Ok, this is my first AIW fanfic, and I hope that it comes across as being a least a bit interesting. Reviews are my motivation to write more, and constructive criticism makes me a very happy little authoress.
Disclaimer: I do not own Alice in Wonderland. All credit and whatnot belongs to Lewis Carroll; I just manipulate his characters to do my bidding :)
A young man hurriedly strode throught the marble corridors, his rushed footsteps muffled by the continuous red carpets. The sound of his name being called faintly reached his ears, but it didn't matter. Nothing mattered right then, only that his feet keep moving. Every intake of breath was painful as his throat seemed to close off with distress. Finally, after what seemed to be a much too lengthy walk, he ignored every bit of his formal upbringing and pushed open a door that must always be knocked upon first, almost collapsing at the sight before him.
Standing in the doorway, knuckles white from clinging to the doorframe, he barely registered the footsteps coming from behind him. A gentle hand rested itself on his shoulder, but he didn't even have the strength to look at its owner; he was far too drained by the fright instilled within him. He could barely force his heavy lips to form a coherent phrase.
"You weren't kidding, were you," he whispered. It wasn't a question, but simply a statement that wished to be confirmed.
"I'm so sorry, Sir."
Dying...dying...dying. The word echoed throughout his head, filling him with utter despair. The chair behind the desk was empty, for the first time that he could remember. And instead, his father lied in bed. Feeling the numbness begin to dwindle away, he reached up and removed his top hat out of respect. Clutching it nervously in his trembling hands, he approached the bed, his feet made of lead. He hoped beyond hope that this was only a sick joke, that his father would sit up and and say, 'Got you,' smiling that mad smile of his.
But he didn't. His father simply turned his head to gaze up at him and he smiled painfully. "My son," he hoarsely whispered.
"What is it?" he asked. He couldn't bring himself to say, 'Why are you dying?' That would only cause him to break down, and become completely moonstruck.
"I...I don't know." He paused for several long moments. "No one does."
"Is there anything that can be done? A-anything that I can do?" He silently cursed himself as he heard his voice crack. This was no time to be weak.
At this, his father attempted to smile again. "Bring me Alice," he croaked.
His eyes widened, he heard the gasp behind him, and he took a step back. "Alice? But why?"
He watched as pain flooded into his father's eyes at his reaction. "If anyone can help me, than it is Alice. If she can't...then I may at least die a happy man with her by her side."
He gazed down at his father, and he could barely repress a giggle. Oh, this was not a comical sight, not in the least, but he always laughed when his insides were laced with sorrow. In order to halt the sensation , he closed his eyes and tightened his grip on his hat. He, along with the man behind him, knew of what had occured between his father and Alice, knew what he had done to her. Who could say that something similar would not occur? Yet, this might be his father's last wish. Could he deny him this final chance of happiness, the chance for closure? He realized that he could not.
Opening his eyes, he briefly nodded his head. He forced his top hat onto his head, causing his dusty black bangs to fall in front of his hard, emerald eyes. "Do not worry, Father. I shall bring her." With those words, he turned on his heel and headed for the door.
"Wait!" his father called, immediately seized by a fit of coughing with the exclamation. When the harsh barks subsided, he gingerly lifted a hand from beneath his heavy blankets and pointed towards a hat and coat rack that rested by the bedroom door. "Take it...take the card."
He froze, and looked at the figure still standing in the doorway to see that his own shocked expression was mirrored in the man's soft blue eyes. "W-why?" he questioned.
"For good luck."
Only half-hearing his father's response, he reached out and tenderly grasped a corner of the card that was tucked into the brim of his father's trademark top hat.
"When you're dealing with a girl like that, who knows what could happen?" The slight tinge of humor in his father's voice only darkened his mood; he fought to supress a series of snickers, now tucking the card into the brim of his own hat.
"March shall escort you to the portal."
"Of course, Sir," came the soft reply. He glanced at his friend's son and noted that his eyes had become a lighter shade of green. Waiting until the young man had exited the room, he then hurriedly closed the bedroom door. Immediately, his ears were filled with the disturbing sound of the boy's woeful cackle, and he winced as he followed his retreating figure. Anyone who heard the cry would hopefully have enough sense to clear the hallways, for it was not wise to cross the Mad Hatter's son while he was laughing.
Alice Paige awoke screaming, encased in a cold sweat. No, no, no, she couldn't go back! Not after what happened! Tears immediately trickled from her wide eyes as she hugged her thin frame. After glancing around her room, her room, it belonged to her, she remembered that she was safe. The plain white walls were supposed to keep out all of the awful people and creatures from Wonderland, but those monsters still slipped in through her dreams. So she sat up, tapping her fingers against her knees, determined to remain awake. Staring at the cold, white door, she shouted, "You won't find me, Hatter! Never again!" And then she suddenly began to laugh, her tiny giggles echoing around the room and keeping her company for the rest of the night.
