Chapter Text
I wish I could feel, I wish I could cry.
But I can cry no longer.
I miss you, and I know you miss me too.
Sometimes I like to believe you are still here, and you were standing beside me.
But I know that is not true.
I am the last, and that is all I will ever be.
Alice remembered it so vividly that she was drifting through London, but it was not London. A strange hybrid of London and Wonderland. She could feel something tugging on her mind and soul. Her heart was beating; she could see clearly. There was no sound of train engines roaring or voices screaming out.
She wandered around for a week, and it was peaceful, and she felt safe. It was odd. Then she started hearing it, the voices. The voices of others. She could see their minds, their dreams, their Otherlands.
Alice then woke up, different. Yes, she had questions. First, she believed it was madness. But she knew she would never get her answers, and madness was a given.
So Alice learned what little she could and sought to do what she could never do in reality. Fight back.
Alice started her own crusade against the abusers of the world. Perverts, crooks, killers, monsters.
The type of individuals who would never see justice. Alice fought her fight happily, never once questioning the source of her gifts or what she could do with them. Ironically, the dreamer dreamed very little about her powers because deep down, she did not want to find out.
1882
London
Alice Liddell, the once-renowned lunatic from Rutledge, was now sipping tea with the prince of Alboney.
"How is your friend Reginald? I heard he suffered an injury in a hunting accident?" asked Prince Leopold. "Reggie, oh, he is better now. The bullet missed his bone. He has already returned to cricket. And would you believe it, he has improved because of it," remarked Alice.
For Reggie to be worse at cricket, he would have had to be missing his arms.
"That is so good to hear. I do hope I can watch him play. The way you describe him, dear Alice, paints a picture of a real professional." Remarked Leopold. Alice almost spat out her tea; she found it so humorous. But then she remembered she had greatly exaggerated his talents.
Alice tried not to laugh too much; she loved that Reggie, at least, was doing what made him happy.
"If I may ask Alice, pardon my intrusiveness, but my curiosity has positively gotten the best of me. When are you and Mr. Hartgrave going to marry?"
Alice spat out her tea this time. She was not prepared for such a question. Marriage, did she hear that right? "I... Reggie and I... er..." Alice tried to catch her words. "I do not believe we are marrying one another," explained Alice.
"If I may ask, why not. I was under the impression you two had feelings for one another."
The Prince's words circled in Alice's ears, Marry. She could not do something so outlandish; the idea of a wedding, her wedding, was enough to make Alice dizzy.
She loved Reggie, but she wasn't a Heartgrave; she was a Liddell. She couldn't abandon her past for that.
"Reggie and I have a complex relationship; we are platonic partners... in life." Yes, that sounded right. Then again, the passionate kiss they gave to one another after Reggie saved her would say otherwise.
"My apologies for prying. Let us change the subject," Leopold remarked as he took a sip of tea.
"So I have considered donating to your orphanage, Alice. I believe your children need new clothes, is that correct?" asked Leopold. Alice's head stuck up straight when she heard those words.
"Donation? Oh, Leopold, you do not need to; Reggie and I can cover ourselves," explained Alice. Leopold laughed. "Alice, I am not taking no for an answer. Consider this a state donation."
Alice smiled and placed her hand on Leopold's. "Thank you."
"I hope one day I can visit your lovely home." Alice noticed what Leopold was saying and probably wished to talk about it. A rather sad topic.
"Leopold, you are 28 years old, your mother can't hold you down forever." Leopold shook his head, "I fear if I leave, I will leave my medicine as well, my mother would not give me a drop without her permission. Aunt Victoria is just as controlling."
Could Alice understand? It was hard for her to grasp the concept; her parents were the embodiment of all things good, saintly even. To her, at least. But for Leopold, his mother was his warden.
"My cousin Fredrich is visiting on state affairs, he will be meeting me next Sunday, if you would like to join us. The only time I can escape my guilded cage."
"State affairs? Should I really attend? I am no diplomat. Nor do I know German," remarked Alice.
For some reason, Leopold laughed at this. "Not the meeting, mind you, I don't want you declaring war on Germany, but afterwards."
"Well, I suppose... but I expect not to have to duel any Prussians."
Leopold laughed again, "Only in the event of war."
Suddenly, the door behind Prince Leopold opened up, and an older man stepped into the room. He stood at attention, nose so high up that Alice wore that he could touch the ceiling with it. "Your highness, the doctor is here to see you."
Hearing those words, Alice took that as he cue to leave. It was getting late, and the children would need her soon.
"I enjoyed our time together Leo. I hope to see you again soon."
Alice remarked as she stood up from her chair and bowed. Leo's face smirked a little, he looked as if her wished to say something, but he didn't.
"Goodbye, Miss Liddell."
Reggie sat in the locker room, tying his shoes. In and out, his mother always used to say. Then a loop.
"Reginald!" cried out two voices. Reggie turned to see who it had to be. Before Reggie was Nicholas Sheifeld and John Thayer, two fellow cricket players.
"Ah, Nicholas, John. How are you gentlemen?" asked Reggie. "Good, Reginald. We have exciting news," said John. "You have been elected President of the Cricket Club," explained Nicholas.
Reggie's head popped up. "Really, I am president?" Reggie could not believe it. A smile crept along his face. He did it; he was President.
Reggie wanted to break out into a dance; he was excited. He was officially the President of the cricket club. He was at the top of the show now. Reggie could not wait to tell Alice; she would be so happy for him. Not Edith, though she was never happy about Reggie's life choices.
"SO... now that you are president, Reginald. Will you reward your voters for their community service?" said John. "Oh yes, it's in the mail. Thank you again for voting," remarked Reggie.
"Of course, now I suppose you aim to celebrate. Are you going hunting?" asked John. Reggie shook his head, "A tempting idea, really it is. However, George North went hunting after he became President. I wish not to be seen as a copycat. No, I think a drink is in order, a party at my home."
"Marvelous idea, Reginand. Your home is quite lovely," said Nicholas. "Agreed, quite an exquisite idea, Reginald," said John.
Alice was reading a book with Bertie. The young boy lay on Alice's leg as she read to him the story of Little Red Riding Hood.
Out of nowhere, the door swung open as Reggie ran in. He ran over to Alice and kissed her on the cheek. "I did it, Alice."
Alice brought her hand to where Reggie kissed her. She looked at her closest friend, whose expression was that of sheer excitement. Alice wondered what had gotten into him that he was acting like a schoolboy.
"What is 'it' that you are so proud of?" asked Alice. "I am President now!"
"But you aren't American," remarked Bertie. Reggie seemed to ignore Bertie's comment and focused solely on Alice.
I am President, Alice, I have been elected President of the Cricket Club!" proclaimed Reggie, elated.
Alice's mood shifted. A smile crept along her face. Alice gave out a little clap for Reggie.
"I am proud of you, Reginald." Alice felt a sense of pride in her friend; however, she hoped he had not just bought his way to the presidency. Alice hated it when Reggie poured his money into cricket for no real gain.
Reggie was positively over the moon. He waltzed over to Alcie and grabbed her by her hands. "Alice, we must celebrate this monumental occasion. We shall throw a celebration!" proclaimed Reggie. "Well, I am sure if we bake a cake, you, the children, and I can-" Reggie cut Alice off. "No, I believe it should be bigger. I can finally bust out the special champagne. I saved it for a special day, but why stop there? We must go bigger, my dear, we shall invite all of our friends and acquaintances!"
Reggie paused and looked at Alice, "Er, sorry, my friends." Alice crossed her arms. "Your acquaintances."
"Well, I would love for you to assist me... to join me in this moment." Reggie's wide smile shook a bit, as if everything was hanging on Alice's response.
Alice sighed, "Very well, Reginald. Allow me to prepare."
Alice walked with Annie and Prudence through London, and Sally followed closely behind them. She was, of course, too old to hold hands.
"Miss Alice, Miss Alice!" cried Annie. "Yes, Annie?" responded Alice. "What will you wear to Mr Hartgraves's party?" Alice never thought of it. Which is a surprise as she was used to wearing such lovely outfits, well, in Wonderland at least. She still had her old dress from when Alfred took her to the opera. However, Alice would like to distance herself from anything related to her cousin.
"I think we can find something for us all at Mr. Ciano's," said Alice as she guided her girls forward. "Do I have to attend? No offense, Miss Liddell, but we both know this is only indulging Mr. Hartgrave's obsession with the sport," said Sally.
Alice knew that was the truth, but it made Reggie happy. Alice just had to make sure he did nothing else on the extreme side involving Cricket. Alice promised herself she would intervene if Reggie attempted to buy a cricket team or stadium.
"No, Sally, I require you to watch over the children. Standing in my shoes for once." Alice swore she heard Sally scoff.
As Alice and the girls walked along the sidewalk. Alice's eyes caught the attention of a small beggar. Alice and the girls walked past the man. He looked to be an albino. His hair was long and white. In contrast, his beard only covered the bottom of his chin. His skin is pinkish, his eyes red. He wore a heavy black coat and black gloves. His pants were patchy and dirty, along with his torn shoes.
The Albino lifted up his head, behind his white hair, his red eyes gazed upon Alice.
Alice felt pity for the poor man and reached into her pocket to give him a pound. When Alice placed a pound on his lap, the man smirked a sinister grin. "Dziękuję, panienko," said the man, before making a hissing sound with his mouth. His "laugh" caused a terrible shiver to crawl its way up Alice's spine.
Alice felt uncomfortable and moved her girls along. Alice turned her head to see the homeless beggar wave goodbye, his red eyes almost glowing.
"Congratulations, Reginald," read the sign. Alice stood next to Reggie as he basked in his moment of glory. This was his happiest moment, she believed. He actually achieved his dream. Alice was proud of him.
Alice looked at the room of people, all Reggie's "Friends". His fellow teammates, his sister and her husband, and a few random aristocrats, Reggie paid to show up. Alice knew that was probably the reason they all showed up. Reggie normally had a difficult time recruiting people; hell, it was the reason he had the job in the first place.
Reggie stood up before the crowd of people. "Distinguished guests, I thank you for your support. I could not have reached this moment without you. This has been a moment I have imagined for many years. And yet I still am at a loss for words. All I can say is thank you," proclaimed Reggie. The crowd began to cheer. Reggie teared up a little.
Reggie turned to Alice, "Alice, do you hear that? They are cheering for me?" Alice grabbed Reggie's arm, "Because you paid them, too," whispered Alice.
"HE is a bit catty, you would say," Purred a familiar voice. Alice glanced over to the Cheshire Cat, sitting by her legs. Alice lifted her leg forward and swatted the Cat away.
However, he was correct. Alice sighed. She hated it when Reggie would pay for other people's attention; it was not right.
Reggie raised a champagne glass in the air. The crowd followed suit, as everyone took a sip. Alice, for the first time in her life, took a sip of alcohol. She immediately wanted to spit it out.
The entire hall returned to dining. Reggie turned to Alice, smiling. Suddenly, Edith appeared to spoil the mood. Edith stood next to her brother, giving a side glance to Alice.
"Well, I admit, I was wrong, Reginald. I never expected you to actually make it to the position. Congratulations," said Edith. "Thank you, Edith, I am happy you recognize my talents," remarked Reggie. Edith lightly smiled.
"And what of the first lady? Are you going to assist my brother, or will you be bogged down by your orphanage?" said Edith.
Alice forced on her fake smile, and Edith and she were never on good terms. "If he needs assistance, I will be by his side. I am always ready to help a friend," said Alice.
"Oh really, is that so? What exactly do you and my brother do?" asked Edith with a harsh glare. "Pardon me?" remarked Alice. "What does a former loon want exactly with my brother? You are not business partners. Is it money? Is he paying you to be with him?" Alice felt her blood boil, and she clenched her fists.
"Edith!" shouted Reggie. "It is a logical question, Reginald, after all, you pay for everyone else's company. Why not, Miss Liddell? Doesn't her nanny own a brothel?" Alice wanted to strangle Edith with her bare hands. "I am not a prostitute!" hissed Alice.
Across the hall, guests began to move their attention to Alice and Edith. "Edith, apologize to Alice. She is my friend?" barked Reggie. "Friend? Reginald looks at her; the only friends she keeps are the voices in her head. I will be honest with you, brother, I believe she should not be alone with you. After all, her family is dead, and her cousin mysteriously died too. I wonder what happened?"
Alice was about to leap forward and punch Edith's smug expression off her face.
"Yes, Alice Liddell, the freak of Rutledge. Your family burned in a fire, your shrink offed himself, then you waltz with the greatest killer to ever prowl these streets, and your only honest relative died not long after. You are an enigma, Alice Liddell, a freak who deserves to be locked up and away from civil society, safer for everyone."
Reggie stood between his sister and best friend. "That is enough, Edith. I will not have you insult Alice. If you do not apologize, I will have to ask you to leave," proclaimed Reggie.
Alice could see it was not just Edith who was glaring at her; the entire party was now glaring at her. Alice wanted to turn invisible when she saw all their eyes.
Alice knew there was nothing Reggie could do; everyone had already made up their mind up about her.
"Answer me, Brother. I believe everyone here wants to know why you keep her around?" People began to circle Alice and Reggie, and the crowd grew larger and larger. Reggie tried his best to cover Alice.
"Please do not let it be for love. Reginald's mother and father would spin in their graves if they found out you had feelings for a little lunatic like her. So I ask, what is it?" Edith dipped her finger in her drink and then flicked champagne onto Alice's face.
Alice's face turned a bright red. The crowd began to laugh. "You pompous harlot, you miserable bitch! If I had the time, I would teach you manners, you vile, toxic, skank!" shouted Alice. "Oh my, and in front of all these people, too, Reggie, you need to control her language. Then again, it is all she knows, and to think she is responsible for children." The pure force that Alice was holding against herself to not bludgeon Edith was nearly saintly.
"That is it, Edith, I want you out of here!" proclaimed Reggie. Edith looked offended. "You want me to leave? Why not, Miss Liddell? She has had more to drink than I."
Edith grabbed Alice's glass in her hand and jerked it up, causing it to splash on Alice. "Oh my," laughed Edith.
Alice's face turned a bitter red; she was about to explode into a tirade, but something stopped her. Instead, she began to cry, tears rushing down Alice's face as she ran away.
With tears in her eyes, Alice stomped out of Reggie's home. The nerve if she were not her best friend's sister, she would have torn her mind into such a mess that she would only be able to live at Rutledge.
Alice sometimes wishes there were more to their relationship, but she knows she can never come to that conclusion. After all, she's now of a lower class than her boyfriend. Reggie's sister despises her, and his friends treat her like she's his servant or even a toy. She never needs to use her power to know what's in their minds.
Their talks, their tones, and their faces... Alice feels that she can reveal to the whole world that she saved this nation, and she would still be alley trash in their eyes.
It wasn't fair, it wasn't fair... The words ran through Alice's head. Her mind retraced everything like it always did, like clockwork. Her life was then to the fire, the terrible idea of what could have been. She hated life; she hated it all. Her children were all she had, and Reggie... poor, poor Reggie.
Reggie being friends with these creations does annoy her; she knows it's unfair to judge someone by their company, especially when she knows him like she knows herself. My Reggie is nothing like them..., but that will always be the thing that bugs her.
One day, they don't even try to hide it... like a dog on a leash... How dare they... I've done more for this society than their entire bloodlines have...
Alice finds herself at a crossroads. She loves Reggie with all her heart, but his friends — and the fact that he associates himself with them- are becoming unbearable...
Maybe we are not meant to be together... Alice wondered.
"Alice, wait!" called Reggie. He ran over to Alice. "Please, Alice, do not leave!" begged Reggie. ...
"Why not? I am as welcome as the pox," said Alice as she stomped onward. Reggie ran in front of Alice and held out his hand. "Please don't leave, Alice. The celebration cannot happen without you," explained Reggie. "Please, Reginald, do not play coy; we both know that is a lie. These toadies would still be here even if you were to celebrate the anniversary of your first dog's death. This is no place for me, you know this."
Alice held her arm in her usual habit. "Then I will do anything so you can stay. You are my friend. No, you are family," pleaded Reggie. "Reginald, your 'friends' see me as nothing more than a lunatic, and they always will. There is nothing you can do about it. I don't care about the money, Reginald. I am not staying around those stuff shirts, and maybe for you... Maybe we should not either."
Reggie grabbed Alice's hands. She was taken off guard by this. She looked into Reggie's blue eyes as he stared into her emerald eyes. "Alice, please do not leave. I don't care about the stupid Presidency or the other sycophants. I want you to stay, please, you and I. Let's just eat cake together."
Alice looked Reggie in the eyes. "Reggie..." said Alice. "Yes?" remarked Reggie. "Do you wish to be married?" asked Alice. "Yes..." said Reggie. "Will you marry me?" asked Alice. Reggie paused as if his whole world was falling onto him. A large smile formed on his cherub face. "Yes."
Reginald Hartgrave and Alice Liddell leaned in, locking their lips and kissing each other. They held one another in their arms as they held on tight.
From a window, Edith Hartgrave watched on in rage.