Disclaimer: I do not own the movie Alice in Wonderland nor Lewis Carroll's amazing stories Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Any relations to your own original characters, plot lines, or your own life are purely coincidental. Please don't sue.

Added Note: After going over the story several times, I have rewritten chapters to fix up dead-end plotlines, grammar, spelling, and general inexperienced OOC-ness. In the past year since I've started writing this I have vastly improved and, since this is a story I am committed to, I wished to improve it. So, for all of your reading pleasure, I give you the edited version of Life After Everything Else.

A/N: To be honest, I plan to take out most of my author's notes too. I want to be very serious with this story, because I believe it has a lot of potential. Besides, most of my author's notes are just me rambling. So from now on they are not going to be here unless it is to address an issue brought up in reviews or PM and to wish you a happy reading.

Life After Everything Else

Chapter One: Her Decision

"Well, Alice?" Hatter whispered quietly as she continued to stare at the purple liquid swirling inside the tiny vial. "Do you want to stay here? In Underland?"

Alice remained silent for several moments, finding it hard to concentrate on one thought as the broken-hearted screams of the Red Queen's still echoed around them. She watched as the woman was dragged away and almost felt pity for her as her cries of despair upon learning of her supposed lover's betrayal faded as she was dragged away. Alice had never meant to cause all of this, truly she didn't. All she wanted was to go back home, to wake up from this surreal dream. But pinching had not worked like her father had promised her, and now when she was given a chance to return she found herself unable to come to a decision. Already she had grown to love Underland just as much as the Wonderland she knew as a child. It would seem like she would deny a part of her if she were to pretend as if it was nothing more than what she wished it were—a dream. But something this spectacular, something this important and meaningful and full of life couldn't be a dream. Not anymore, at the very least.

The White Queen gazed at her with a sympathetic look, her eyes able to say more to Alice than what her words alone could.

"I...I don't know, Hatter," Alice whispered, voicing her thoughts for all to hear. Everyone was watching her, all the animals and people who had come to help her fight for Underland's freedom. Even the Mad Hatter, the person she least expected to grow so close to, had come to help. He had given her courage when she was afraid to face the Jabberwocky, and now as she looked into his bright green eyes she could see the sadness they contained. And the longer she stared into them, the more she could see the intense color dulling and losing its vibrant hue.

How she would miss him so if she left. How she would miss everyone.

"I've said it once, and I will say it again. You cannot let people make your decisions, Alice," the White Queen advised, stepping forward to the younger girl as she placed a hand on her shoulder.

Alice nodded her agreement, knowing the words were all too true. She couldn't let people make up her own life anymore. Margaret telling her to marry young, her mother attempting to get her together with Hamish; she was sick of being told to do like she was daft. Although she didn't want to end up as her Aunt Imogene, but Alice didn't want to have people controlling her life forever.

"I need time to think," she said finally, her grip tightening around the clear vial as she looked up at Mirana. A small frown appeared briefly on the White Queen's face, but it was soon replaced by an understanding smile and she bowed slightly before turning to the Hatter.

"Tarrant," she said, "please go and take Alice back to Marmoreal. I'm sure you'll be able to find a comfortable room where she may change and relax." Turning to Alice, she gave a gentle smile to the girl. "I'm afraid you must give us your decision by tomorrow on whether you choose to stay or not. You'll discover that time moves very different here than in Overland, and if you wish to return you cannot afford to waste much more time before you are missed."

I wonder how long it has actually been Alice thought as she nodded her head, showing her understanding of the deal. Waving goodbye to everyone, she hoped that it would not be long until she saw them again as her and Tarrant began walking in the direction of the Tulgey Woods.

"So, your name is Tarrant?" she asked, trying to start up a conversation as they walked through the dense foliage.

"Yes, it is," he replied, giving her a slight smile that assured her somewhat. "And yours is Alice. Everything has a name."

"I know, I just never learned yours," she said with a small laugh as they continued walking side by side. The armor was growing heavy on her frame, and as the sun broke out through the leaves to shine on the white marble of Marmoreal she couldn't help but smile brightly.

"It seems...different," she remarked as they continued walking until they approached the long drive leading up to the splendid castle.

"It's most likely due to Lady Mirana becoming the queen of Underland once again," Tarrant answered as they approached the large opened gates. "Quite lovely, actually," he added as they both strolled past the cluster of blossom trees and entered the expansive foyer of the castle.

"Very much so," she agreed as she followed Tarrant into one of the many doors leading off from the foyer. Following him through the many hallways that twisted and turned and broke off, Alice took everything in as they kept walking through the maze-like castle until they were climbing upward. Finally Tarrant stopped her, smiling to himself as he held open the door for Alice.

Stepping inside, Alice gazed on in wonder at the room. Fabrics in all sorts of shades and colors and textures filled the room. Molds and head forms were all neatly placed on a table alongside a sewing machine. Another table was set aside, full of scissors and pins and decorative extras that would no doubt be added to something the Hatter created. Off in the back was a floor-length mirror beside a beautifully designed folding screen.

"Is this your room?" she asked excitedly.

"It is only where I work on my trade, Miss Alice," Tarrant replied as he stepped forward and picked up a pair of scissors, inspecting a few rolls of fabric vwith the metal held steadily over them. "Now go behind that screen over there and get undressed from that armor. I'll make you something nice," Tarrant instructed her and he spread out the chosen fabric and began cutting.

Walking over to the screen, Alice took her time removing the armor as the furious sound of scissors clipping filled the air. By the time she had removed the last of the metal, a dress had been placed at the top of the screen.

"Try that on for size," Tarrant told her. Smiling at the blue dress, she quickly put it on and took a deep breath. She sincerely hoped that Tarrant would approve and as she stepped out from behind the screen, she couldn't help but smile when she saw the Hatter inspecting a roll of fabric, muttering to himself while doing so.

"Now, this would be just lovely if I-" he stopped suddenly as his eyes meet his hers. "Oh! Very sorry, it seems I just tend to..."

"Lose yourself?" she offered with a grin as she stepped forward so that he could see the dress better.

"Ah, yes, that would be fairly accurate, if I must say," he said as he set down the roll of fabric and walked up to her. "You look very nice, Alice," he whispered, holding out his arm for her.

Linking her arm in his, Alice allowed Tarrant to lead her out of the wonderful room and back down the way they came. Together they passed by portraits of former royalty, large windows showing the vast beauty of the castle grounds, and even the occasional opened door that glimpsed at servants working diligently or the ornate furnishing of an empty salon.

It didn't take long until Tarrant took her down an unfamiliar hallway and she couldn't help but smile excitedly as he showed her everything he could about the castle. The last time she was there she was unable to see much due to the pressing need for a Champion; but now that she had been given the chance to return, she wished to see everything. And as Tarrant took her past room after room and up stairs and down corridors, she took every little detail in and tried to commit it to memory should she never be given the chance to see it again.

Finally their journey ended when he stopped before two doors—doors that Alice was sure she hadn't seen when they were walking down the hall—and triumphantly exclaimed, "Here we are!"

Grabbing the handles, Tarrant pushed the doors opened and stepped aside, smiling at Alice. She could not believe the splendor that the room contained, and as she walked around she could not contain her happiness. The furniture was polished ebony that stood out brilliantly against the white color of the room. Soft blue accents were hidden among the white, but Alice easily spotted them out with excitement. It was a small parlor, and as Alice continued to explore it she discovered another door hidden in a small hallway.

With Tarrant close behind her, she opened the door and stepped into what was to become her new bedroom. Although it only contained a bed, a small vanity table, a desk and a chair Alice could not see it as anything less than perfect. Stepping forward, she approached the large window and sat upon the plush cushions beside the glass and looked out eagerly at the gardens below. The room was so high up, everything below her looking so small, but it offered such a beautiful view.

"Would you like some entertainment?" Tarrant asked. "I've thought up the most wonderful riddle that I do think you'd enjoy very much."

"Please tell," she said, smiling as he sat down across from her on the window seat.

"Three sisters at breakfast were feeding the cat. The first gave it sole- Puss was grateful for that. The next gave it salmon- which Puss thought a treat. The third gave it herring- which Puss wouldn't eat. Now, my dear Alice, explain the conduct of the cat."

"Is it because Puss doesn't like herring?" she offered, watching as a grin spread out over Tarrant's face.

"Close," he whispered, his eyes' smiling just as brightly as his own mouth was. The color had turned that intense green, causing Alice to feel reassured as she waited for his answer. "That salmon and sole Puss should think very grand is no such remarkable thing. For more of these dainties Puss took up her stand: but when the third sister stretched out her fair hand pray why should Puss swallow her ring?" Alice giggled, amused with the answer to the riddle.

"Clever," she praised. After they had both fallen silent, Alice glanced out the window to gaze at the checkered lawn, deep in thought. She didn't want to leave this magical place, but what would become of her family...?

"Have you decided whether you are going to leave or not?" Tarrant asked quietly, reaching his hand out to grasp hers. She looked up, smiling sadly as she shook her head. "You know you will always be welcomed here...in Underland."

"I know," she replied sadly, her heart heavy.

"I'd miss you, you know," he said, "when you woke up. It wouldn't quite be the same without you here. Besides, you'd probably forget me once you return to Overland."

"Never, Hatter," she assured, smiling slightly. "I just have my family to think of too. My mother and my sister. What would become of them if I was not to return?" Alice questioned.

"Return to a place where you were unhappy?" She fell silent at his words, glancing back out the window so that she wouldn't have to see his frown and dulling eyes. "Just...think on it while you rest."

"I will," she promised, not moving her eyes from the pristine lake off in the distance. A large tree grew beside it and she wondered just how nice the waster felt.

"Since it's just past brillig," Tarrant said, taking out a pocket watch and glancing at the hands, "I suppose that dinner will be ready as soon as Lady Mirana returns. No doubt Thackery will cook something up to expectations, as always," he said, tucking the watch away as he walked up to the door. "I do hope you'll join us, Alice, and that you choose what you think will make you happiest," he said with a heavy sigh.

Watching as Tarrant left the room, Alice heard the click of the door firmly closing before focusing back on the scenery outside, her mind swimming with thoughts of what she should do.

"This can't be right! I demand you let go of me this very instant!" Iracebeth screamed, her face turning bright red as she was dragged towards the outskirts of Underland by her own guards. Stayne, who had resigned himself to their shared banishment, was walking behind one of the guards, glaring off in the distance. Of course, Iracebeth had refused to accept her fate and was dragged kicking and screaming through the Tulgey Woods until they arrived to the border of the Outlands.

"Let me go! I will have your heads chopped off and served to me on a golden platter!" she shrieked, thrashing violently against her restraints. They had been walking for miles, and the continuous shrieking had been grating on Stayne's already raw nerves.

"Shut up!" Stayne yelled, glaring fiercely at the redheaded woman. Thankfully, his own shouting seemed to have quieted her down as the rest of the trip was spent with her whimpering and sobs filling the air.

Being guided to a desolate area without even a glimpse of life anywhere, the guards shoved the prisoners into the ground before they turned and walked away. Watching until the two guards became nothing more than specks in the distance, Stayne sat up and studied the lock that held his hands together as Iracebeth continued sobbing.

"Why...?" she whimpered. "My Jabberbabywocky is...dead!"

"Oh be quiet," he spat. "No use in sobbing now, everything has collapsed around us." Suddenly Iracebeth shoved herself up from the ground and glared in fury at the taller man.

"You! You tried to kill me!" she screamed.

"And given the chance I'd do it again," he shouted back. After Iracebeth fell silent, he turned back to the lock. Twisting himself, Stayne grabbed a small knife hidden away. Iracebeth's eyes grew wide, and she cowered as he raised the weapon.

With intense fear, she watched as Stayne began picking the lock. "Stayne?" she asked, unsure of what to do. Just moments before he had claimed that he would kill her again if given the immediate chance. Yet here he was, with a knife easily accessible but instead he was concentrating on that stupid lock!

"Stayne, what are you doing?" she demanded. "What about me!" she screeched, refering to her own shackles that kept her hands firmly bound.

"You're on your own," he said, ignoring her screams of protest as he walked ahead. True, they had been dragged far enough away from the Tulgey Woods to where even the highest tree could not be seen, but Stayne was hopeful. He continued walking, praying for any sign of the land he had once ruled with an iron fist. But not even the trees of the Tulgey Woods or the barren wasteland of the battle ruins where Iracebeth's reign had come to a violent end could be seen.

He continued walking, but still nothing had shown up. The sun was beating mercilessly down upon him, and eventually he saw the edge of a forest. As he entered the greenery, he stepped past wild roots and made his way, thinking that there would never be an escape.

But there was an escape. Up ahead, a break through the leaves and branches gave him renewed hope. Moving faster, Stayne pushed his way through until he finally broke out into the open air. Taking a deep breath, he looked around and it didn't take long for him to realize that something was wrong.

His earlier thought was proven true. There, sitting in the exact same spot where he had left her was Iracebeth. "No!" he shouted, grabbing the same knife that had helped freed him and throwing it away from him. Looking wildly around, he turned behind him and saw that the forest he was in moments ago had completely disappeared.

Iracebeth sniffed disdainfully. "Serves you right," she muttered. "I could have told you that once you are banished and brought into the Outlands, you can never escape. Not unless the current reigning power, my lovely sister, either dies or is dethroned."

"And why didn't you tell me this earlier?" Stayne asked through clipped lips.

"You never bothered to asked," she answered, standing up and walking over to where Stayne had thrown his knife and picked it up. After she had removed the shackles on her wrists, she brushed off the dirt from her torn dress. "Now, if you are willing to listen to me I have a deal to propose to you."

"And what, pray tell, is that?" he hissed.

"Silence!" she shrieked. When Stayne did as told, she smiled approvingly and patted down her fiery red hair. "Now, here's my idea..."

A/N: Did everyone enjoy the new chapter? I do hope so. Hopefully this will be a vast improvement over the last version. Anyway, I shall continue editing (with luck it will be a chapter a day) and eventually I swear the next chapter will be up! I have not given up on this! So to my veteran readers I hope you enjoy the new chapter and to new readers, I hope you enjoyed it. Please review!

Another Added Note: I have posted up a poll on my profile. With the amount of story ideas that I have, I cannot decide what story I should write about next. If you enjoy reading my stories and wish to read more, please go over to my profile page and vote! Thank you very much.