• That fool has not found me yet. It has been days since we sent Akisu away and met up with one of the commanders of the Trump Pirates. There is no palace on Clockwork Island, only the mayor's office. I, the "Princess," reside in a homely little house in the middle of town where he would least expect a princess to live. The pirates have been freely walking around and not harming the people but they have given us all stares. The fool kept his promise and I suppose his king agreed to my standards. I hope Borodo comes soon, he will save us all from this horrible siege.

    -From the Diary of Alice

    It was an overcast morning when Alice ventured out into public, exactly a week after the ships dropped anchor in the cavern. Few people could be found out of their houses anymore. They were all afraid of the pirates. But everyone knew the situation, they had no weapons to fight against them with. The best they could do is sit back and hope the mayor and Alice could work something out.

    Alice seemed to be the only one out on the street that day. She needed to get some fresh air after hiding in her room for the past week. She wore a simple white dress with a blue sash and on her feet were her little slippers. She didn't want to get all dressed up just to go for a short walk.

    Hiding in the alley was the clown. He watched her as she walked down the street ahead, fearless of what could possibly happen. His feathers rustled as he disappeared and appeared in another alley to catch up with her. His grin became wider like Mr. Cheshire's as he neared her.

    Alice stopped to look in a shop window. This was his chance! He stepped out of the shadows and grabbed her shoulder.

    "Ah, there you are my princess," he smiled, showing her that it was alright as she was surprised by the sudden touch. "I've been looking all over for you."

    "You have your island, what else do you want?" Alice shoved his hand away.

    "My king has the island but what do I want? I've been promised the princess of this island which happens to be you. That's what I want."

    Alice growled in frustration. How could Chester do that to her? She loved Borodo, and Chester goes and promises her to another man whom she does not love.

    "Please, my princess. I can prove to be a great husband," he pleaded, sitting on one knee. "I'm a prince of a foreign country that only exists in legends, I'm an excellent swordsman and I will house you in the future castle."

    "Give me three months to decide. I just met you the other day, you could at least tell me your name," Alice crossed her arms across her chest, angrily.

    "Oh! Forgive me, princess! How rude of me not to tell you my name," he stood up and took a low bow. "I am Prince Jorik Aena but I am simply called, Pin Joker."

    Alice eyed him carefully. He was a prince? But he dressed like a clown. Did dress code define one's status? Alice thought so.

    "May I walk you back to your palace?" Pin Joker asked as he held out his hand. Alice grimaced and placed her hand in the pirate's.

    She led him down the street towards the small home that she lived in. As they walked, he told her of his boring lineage, how he became a pirate and the many adventures he had on the sea. He had taken out all of the vomitting details so as to not sicken her and let her respond every once in awhile. Alice found him very boring. The only curious thing about him were his pointed elf ears. Borodo was much more interesting then him, telling her of his adventures fighting sea monsters and finding rare treasure. She enjoyed those stories even though they may have been made-up. Alice will hold out for Borodo. He had three months to get here as he promised.

    Alice stopped in front of the little house on the steep hill and turned to Pin Joker, who wondered why they were stopping at this little house fit for a peasant. She smiled slightly before looking up at him, straight faced. "Thank you, it was nice to officially meet you," Alice curtsied.

    "The pleasure is all mine," he grabbed her by the hand and raised it to his lips. "So shall I see you tomorrow?" he kissed her hand and looked up at her, expecting to see her flattered and blushing but she stood, unmoved by the gesture.

    "I really can't say, I'm awfully busy as the princess." Deep inside, Alice wanted to burst into laughter.

    He sighed and let go of her hand. "Alright, I'll try to see you tomorrow," he began to walk down the sidewalk, "Goodbye Alice!" he shouted as he waved.

    Alice waved back and turned the door handle, slipping into the house. "Good riddens," she whispered and looked about her. No one was around. She figured they were down in the lab. Alice sat down at the table on the second level and stared at the large clock that hung on the wall. There were four diamond cut jades sticking out of it like a rose compass and organ pipes came out from behind it. In the center was a glass piece that allowed one to see all the gears within the clock. The Diamond Clock.

    She lowered her head and began to weep. What ill gotten fate had befallen her little brother, Akisu? She hoped he was okay but an inner part of her told her he was indeed dead.

    "Oh, Akisu. You had very little time in this world!" Alice cried aloud.