Bumby's, it would be quick and to good for him. 

Alice saw Francis let Willow go, and hand him over to her. He wanted her to be the example, to show him what to do. Alice knew what she would do, she knew what Willow deserved. A fate worse than death. 

A sarcophagus emerged from the ground behind Alice. "Wait what are you doing?" said a panicked Dr. Willow. "You wanted my mind so I am making it just like mine. You wished to be Pharoah so you shall be it," said Alice. The sarcophagus opened. Willow began to panic. "Please Alice don't, I'll do anything. Money, power, I can get you any man or woman you want, please Alice." begged Dr. Willow. "What is wrong I thought you liked making people forget," said Alice as she lifted Dr. Willow up into the air. "Please Alice just kill me, kill me please!" cried Dr. Willow.

Alice tossed Dr. Willow into the sarcophagus where it locked him inside. Alice pulled out Hoppy Horse, she pulled back the toy before swinging it forward and smashing the sarcophagus into millions of pieces. And just like that Dr. Edger Willow was no more.

Sol Ra stood up behind Alice, his face morphed into a blank white mass. "Child of Arthur and Delilah, what has happened? There is something different. The celestial spheres dance now a different tune." said Sol Ra. "A new beginning for you Pharoah, you should feel excited," said Alice with a smirk. "Then I shall await this new era with gracious splendor." proclaimed Sol Ra.

Alice left Dr. Willow's Otherlands, she stumbled a bit, but was caught by Francis. "What happened in there kid, did you kill him?" asked Francis. Alice looked up at the former Soldier and shook her head. "No, but he is what he has done to all his victims. To him he has always been Sol Ra, to London he is Rutledge's new inmate." Francis laughed a little. "ironic," Alice nodded in agreement. 

Francis helped Alice up. She dusted herself off. She looked to Francis and had just one question. "So now what?" asked Alice. Francis' smile faded. "Now I turn myself in." Alice froze did she hear Francis right, did he say he was going to turn himself in?

"What, you can't do that they will hang you!" shouted Alice. Francis put his hands on Alice's shoulders. "Kid, it is the way things have to be. I killed a lot of people as the Soldier. I looked the other way as Dr. Willow used me and others. I have to atone for them and me." Alice shook her head, "No, no you can't no one knows you were the Soldier we can burn the mask we can-" Francis stopped Alice, "It is okay kid. I am fine with this." 

"But I am not, you and I we are both victims of the same crime, Dr. Bumby and Dr. Willow abused us, there are other ways for us to redeem ourselves." Francis raised his eyebrow. "Like how?" asked Francis. Alice struggled for a second, but then she thought back to what Francis told her back at the Houndsditch orphanage. "We can help those affected by Dr. Willow and Bumby. There are many people here that need our help. Many who were just like you. We can make a place for us, the victims." said Alice. "Alice I don't have powers," said Francis. "Yes I know but you have your past, your experience. You can be a guiding light who where abused by Dr. Willow. You knew how he acted, how he experimented on them, you can help me reverse it. You won't be a soldier taking orders, you will be a leader." pleaded Alice.

"Alice..." said Francis softly. "I saved your life, I won't have you throwing it away!" shouted Alice.

Francis didn't say anything, he looked Alice in the eyes. He brought Alice in close. And held her tightly "It is alright Alice, it is alright. Let me do this." said Francis as he rubbed the back of Alice's head, tears began to form in Alice's eyes, and snot dripped from her nose. It wasn't fair she thought. "Don't cry Alice," said Francis as he held Alice tightly.

Alice teary eyed looked up at Francis. "I know this isn't what we wanted, but it is what we are given. Life is never fair, and it often throws hard stones at us, we must take the pain and keep walking." Alice shook her head almost in a defeated manner. "It just is not fair!" proclaimed Alice. "When has it ever been? We have both learned that. If there is one lesson you have taught me Alice is to take control when things are bad and keep going. It isn't where we want to live, but it is not bad either. Let us not shed tears now, let us smile at the lessons we've learned.

Alice looked up at Francis, he was right she knew how this had to end. He shared the same scars she did and would falter just the same. The abused hardly ever see justice, Francis had received his justice, and now it was time for his victims to receive theirs.

Alice gave Francis one last hug. Francis patted Alice on the top of her head. Alice let go of Francis. He turned and walked out the door, Alice followed behind him. Alice and Francis were greeted by what Alice had to believe were nearly all of London's police force. "Halt both of you, we were told about a violent disturbance. Both of you step forward!" yelled one of the officers.

Francis put his arm in front of Alice, and she gave her a look that said stay there. Francis looked at the crowd of officers and stepped forward. 

"My name is Francis Richard Grimm, I am a veteran of Her Majesty's army. And I am the Red Ripper." proclaimed Francis. The officers looked at one another. Alice saw the blue field of the officer's eyes fill with doubt, others with horror, and some with no emotion at all. Francis pulled from his jacket the mask of the Soldier and placed it over his head. The faces of the police turned white, and guns were pointed at Francis. Francis was playing with fire now, any wrong move, any excuse would have him shot dead. "I killed Allister Gout and his thugs, I also butchered the south London jailhouse, and Mourning Mermaid brothel. I was found by Miss Alice Liddell here, she discovered who I was, and she has convinced me to turn myself in." 

Alice stood back, nearly on the verge of tears, she looked to the crowd of police, who looked at her and then at him. She cursed Francis' naivety, why did he have to be the lamb to be sacrificed.

Francis kneeled on the ground and raised his arms. "I surrender." Alice watched carefully, as two police officers bravely took a few steps towards Francis. Steel cuffs were exposed to the room, as the two officers bound Francis' wrists in steel. Francis was helped up and guided to the door. The entire room watched him as he was led out of the building. He turned his head one last time to Alice and gave her a light nod.

Alice could only stand still and watch as the poor soul was taken away. She believed him an honorable fool, she doubted the court's willingness to listen to a killer and would show little remorse when sentencing him. However this was his choice, Alice knew that this was what he wanted, and ultimately what was right.

Alice sullenly waved goodbye to Francis, as he was marched away.

Francis entered his cell and sat down on his wooden bed. "Enjoy your time in Newgate you bastard." said a soldier dressed in red as he shut the door behind him.

Francis sighed and turned to face his stone coffin. It was perfectly cramped as to make him acquainted with eternal life in a casket. Francis tried not to fret over his fate, he had done some good in the end, or at least he hoped. There was no use crying over it now. 

Francis walked over to his small bed, laying on its blue sheets was the Holy Bible. Francis picked up the good book and sat down, he opened the King James Bible and traced his finger across the verses of Galatians. He stopped at verse 6:5-18 "For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." read Francis.

Francis looked up at his cell window. Would there be a rope for him, or would he stay in this cell forever, he didn't know. Did he even want to look? 

A figure appeared before Francis. A hairless Cat. He held a large smile on his face, Francis wondered what did he have to smile for. "You are a brave man Mr. Grimm not many would accept their final waltz." purred the Cat. "Someone has to pay the due, if I did not can justice really be done?" said Francis to the Cat. The Cat nodded. "Let justice be done, there are so few acts of justice in the world. Carry your spirit with you Mr. Grimm, and may mercy shine upon you. And if fortune finds you favorable, perhaps then one day you will travel to Wonderland."

Francis smiled lightly, he looked up at the window as light shined in. "Perhaps," said Francis. Francis looked back to find the hairless cat to have disappeared. 

Francis sat there in silence. Francis looked down at his hands, before grabbing the Bible next to him and opening it.

Alice walked gently through the street, she kept her head straight. She tried not to think about Francis. She wept for him, if providence would allow she would see him sometime soon.

She wished to tell him of the fate of Dr. Willow or Sol Ra, How he was institutionalized, declared criminally insane, and locked away in Rutledge. He rambled on about celestial spheres and Saturn and proclaimed he was a pharaoh. However, though Francis was content forgetting about the doctor altogether, as much as they were similar they were also different.

Perhaps she would tell him about herself, and what she has been up to, perhaps how she and her dear Reginald have been. No thought Alice that was a bit too personal. Maybe tell him how her Nannie had healed from the time he almost killed her. Alice shook her head, perhaps that wasn't something he needed to think about. Maybe she would reveal to him how she carried his words with her to what she would soon do. 

Rain began to fall over London, Alice pulled out her umbrella and opened it above her head. She walked on through London. Alice eventually stopped at the wretched old house. The Houndsditch Orphanage stared back at Alice with its infernal aura. 
From the chimney came a putrid ruinous cloud, and its windows, leaked the toxic black goo.

Alice stood still undisturbed by the corrosive grip of the house. "So you have come back to hell have you Alice?" purred the Cheshire Cat. "Yes, I have been gone for too long, I should have settled my debts here long ago," said Alice as she gazed upon the devil's former home. "So much sin has been committed here, but there is much work to be done. I have put it off for too long." Alice reached out and grabbed the boards covering the front door of Houndsditch, and removed them. The Ruin vanished instantly, and all that was left was an old rotted house.

"Tell me Alice what is it that you seek here, you already received your answers." purred the Cheshire Cat. Alice nodded softly, "True, but that is not why I am here. I am here for redemption. Francis was correct. We have a choice to make, we were both victims that allowed abuse to thrive. There is enough injustice in the world as it is, Francis turned himself in to pay for his crimes. Now it is time I do the same."

Alice pulled out a wooden sign from her jacket. She placed the sign on the old door. "The Liddell Home for Misbegotten Children."

"Those children, I let them down, I looked away as they were abused like my Lizzie. Not anymore. Francis, the children, me. This will be a place for us, where I can help them. I can give them help, so they will never be abused by the likes of Bumby and Willow. There will be madness no more." Proclaimed Alice. "I am proud of you Alice, your family would be too. But you know what this means. A dark shadow is watching you. You know what may come of this?" purred the Cheshire Cat. Alice nodded, "I do, and I will be waiting. If the abusive seek us out, then they will have what's coming to them."

So the story of Alice and the Soldier now comes to an end. The Nightmare in Red was over, justice had been answered, and hysteria had faded, but Alice Liddell knew madness would always return, however for now it had been quenched.