In a place few know exists and even fewer have actually seen, there was a young woman making her way through a rather hellish looking train. This woman was very much an odd sort. Many believed she was entirely mad, including herself. However, despite the state of her mind she was very witty, clever and had a certain dark beauty to her person. Her name was Alice.

She had a petite body and was shorter than most women her age. Despite her small body her feminine curves were very much apparent. The young woman’s hair was very straight, silky, and dark with a slight tinge of red. She had a light but still healthy complexion. Her most striking feature though were her vivid green eyes, which she drew attention to with black eyeliner and dark pink eye shadow, or at least that was the case in this world.

She wore a beautiful blue dress with a white pinafore. Both were slightly marred by the dried bloodstains, evidence of the many battles she fought while gaining back her sanity. On her pinafore there were two pockets, each pocket was decorated with an astronomical symbol. On the left pocket there was a symbol for Eris, which stood for the goddess of strife. On the right pocket there was a symbol for Jupiter, the king of the gods, which represented her responsibility to her Wonderland.

Another feature of her attire was a skull adorned in the middle of the bow on her back. In addition to this, she had knee high black boots with black and white striped stockings. The final piece of her outfit was a silver necklace with a large omega symbol, and she held in her hand her most trusted weapon, the Vorpal Blade.

This blade was rather ornately engraved with a floral pattern that continued on to the blown wooden handle. The blade was marred with blood just the same as her dress. For the most part, the blade looked like it was little more than a simple large kitchen knife. However, this knife was sharpened beyond measure to the extent it sang through the air as its wielder sliced their enemies to bloody chunks. The woman’s skills with this blade in addition to the sharpness made it far deadlier than many would think such a cooking utensil could be.

The young woman walked along the final train car before the engine. As she observed the fires and smoke around her she realized once again just how untrain like it was. Then again, few things in Wonderland matched their reality counterparts. No, her Wonderland made everything both grander and more horrific than it would otherwise be. This being the case the train’s cars where more like some grand Gothic cathedral, rather than a simple place with seats and benches for passengers.

Alice clutched her necklace to her chest as she took in a deep breath. She slowly exhaled as she remembered all of her lost memories. She was now going to face the monster that not only killed her family and burned her home, but also was responsible for everything that happened in her life after that night. Despite already having more than enough reason to hate him, Alice knew his most heinous crime was how he raped her dear beloved and wonderful sister Lizzie violently before killing her.

Alice’s green eyes turned fierce as she readied herself to end his hold over her mind. Everything was his fault. She lost her family, her home, and her sanity all because he wished to cover his tracks for what he did to her sister. The "icing on the cake" was how he even planned to use Alice as a prostitute to pimp out to his “special clients” who lusted for something other than a young child.

Alice took slow confident steps as she entered the Infernal Train’s engine. The place was massive and very empty. The only light came from the fires and ash clouds below the glass floor. Alice wondered where the Dollmaker, that man’s representation in Wonderland, should have been.

A few seconds after she stood in the center between the two pillars supporting the ceiling, the front of the engine was torn off with the howl of twisted metal. Before her now stood the vile creature in all his corrupted glory. Puppet hands with mismatched fingernails, stray small porcelain doll arms from his shoulder, and several strings where his arms should be. A black caustic substance dripped from his otherwise empty eye sockets and where his neatly trimmed beard should have been.

The thing gave a bow before attacking her. Alice was as ready for him as she could possibly be. She merely hoped it would be enough.

{-} {-} {-}

The battle was a very quick but harrowing experience. Alice had to use all her ingenuity and resourcefulness to fight him. She even used her most powerful ability, her hysteria mode. The brief enhanced strength and invulnerability helped some. But it wasn't enough.

The vile being before her, gave a chuckle as he watched her laying on the floor defeated. He spoke. “Foolish little girl… little child... You should have known you couldn't defeat your betters!” The thing leaned in closer and gave her a wicked smirk. “I’ll admit you put up a decent fight in the end. In fact, I won’t be using you as I originally intended. As I said ‘you’re an insane wreck. My work is done.’ Congratulations Alice I will leave you be.”

Alice should have known he wouldn't just end her. No he had to gloat and talk down to her, like he always did. She had nothing left of her life and Wonderland just like he said. She wished for all her worth that his gloating would somehow bring about his end, but she had to face cold harsh reality once again. It was as painful and harsh as ever.

The foul loathsome beast grinned as he spoke again, “I have no use for you now Alice. You know all I have done but there isn’t anything you can do…” He gave a derisive laugh at her as he said, “You can’t even defeat the corruption and ruin of your own mind. Why would you think you could usurp my control?” He then gave out an evil laugh as he gazed upon her pathetic form.

Alice’s eyes widened. She thought about his words carefully. She thought over everything she had been told by the citizens of Wonderland including that blasted Cheshire Cat. Alice pushed herself up to where she was on her knees and hands as she gave crazed giggle.

The monster looked at her with confusion. “Why are you laughing, Alice? I didn't know you were that far gone already.” He then snorted at her.

She gave a crazed smile and answered. “I just find it all so very very ironic is all.” The thing raised an eyebrow at her. He might have been worried or might have been more confident in his handiwork, but he was intrigued. After all, he was still a psychiatrist. The workings of a mind, especially a damaged mind, interested him greatly.

Alice closed her eyes, and her crazed smile seemed to match Cheshire’s in width almost. The area around her started to darken. A strong corrupted energy seemed to rush towards Alice. The Dollmaker grimaced and got ready to fight as he noticed Alice was absorbing the dark energy.

Alice opened her still vivid green eyes, but now they seemed to have a horrifying and haunted fire behind them. She spoke, “I was under the false impression that I needed to destroy and remove the vile ruin and corruption in my mind to defeat your control.”

She disappeared from sight and before the Dollmaker could react, she cut through all of the strings holding him up.

The Dollmaker let out a pained echoing scream as his body collapsed to the floor, and his sick ruin infested tongue lolled out. If the thing had proper eyes they would have widened as he watched Alice walk towards him with a deadly grace. She was glowing with dark power as her cold bright green eyes stared at him.

“It seems I was mistaken. All I needed to do was be rid of you to take back my control.” She then with glee unleashed a flurry of attacks with her ever trusty blade on his weak spot. When she landed the last slice the thing exploded! The ruin and corruption inside the thing’s body disintegrated harmlessly into the air. Alice gave a smile as the train came to a halt and she ‘awoke’.

{-} {-} {-}

The Queen of Hearts was sitting on her throne in her rotting throne room and gave a rather dark smile as she felt a tremor of sorts. “How amusing, Alice. I never thought you would go about gaining control of Wonderland that way.” She said to herself.

She gave a little laugh. It was just like Alice to find a different way to approach a problem from what was expected. Sometimes her response was straight forward. Other times it was in a way no one would suspect. The Queen of Hearts merely smiled as she realized Alice had indeed done just what she was told to do.

{-} {-} {-}

Dr. Bumby stared at the damaged woman before him. He grinned to himself darkly as he thought, “Well I may not have made the younger sister a willing sex toy. But her knowing I have destroyed everything around her she cared for, has its advantages as well.” He laughed as Alice went on about how she would see him punished for what he did and put behind bars.

“Who would see to this ‘justice’ you speak of? You?! Who would believe you, Alice?! Everyone knows you are crazy, even you yourself... No one will listen to a word you say. In fact I believe the police will charge you instead, for disturbing the peace. Be gone Alice. I am waiting for your replacement.” Dr. Angus Bumby then looked at his pocket watch and made sure Alice noticed her sister’s key hanging on it. He kept it as a souvenir of his conquest.

He suddenly felt himself shoved against the nearby pillar. His eyes widened as he felt a blade touching the skin of his neck. He looked down and noticed Alice was wearing a nice blue dress with a white pinafore. He looked into her eyes and saw a fire behind them that promised only his slow death.

Alice tore her sister’s key form his pocket watch. She then slit his throat and gave a sweet smile as his blood splattered on her face. “I will….” She then took a step back as he slumped to the floor.

She raised an eyebrow at him as she said, “Did you honestly think I was completely over my violent outburst, good Doctor? Surely a respected man in his field would do a though background check on his patients.” She then watched as he choked on his own blood.

When he stopped breathing, Alice lifted his head and stabbed her knife right into his left eye and into the brain. She repeated the process on his other eye. She wasn't about to let him have even the slimmest of chances to live. She then wiped the excess grime off her blade and made her way out of London’s Underground as a train sped on by.

Alice was mildly surprised when she noticed parts of her Wonderland merged with London. She then heard a familiar low rumbling laugh. “You know when I said you needed to find a way to control Wonderland again Alice, I had thought you would remove the Dollmaker and the ruin from your mind.” A skeletal cat with a rather demonic appearance appeared next to her as he laughed. The cat was hairless with grey skin covered in several tribal looking black markings.

Alice gave a knowing smirk as she said, “Maybe that is what you had in mind Cheshire, but all you or any of the others told me to do was stop the train and Bumby’s control. I did just that. No one said I had to be rid of the ruin and the corruption. Anyways, would you happen to know what happened here?” Alice then motioned towards the surrounding area.

Cheshire gave another laugh. “You always insist on getting things your way, Alice. Does it not then surprise you that a girl, who created her own living and breathing world, could in fact tear through the very fabric of time and space just to get her way?"

He gave her his best wide grin as he continued. "When you summoned your dress and blade into the real world you did just this, Alice. But tell me, Alice… What do you intend to do now? There is a body back in there and when his murder is investigated. His deeds will be brought to light, as will your connection to him, and thus probable involvement in his death.” His voice dropped lower towards the end.

Alice looked around in thought and noticed a strange glimmering light a short distance away from her. “I don’t think I would like to spend time in either the asylum or prison again, Cheshire. Do you perchance have a riddle or clue regarding that curious light over yonder?” She spoke causally as she pointed to the strange light which looked like a rip of sorts.

Cheshire gave his trademark grin as he said, “One of my favorite quotes may help. ‘Seek and ye shall find they say, but they don’t say what you will find.’ Through that portal could lie anything, Alice. The future, the past, another world…” His grin widened as he continued with amusement, “Maybe the future’s past of another world even.”

Alice gave a huff, “That would be the same as just another world, cat.”

Cheshire chuckled, “Trrrrue. Either way whatever is beyond that portal is not here. I would warn you against letting your curiosity get the best of you. But we know such warnings to you would fall on deaf ears.”

Alice gave a grin herself as she said, “What was that, cat? I didn't catch what you said after ‘Either way whatever is beyond that portal is not here.’ Did you say something else, or were you just mumbling about curiosities again?” This earned her a louder laugh from the cat. “I shall go I think. I must say I have grown rather bored of this world. Will you be coming with me, Cheshire?” She turned to him and asked as she made her way to the tear.

Cheshire just sighed as he answered, “You act as if I have choice in the matter, Alice. You know just as well as I do that I go wherever you go. It just may not always be at the same time as you.” With that the skeletal cat followed Alice. After just some minuets the two found themselves in front of the portal, light, tear, or whatever else you wanted to call it. The two took just a couple of seconds to once again admire the view behind them before crossing into it.

{-} {-} {-}

As Alice came out on the other side, she first heard a loud "Boom" and looked to see a grand castle in the distance with an ever expanding disc of rainbow colored light behind it. Alice thought it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. She next heard several loud cheers coming from the direction of the castle. Alice remained still for a good while just soaking in the view around her and wondering where Cheshire was.

{-} {-} {-}

Princess Celestia, diarch of Equestria and mover of the sun, stretched out her magnificent white wings as she thought over the royal wedding again. She was right that Rainbow Dash’s Rainboom would be perfect for all to see just as Princess Cadence and now Prince Shining Armor kissed. However, she also remembered the changeling attack and frowned in disappointment at her failure to protect her little ponies. She also thought more on the odd surge of energy she felt with the Rainboom.

She wasn't too surprised something might have happened with all of the residual magic energy from Cadence’s and Shining’s powerful love attack against Chrysalis. She figured a pegasus able to travel fast enough to shatter the light spectrum would release a lot of energy as well. When these two energies connected something would have to happen. The truth was if the attack hadn't occurred she would have ignored this issue. However, due to the nature of things she decided she would have one of her task forces look into the matter and thoroughly examine it in the morning, when everypony was in the right state of mind.

Celestia discarded the last of her royal vestments and stared out into the night sky. She always did this. In the past it was to mourn over her failure to save her sister Luna. Now in the present, it was to admire her beloved sister’s handiwork and realize just how much grander the night was with her return. She let out a sigh of contentment and after a few more minutes went to bed for the night.

{-} {-} {-}

Rainbow Dash smiled happily as she sipped on a mug of apple cider. It wasn't as good as Sweet Apple Acres Cider, but it was better than no cider. This particular cider tasted better than it normally would because she got to be awesome today for everypony to see. She also got to enjoy time with the coolest and best ponies in the world, her friends.

The girls were all staying in the same room in the castle. Twilight decided she wanted to have a proper sleepover with her friends. Twilight had wanted to play some games and such, but the group was mostly tried from all the wedding brought with it. Even Pinkie Pie, the party pony with endless energy fell asleep quickly. Rainbow gave a laugh to herself as she realized Pinkie was actually the second to fall asleep. The first of their group was Twilight.

Rainbow Sighed happily as she looked over her friends sleeping in their pony pile. Pinkie somehow made her way to the top. Rainbow finished the cider she liberated from the party and secretly placed in the room’s fridge.

She sighed again in contentment. She was only awake this early because the nightmares had returned again. It was something every pony who worked in that place suffered from to some degree.

She currently was simply taking solace in the sight of her friends before her. It was times like this that made her life worth living. It was times like this that made everything worth it. She would have become like so many others “there” if it wasn't for her friends in front of her.

Rainbow stretched her forelegs and wings as she now felt tired again, and was ready to give sleep another try. As long as she had her friends she could do anything, no matter how terrible it felt. She smiled as she realized just how amazing the magic of friendship really was. She softly made her way over to the pony pile and snuggled up against Fluttershy, who was shivering a few seconds ago form the cool night air.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice trotted down the streets of what turned out to be a city called Canterlot. She thought back to just a little while ago as she wandered the streets. This large city was filled with ponies of all colors and shapes.

---- Flashback----

Once she got over the beautiful rainbow from earlier, she was shocked to notice her body had changed. She was now some kind of overly cute pony like creature. She wasn't sure what to think of this predicament.

“Well well… isn't this certainly different, fair Alice. I do wonder what you think about this new situation.” Cheshire appeared next to her. He still looked the same, sounded the same and had the same grin.

Alice once again found it comforting that he hadn't changed despite everything. He was always a constant to her. She never would admit to actually caring deeply about him. His first death had really shook her to her core. She knew even with her apparent indifference to him, the cat knew what she really felt for him somehow.

It took Alice a little while to answer. She wasn't sure if she could even talk as this horse creature. That didn't stop her from trying though. “While I'm surely taking it as well as one in this situation could. I actually find it rather curious. I have always wondered what it would be like to be something different from a Londoner.” She was relieved to notice she still had her same accent and could speak.

“Well… You certainly aren't a Londoner anymore. That is for sure. You aren't even human now.” Cheshire gave a low laugh.

Alice sighed as she answered in return. “Well I never specified in my curiosity not be a Londoner but still a human. Either way this ought to be yet another interesting journey I believe. A nice respite from the dull life of a Victorian crazed woman.”

“Ohhh? How so, Alice? You are still female. Still a woman. And most likely still crazed.” Cheshire said.

“Actually, Cat. I am now a mare. Not a woman. So therefore I am now a crazed mare instead.” Alice then gave the cat a smirk as she continued, “I thought syntax and nuances were your specialty, Cat. You aren't getting rusty are you?” She then gave him a teasing smirk.

Cheshire gave out a rumbling laugh as he answered, “I am sorry to disappoint you Alice. However, I am still organic in full capacity. If you want someone who gets rusty you should talk to Hatter again.”

“Kind of hard to do that cat, considering the last time I saw him. He was trying to serve a dead March Hare and Dormouse tea. That was before the crushing debris fell on him, and then he slowly sunk into boiling tea. I bet he still thought they were alive while he started sinking,” Alice said with a hint of anger.

“That might be the case, Alice. If it wasn't for the fact you took control and saved Wonderland again. Now once again all of your creations have returned." He then paused and placed a paw on his chin lost in thought for a couple of seconds "Except the Jabberwocky.” Cheshire nonchalantly finished.

Alice placed a hoof under her chin in thought as she said, “Yes he does seem to have a fondness for staying dead. Doesn't he?” Her constant company just gave another laugh to that.

“Anyways, perhaps we should see what this new world has to offer. Don’t you agree, Alice? I know that curiosity of yours never truly ceases to be.” The cat then stood up and stretched his skeletal body.

Alice gave a sweet smile as she said, “Yes, I think we shall. I am surprised however that you actually wish to hang around for once. I think it will be interesting to see the dark side of this place. I know it has to exist.”

The cat arched an eyebrow at her. “Really? You think this land of bright colors, sunshine and rainbows will have an actual dark side to it?”

Alice then gave a giggle as she said, “This coming from the very cat that told me 'appearances can be deceiving'? The way I see it a place with this much decoration is sure to have a very hideous underbelly as it were. Or well if not an actual underbelly, it will have places of darkness I am sure.”

“You are of course right, Alice. ‘If there is light there is also shadow’ as they say. What is it that you intend to do once you find this shadow, Alice?” Cheshire asked.

Alice gave a giggle before answering, “It seems even your knowledge has its limits when it comes to things outside of Wonderland. I am not entirely sure myself, Cat.”

“You may laugh at my supposed lack of knowledge Alice. But have you ever considered my lack of knowledge is linked to your very own lack of information?” Cheshire grinned and followed Alice.

“If you say so, Cat….” Alice answered distractedly. Her ears then perked up as she noticed something. “Oh look! A pond! It seems still enough that I might be able to see what my new form looks like.”

Alice then trotted up to the pond and looked into it. She was immediately drawn to her green eyes. They were just as lovely as she remembered them, but they had a certain darkness to them that made them more intriguing she thought. Her mane was styled just like her hair, and it was just as dark, straight, and silky with the same red tinge as before as well. Her fur coat she noticed was light in color but looked a healthier color than her skin did even in Wonderland. She was curious about her lack of clothing though, but she figured ponies just didn't wear clothing.

Alice turned to get a look at her side. Her tail matched her mane. Alice then took amusement in swishing her tail back and forth. She had wondered what it would be like to have an actual tail. The closest she had to one before was either her really long bow or the siren’s dress she wore underwater. That dress was rather attention getting she always thought. It showed off her cleavage the most of all her dresses, and had brightly lit colors with a long Angler fish lure on her back where her bow should have been.

While she was shaking her tail she noticed a picture of some kind on her flank. Alice turned herself to get a better look at this picture. The picture looked like her necklace with the omega symbol, but her sister’s key rested next to the omega sign on the same chain.

She tried to figure out what it could mean. She then looked closer and noticed there seemed to be flecks of blood on the two symbols as well. Anyone else might think they were just dots of red, but she knew better.

“Do you think this picture means I am the ultimate end of dark feminine beauty? Ultimately beautiful yet tainted as well, Cat?” Alice asked the cat who seemed to have a bemused smile on his lips.

“There are many things that stamp on your flank could mean. However, I get a feeling it is you who decides what it truly means, Alice.” Cheshire seemed to still have that same bemused smile.

Alice then went back to looking at her side, this time looking at it as a whole rather than just her tail. It was at this time her eyes widened as she stared towards the middle of her back. Cheshire gave a chuckle as he watched Alice and said, “I was wondering how long it would be until you noticed those. It seems you aren't just any kind of a horse, but rather a Pegasus.”

Alice stood there staring not sure what to think. She figured she should have noticed something like this sooner. Maybe she would have usually. The thing was her whole body oddly enough felt natural to her. She didn't even have much trouble adjusting to walking on four hooves. She figured this might be the only reason why she just now noticed she had wings the same color has her fur coat. It isn't often one pays special attention to their various limbs. Alice decided she would get her wings to work and start flying right away!

{-} {-} {-}

After a couple of hours of noting but barely learning how to get her wings to flap, Alice decided this wasn't going to be as easy as walking. She sighed and tried to decide what she should do next.

Currently she was alone. Cheshire got tired of her flying attempts after twenty minutes of nothing. Alice finally decided she would visit the city with the castle she saw earlier and made her way to its gates.

---- End of Flashback----

While walking the city streets, Alice was surprised how easy it was for her to enter the city. It turned out most of the ponies were at the time partaking in a royal wedding. She saw a few ponies here and there and even learned of this currency called "bits" the economy worked on. She now at least knew what she would have to get a hold of to eat and find shelter here.

One thing she found annoying though was how clean, bright and wonderful the city was. Having spent several years in a dark and dreary asylum cell, followed by a year of barely living in the dank parts of London, she found how perfect this city seemed to be, hard to swallow. She wasn't sure why this was the case. it could really be anything. One thing she knew though is there was no way life could be this perfect without something hidden away.

Alice sighed as she walked into an alley way to think how she would get some of these bits to survive. She found herself wishing, not for the first time, that Radcliffe hadn't found a way to make off with all of her inheritance. He was supposedly “Holding on to it until she was of mental stability to use it wisely”.

Eventually he ended up making off with it all when she was "found not capable of using it wisely". Maybe her violent fit and accusations about stealing her stuffed rabbit helped sway things his way, but the man was responsible for stealing her rabbit along with everything else. However, he was for all intents and purposes seen as a respectable man in the law field who actually still had his soul.

Alice’s eye twitched at the painful memories this one brief flashback led to, and the feelings that boiled inside of her. Everywhere she went people only seemed to use her and take from her. The doctors and nurses at Rutledge Asylum took her childhood, privacy and sanity. Radcliffe took her last link to her family and her inheritance, which there was a lot of since her dad was a dean at Oxford University, and her mother came from a wealthy family. Dr. Bumby took her family, house, memories of her sister and later the last remains of her dignity as he made her his personal maid.

He ‘hired’ her because he wanted her to "have a chance at acclimating to society once more". He wanted her to "forget all that brings pain and suffering. It is unproductive to remember these things". He took Lizzie from her in the worst possible way. Her eye twitched a little more at that thought alone.

Alice gave a little crazed giggle. It seemed to her if you are to become wealthy, and thus earn pounds or bits, you must take from others without being caught. Alice remembered seeing some rather wealthy ponies walking, no strutting, around the streets. She wasn't going to become a common thief or sell her backside, but she needed a little start-up money, and she was sure those bits had to weigh down the rich ponies oh so much.

“But how to get money without getting into trouble.” She muttered to herself in the alleyway. She thought for a few moments and then her eyes lit up and she gave a slightly crazed smile. He was here. He was with her always, and she could summon him if she wanted.

“Ohhhh Cheshire…” Alice called sweetly.

There was soon a pop near her as a grinning cat faded into existence next to her. “You rrrang Alice?” Cheshire answered with his iconic deep voice.

“Yes I did. I was wondering if you could do me a favor. And in doing so show just how remarkable, unique and helpful you can be,” Alice said as she leaned into one of his ears and said softly. “I was wondering if you could help me with acquiring some funds.”

Cheshire gave a low laugh, “You mean stealing right, Alice?”

Alice had an odd look in her eyes as she said, “No. Not stealing. I merely think you should ease the burden so many of these well off ponies here seem to have. For some reason they like to carry around bags with yellow circular bits of metal. I would never steal. I do intend to find my own way to make currency of sorts when I can. But I need to start somewhere, and I think these pieces of metal will help with that.”

Cheshire sighed, “Are you daft girl? I know these ‘yellow circular bits of metal’ are referred to as 'bits' and are this land’s currency. I also know you realize this as well, Alice. I am not saying I won’t aide you. I just don’t wish for you to insult your intelligence, Alice.”

“What do you mean 'my intelligence' Cheshire?” Alice asked. She actually seemed confused on this one.

“It seems the ‘good’ Doctor’s damage is worse than I thought. I figured you would know by now that we are in a way one in the same Alice,” Cheshire said with slightly annoyed eyes.

Alice then placed a hoof on her chin and said, “I guess I understand what you mean by that. Regardless can you do what I ask without getting caught?”

Cheshire grinned his all too wide grin to that. “Now you insult my skills, Alice. I am shocked you doubt them. I can do what you asked. I would like to hear from your own lips why you ask this of me though.”

Alice’s eyes narrowed with some anger. “Because all anyone ever does is take from me. The rich in particular…. I don’t see anything wrong with them unknowingly investing in my welfare. I will find my own way to deal with such matters, but I have to start from somewhere. It won’t become a trend I am better than them. If nothing else I don’t take joy in little children in the foulest of ways.”

Cheshire grinned darkly, “It seems you have decided almost all ‘rich’ are more or less Dr. Bumby and his illustrious clients. Besides, Alice you are only telling yourself you are better than them. I really don’t think you need to do that... I shall return.” Seconds later the cat faded away leaving only his grin hanging in the air for a few seconds.

{-} {-} {-}

It wasn't until much later that Alice found herself once again face to face with her constant companion. His grin was as wide as ever when he handed her two bags of coins. Alice was impressed and thankful, but now she had to figure out where to put the money. She didn't want to be seen walking around with two bags of coins in her hooves. She also wondered if she could actually do this, since it would require her to walk on her hind hooves in a manner like her previous self.

“I wonder where I should put them. I don’t even have a hand bag or anything.” Alice said trying to figure this out.

The cat’s grin grew as he mentioned to her, “Have you ever had any problems with inventory before, Alice? I thought not. So why would you now? Sure this is a different world with different rules, but the Alice I know. Always made her own rules and her surroundings to suit her in some manner.”

Alice thought about that and decided to do a test. She thought up her Royal Suit dress and it materialized on her body. This, needless to say, perplexed her. “I am a pegasus not a unicorn…. I don’t think I have magic. Do I?”

Alice looked at her dress in a nearby shattered mirror while waiting for Cheshire's answer. She always loved this dress it was rather regal and beautiful she thought. The dress fit her much like it would if she was human. The main difference she noticed was the way it fitted her and left her wings free.

The dress was red with brown assets with a white border and gold embroidery. She was surprised to see she still had her black and white stockings and black boots. She also found it odd that she had her gloves which mimicked castle towers on her forehooves. The last thing she noticed was her pinafore looked like an angled ace of spades card. She turned to look at her back and noticed her bow looked like a heart shaped skull with glowing red eyes.

After a little thought the cat answered her. “From what I have seen all ponies in this world have magic of a sorts. I saw a good few just pull something they needed out of thin air. None of them had a horn glowing with magic.”

Alice then thought of putting away the dress and it vanished. She smiled and materialized it again. She then thought of a safe to hold her bits, and the bags disappeared. She next thought of pulling out three bits as she placed a hoof in one of her pockets.

As she did this she now held three bits in her left hoof. Alice smiled in triumph. She finally thought of holding her trusty blade in her right forehoof, and it appeared in all of its bloodied floral engraved glory.

Once she vanished the knife and the bits, she went to a decent restaurant she saw earlier while walking the streets. She needed some food and something to drink at this point. She was very famished. Plus she figured it would be a good place for a ‘tourist’ to learn about what was going on in this city and maybe even the rest of the world.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice entered the restaurant wearing her Royal Suit dress. She thought it odd how these ponies seemed to have a fascination with wearing clothes, but for the sake of dodging suspicion she wore her most regal outfit. Inside she was quickly greeted by a friendly waiter who showed her to a nice table by the window.

She had to take a second look at the menu to be sure she was seeing it correctly. “I suppose it makes sense horses would be into things like daisy and daffodil sandwiches and hay fries.” Alice said quietly to herself so that no one would overhear her. She decided to try the sandwich and carrot soup.

As she was enjoying her meal a couple of stallions ended up sitting at the table next to her. Alice smiled mostly to herself as she happened to overhear their conversation. They were talking about all sorts of places they have been to before. She thought she noticed similarities to several places she knew back in her old world. Her ears perked up when she heard one of them mention a Lonpony. She blinked her eyes a couple of times to that.

She noticed one of the two stallions saw her blinks and mistook them as her fluttering her eyes at him. He didn't make a move or anything though. To Alice, the fact he contained himself earned him respect from her. Alice then smiled and made her way over to them and said in her accented voice. “I am sorry to interrupt, but I overheard you two talking about Lonpony, and I simply had to ask if you didn't mind if I joined you two gentle stallions.”

The one furthest form the window gave her a neutral expression as he asked, “Oh?! And why did that garner your interest ma’am?” He was studying Alice very carefully.

Alice would have been a bit taken aback but she could tell he was merely curious about her and maybe a bit wary of her. She couldn't really sense any ill intentions, so she didn't let it get to her. Besides, she was a strange mare that randomly wished to sit by them as far as they knew.

Alice took in his features quickly. He was a normal pony who had a light tan coat with a plain dark brown mane and tail. His mark on the side, which she learned was called a cutie mark, showed an hourglass. Alice gave a sweet and genuine smile as she answered, “I always had a fondness for the place and wish to one day visit it. Unfortunately, I do not yet have the resources for such a venture, but one day I will.”

The other stallion, who thought she was flirting with him earlier, smiled at her and said, “I don’t see why not. I love telling others of the places I have seen.” He had a light blue body with a light green mane and tail. His cutie mark was a compass. He also had a horn, which meant he was a unicorn.

Alice smiled at him and took a seat as she said, “Does this mean your cutie mark stands for your passion for travel?”

The blue stallion smiled brightly at her and answered, “I am well-traveled and I write books about the sights I have seen. Unfortunately while I can get by, I am far from famous, but I have seen many places. My name is Long Trot by the way. What is your name miss?”

The other stallion seemed to still be observing her. However Alice always did her best to put on a brave front and not let such things get to her. “I am Alice Briddell. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance good sir. Do you have a book on Lonpony? I have read a few but they always seem to focus on the more touristy aspects. I paid little attention to them really, because I was more interested in something that talked more about the everyday parts of the city.” Alice took a sip of her drink while keeping her eyes on Long Trot.

“Actually that is something I usually focus on in my books. I think that might be part of the reason they don’t get the recognition I think they deserve. Most just want to hear about the grander places and buildings.” He said with a sheepish grin.

Alice’s green eyes seemed to light up to this. “Do you know of a bookstore near here that sells you book on Lonpony then?” She was leaning in closer to him. He took delight in this action, while Alice mentally cringed. She felt she was acting childish with this and blamed Bumby’s so called training she went through. However, Alice got over it and decided she might as well use everything she learned from him to her advantage.

“I can actually do one better, Miss Alice. I carry a few copies with me in my enchanted bags. It's only 12 bits.” Long said to her. He then brought one out for her to see.

Alice smiled as she reached into her pockets and retrieved 12 bits. She then placed the bits on the table for him to grab. He would have complained about how she need not worry about paying for it, but he wasn't going to turn down the bits. It also showed him she wasn't the type to just use others for money. It seemed the other stallion eased back a little bit as well.

“Thank you so very much, Mr. Trot. I probably would have gotten lost while looking for the bookstore you told me about anyways. I actually just arrived here in Canterlot today.” She then placed the book on the table next to where she sat before turning her attention to the other stallion.

“Oh goodness. I am sorry I forgot to ask for your name, sir. I was caught up in asking about books that I didn't ask for it. I hope you can forgive my trespass on your dignity,” Alice said to the brown stallion.

The stallion gave a small chuckle before speaking. “It is quite alright, Miss Briddell. Everyone knows me as Doctor Hooves or simply ‘the Doctor’. Some however have come to call me Time Turner, since my cutie mark stands for my knack for all things timey wimey. I have traveled many places as well in my past, but not so much now I am afraid. Having a wife and child will do that to a stallion.”

He then ordered a drink from the waiter and turned to Alice again giving her a critical eye, which she noticed. “So were you here for the wedding Alice? You did say you just arrived here today.”

Alice took another sip of her drink and looked at him with her green eyes. “I am afraid I missed the festivities. Which I am fairly certain are still going on at this very moment. Weddings are always very big deals. I can’t even imagine how much a Royal Wedding would entail.”

“It is too bad you missed the wedding then Alice. The reception is still going on now, but the rest of it is finished. The whole thing was rather exciting and the public was invited to the ceremony. How come you missed it, Miss Alice?” Long trot asked her.

Alice let out a sigh as she said, “I would have liked to have made it, but I am afraid on my long journey I let my curios nature get the best of me a couple of times too many. I had of course taken this into account when planning this trip, but I have always been rather curious since I was young.” She gave a little giggle before saying, “Some would say it was a vice.”

The Doctor next spoke up. “You know I think I have heard the name Briddell before Miss Alice. Are you perchance from Baltimare or maybe Cloudsdale?” The time expert gazed at her with a knowing expression he thought no one would notice.

Alice was always rather clever and she prided herself on reading people or in this case ponies. Bumby was an exception, not the rule. She noticed this ‘Doctor’ character was once again fishing for information. She also had a feeling he was making up what he said in an effort to throw her off and catch her in a lie.

Alice gave a polite giggle, “Hardly…. My family lived out in the country peacefully. This is part of the reason I have yearned for visiting places such as Lonpony, and decided to come visit here. I had originally intended to make it for the wedding. but as I said I am sometimes rather easily distracted. I am sorry to say Doctor, but it isn't very becoming to pretend you know something you don’t. Ponies might think you are a bit of braggart if it becomes a trend of yours.” She pretended to whisper the last part.

Long Trot and Doctor Hooves laughed to this. Long spoke to her. “He’s usually like that. Always trying to find familiar faces everywhere he goes. I do have to say you seem very refined for a simple country girl, Miss Alice.”

Alice gave a smirk as she said. “Mister Trot. I never said I was a simple country girl. I only said I was from the country.” Long blushed to this. Alice gave a slight frown as she continued. “I am sorry if I unintentionally embarrassed you, Mister Trot. I have always liked games of syntax. I think it is part of my upbringing, despite my family being from the country. My father always prided himself as a scholar of sorts.”

The two stallions raised an eyebrow at her. “He only stayed in the country because despite everything he found the scenery and peace of the outdoors calming. He also mentioned his displeasure of academia politics kept him from pursuing a career in the field, since he didn't have the patience for teaching fillies and colts. This being the case he made sure my older sister and I were well educated. It isn't uncommon for ponies to choose a career they aren't actually specifically talented at when they have a family.” Alice easily lied to them because it was still fairly truthful.

Long gave a laugh to that. “Too true. When it comes to having a family, many sacrifices must often be made. So do you still have a family waiting for you back home, Alice?”

Alice lowered her eyes and the doctor felt a dark energy around her which put him on edge. However, once the mare breathed in deeply the feeling disappeared. “Unfortunately, I am currently at odds with my parents. I said things I regret and one day I will answer for them, but in the mean time I am on a bit of a self-discovery journey I guess you could say. That In addition to seeing the many sites Equestria has to offer.”

Long decided to change the subject somewhat. “So did your father give up on his special talent all together or is he still doing something to feed it? You said you have an older sister. Do you have younger siblings as well?”

Alice gave a weak smile. “No I don’t. What he does is help out our neighbors. We may not be a town or anything, but we have some neighbors we are close to. What my father does is provide higher education to those that seek it, but are unable to acquire funds for a place of higher learning. He has always believed that giving education to ponies of all walks of life if they want it only helps everypony.” She was glad she overheard some of the terms these ponies used while she wandered about earlier.

After this Long and the Doctor chose to just enjoy her company. Alice noticed Doctor Hooves seemed to be thinking over something, but she didn't pay attention to it. She doubted it involved her in any which way.

Before she left, she asked where they were staying claiming she wished to find a place to stay for a while. The two stallions gladly told her where they were staying, and in the end even insisted on paying for a couple of her drinks. They claimed it was an honor to meet somepony more refined than many of the Canterlot elite, but without the ever present snobbery.

Eventually, Alice left as they ate their meal. She even was so bold as to put just a tiny bit of extra sway in her step for Long Trot’s benefit. This was her way of silently thanking him for his helpfulness. When she found a promising Inn, she made sure the Inns the other two mentioned weren't anywhere nearby. She didn't want to accidentally run into them on the street.

When she decided it was all clear, Alice got herself a room and told the friendly staff pony she was looking to move into Canterlot, so she needed a place to stay while she got her act together. She claimed to be Alice Briddell from Lonpony. The Inn keeper was more than happy with this arrangement once Alice proved she had the funds for such a venture, and gave the pegasus mare a good rate. Alice knew she would have to again ask for Cheshire’s expertise at a later date, but she hoped it wouldn't be too often.

Alice then yawned as she finally found a comfortable position for her that didn't put any undue pressure on her wings. She couldn't help but smile as she slowly drifted off to sleep that night, thinking she was completely in the clear. The royal guard didn't know she was from a different world and as far as she was concerned neither did Long Trot or Doctor Hooves.

She would later learn she was a bit premature in this assessment, since the next morning Celestia’s task force would investigate where she entered the world. Also a certain expert in all things timey wimey now knew that Alice Briddell was actually the ever intriguing and dangerous Alice Liddell. He was at this moment trying to figure out what he should do about this situation if anything.