Yes, I finally put the first chapter down! Took faster than I originally thought! To the people who saw my original notes, lucky you! And to the people who didn't notice this story's original notes, I had a dream regarding this story. It was basically a sequel to the Alice in Wonderland 2010 movie; I was so convinced that it was real until I woke up (which I was unhappy about). But I only saw flashes of each scene; it was kinda sort of like one of those movie trailers. Because I only saw flashes, it might take me a while to think of a way to get each of those flashes for this story. But so far I have this; suggestions for the next chapter (which will possibly be a reunion with the families) would be appreciated.

Anywho, enjoy the chapter! It's a bit short, but otherwise OK. Also be sure to leave votes for support on this story!

Alice in Wonderland II: Underland's Champion

Chapter 1: Returning Home

'Finally, it's good to be back home…'

Alice smiles as the ship prepares to park at the dock. She begins to gather up all her personal belongings and unique antiques that she has gotten during her trip. Several sailors help carry or load her boxes off the ship while she and Lord Ascot bid the captain farewell. The duo have formed a good friendship with the good-natured seaman and Alice is very sad when she realizes that she may not see him for a while. He reminded her so much of her father; he is a curious man.

Four years have passed since she left London to start working on fulfilling her father's dream. Since then, she has had so many curious misadventures that no woman should even be considered experiencing. Although she was disregarded by several men because of her beliefs and mainly because of what she is, Alice refused to give up on her goals. She did earn a few admirers because of her stubborn beliefs and strong demeanor; she even developed good friendships with a few merchants. Those merchants would give her gifts out of friendship or luck; gifts that Alice is sure that her mother or sister would love to have.

Although the goal to start a trade route in China was almost finished after three years, Alice decided to expand that trade route when she realizes that China was already in a trade route with North America. It turns out that the English settlers needed more stocks during their settlement on the New World. Although most of the continent has already been mapped and settled on, the Americans have developed a branch of rules where they have private rights and even freedom. Although most of her people think of such a world as a childish dream, Alice felt hope. There are more people that think similar to her and her father. Since America is much closer to Europe, it would make the trade route easier to go from there and to China. Lord Ascot himself thought that the idea of having a trade route with two different worlds is impossible. But Alice would always simply tell him that it is impossible only if you believe that it is. After about two years of establishing routes between America and China, Alice and Lord Ascot's goal has been reached. And Alice has almost all of her questions answered.

Charles Kingsleigh would have been so proud of her.

'I did it, Father… I fulfilled your dreams…'

Alice smiles as soon as she steps off the dock. She receives strange looks from onlookers as she walks towards a carriage with Lord Ascot. The elder man simply places a hand on her shoulder and smiles as he helps her inside the carriage. Alice pays no mind to the onlookers as she sits down and relaxes. When Lord Ascot closes the door, Alice looks outside and sees the sailors placing her belongings onto a cart attached behind the carriage. She notices Lord Ascot shaking hands and exchanging papers with a couple of sailors before he moves inside the carriage. He relaxes on the seat opposite of Alice. The duo are silent until the carriage begins to move.

Lord Ascot smiles at Alice. "So, how does it feel?"

Alice tilts her head. "How does what feel?"

"Fulfilling your father's dream."

Realization dawns upon Alice's face. She smiles as she leans back against her seat. "It feels like something is finally lifted off my shoulders."

Lord Ascot chuckles as he leans back lazily on his seat. "I know what you mean. Planning out all those trade routes for four years takes a lot out of you…" He takes out a handkerchief from his coat pocket and wipes his forehead with it. "Four years… It seems to have passed by so quickly… I never thought it'd be possible to do it…"

"Lord Ascot-"

The elder tradesman interrupts Alice. "Alice, we have known each other for over twenty years. In the four years that we've worked together, I have always seen you as the daughter that I have always wanted. Please just call me William whenever we are alone."

Alice smiles. "Very well. William, what have I always said about anything being impossible?"

Lord Ascot chuckles. "Only if I believe it to be impossible. You are so much like your father, Alice. He always used to tell me that when he shared his ideas with me."

Alice grins in pride. "My father was a brilliant man."

"Brilliant, but crazy." Lord Ascot clarifies. Alice shakes her head. "But all the best people in the world are." She smiles as a certain Hatter crosses her mind. She misses him and everyone in Underland dearly.

Lord Ascot chuckles and shakes his head again. "So much like Charles… He would have been proud of you…"

"I know he would be…" Alice nods and smiles. Suddenly she looks thoughtful. "But I wonder what my mother and sister would say as soon as I get home?"

Lord Ascot leans forward with his hands on his lap. "I'm sure that they just miss you. After all, you haven't seen each other for four years…"

Alice pauses and looks even more thoughtful. "It has been a while… We've been so busy that I haven't even realized how long it's been… I mean, Margaret sent letters to me while we were gone… I can't wait to see her and my new nephew."

Over the last four years, Margaret and Helen would send Alice letters regarding how things are doing back home. Helen was doing fine and Margaret finally had a son with Lowell. Alice never told her sister about her distrust for Lowell, but based on what Margaret has been writing in her letters, Margaret either hasn't find out or Lowell has changed. Alice greatly hopes for her sister and nephew's sake that the latter is the case.

"Eleanor and Hamish miss you too," Lord Ascot says suddenly. Alice looks at him. "The letters they would always send me is questions regarding if you are safe and happy. It appears that Hamish has found a suitable woman and plans to marry her next week."

"Really?" Alice raises a brow. She and Hamish didn't exactly end in good terms with each other before she left, especially after she purposely ratted out his disorder. Lady Ascot was especially furious about Alice's audacity during the engagement celebration. She barely said a word to Alice when she bid her husband goodbye. The last thing Alice saw of her was a dark glare directed towards her.

"Yes… They are terribly sorry about how they treated you and wish to make up after all these years…" Lord Ascot nods his head solemnly. Alice is silent before she slowly nods. "Maybe we can all gather up and have some tea. I'm sure that Lady Ascot and Mother would like that."

A delighted look crosses Lord Ascot's face. "That sounds like a lovely idea, Alice. We can have tea and sweets over at my garden sometime before Hamish's wedding. My gardeners tell me that the lilies and roses grow quiet lovely at this time of the season…"

Alice couldn't help but smile when she remembers about the talking flowers in Underland. "I'm sure that they do." The talk ranges onto random topics until the carriage arrives at Alice's house. Alice smiles at the elegant entrance.

She is finally home.

I tried to make it seem realistic, but I'm not sure of how I did. It's sort of been a while since I last saw the movie...

I liked how it started out; short but sweet. I had a hunch that Lord Ascot and Alice would develop a father/daughter bond during the journey. And since we never hear of Lord Ascot's first name, I decided to name him 'William'. It seems to fit.

Please review and comment on this! I'd appreciate it!