The Greatest Threat
A/N:
Have you ever wondered about Hatter's past? Was there a reason behind his actions and words when he decided to help Alice that fateful day? Every little thing that Hatter did or said must have had a reason behind it, right? Well this fanfiction will answer all those questions for you! Let us dip down into Hatter's past and see what really makes him tick.
Although the book Alice in Wonderland is under Public Domain and a disclaimer for it isn't necessary the movie isn't so here goes: I do not own the rights to SyFy's Alice or it's characters.
XXXXXXXXXX
He had gone though so much. So much pain, betrayal, and hurt. It was hard to believe that such a precious little face could take all that away and replace it with happiness, sheer happiness.
She was like a miniature version of him, or at least, in her appearance. She had his eyes, his hair and his nose all were the spitting image of him. However, her personality was definitely inherited from her mother. Very determined, knowing what she wanted and not afraid to say no. Strong qualities for a ten month old.
If he had been told a few years ago that he would end up happily married with a precious little child, the spitting image of them both he would have called thought them mad. No one with a record like his could deserve such a happy ending. It wasn't the way things worked in his world. But the truth of the matter was, they were not in his world anymore.
The man looked down at the sleeping child in his arms and smiled to himself. Remembering the vow, he had secretly made when his wife had told him of her pregnancy. His little girl would never have to face the same hardships he had. Never have to experience the pain and betrayal. As her father, he would make sure of that.
XXXXXXXXXX
It didn't matter so much back then, how much one had in contrast to the other. Although it probably meant something to the adults. In fact it probably meant quite a lot. Young David didn't notice. A Wonderlander was simply a Wonderlander. He was only nine years old after all.
The village he lived in was small, but quaint and homely. It didn't have a name and if it did David was oblivious to it all. He spent most of his days playing in the mushroom fields with his friends. Wrestling, playing chase or simply lying in the shade of the massive mushrooms. That was what they were doing on the day everything changed. The day David, even as an adult would remember.
The shaded grass felt cool under his bare feet as he ran along the large mushroom stems breathing heavily. He weaved along, looking over his shoulder every few steps wiping the sweat from his brow.
It was quiet. Too quiet. David slowed down to a jog as he listened intently. Where were they? They had been right behind him only moments ago.
Stopping all together he stared into the field as the shadows from the giant mushrooms danced around him in the afternoon sun. With his heart beating faster than it had when he was running, he called out nervously.
"Come on guys, this isn't funny!"
He turned his head from side to side as the shadows began to dance about even faster. Someone was in the mushroom fields. David didn't have a reason to be scared. It was only his friends, and they were only going to jump out and try to scare him again. Yet, why was it that as he stood there, carefully eyeing the shadows, that the hairs on the back of his neck stood up?
"Guys?"
His heart nearly stopped as he suddenly felt a sudden jolt behind him. A small noise escaped from his throat as he whirled around and found himself face to face with a young boy. It was his friend, Samuel. A tall boy with a broad grin and wild hair.
"Don't do that! David yelled as the boy laughed gaily.
"Scared you didn't I?"
The boy's grin grew wider as David glared at him. "There's scared, and then there's surprised."
"And you were both." Samuel reached over and placed his hand on the boy's shoulder, still smirking from ear to ear. "Don't look so upset. It's not my fault you keep falling for the same trick over and over."
"Shut up." David growled, pushing his hand off his shoulder. "Where is everyone else?"
Samuel shrugged, turning his back on David as he did so. "Got bored and went home I guess. Your mum is out on the edge of the field looking for you. Told her I would come fetch you, I did."
David felt his stomach drop. "Oh, okay then. Thanks!" He turned on a dime, running as fast as his legs could carry him past the shadows and the large mushroom stalks. Mam would be upset if she was kept waiting.
But she was. He slowed down to a quick walk as he approached the woman standing next to the fence. With her arm were crossed and here eyebrow arched as he approached yet she stared at him with her soft blue eyes and a slight smile. David could feel a wave of relief pass over him as he approached her.
"I'm sorry Mam." He said as he came up to her. "Lost track of the time."
She didn't speak, only smiled as she held out her hand. David didn't hesitate as he grabbed it and headed down the dirt road pulling her along.
"I'll make up for the lost time I promise, Mam!" David continued looking back at her. "Where to first?"
"David," his mother said laughing "It's okay, you don't have to rush us to get the errands done every time you are a few minutes late."
The boy shook his head quickly. Mam didn't understand. He had promised he'd help her and by golly that was what he was going to do. It wouldn't do if they couldn't get them done, all of them because he wasn't watching where the sun was up in the sky.
"Fine." Mam said, still smiling. "We have to go first to the Shoemaker. Your Papa traded the new jacket I made him and got three gold rings in return."
David beamed from ear to ear as they turned the corner into the bustling village market place. Mam was an excellent seamstress, the very best. Of course, Papa would get three gold rings for it. She had worked very hard. Just for him.
"When your Papa left the house this morning," Mam continued, "Two of the three were on his fingers. I took the last one to pay for some new shoes for you."
David nodded happily. He did need new leather shoes. For about three years in fact but Papa and Mam never seemed to have enough to pay the Shoemaker: it required something valuable, like a gold ring or rare item to get his services. The Shoemaker refused when they offered to work for him as payment. He rushed to the Shoemaker's shop as quickly as he could drag his mother.
"What do you think Papa'll buy with the other two rings?" David asked a few minutes later, wiggling his toes inside his brand new, very soft leather shoes, glad to be rid of the aching feeling of rocks and dirt under his feet.
"I don't know." Mam answered him, taking his hand as they once again began to walk down the busy village street. "We need to go visit Old Ophelia next, she promised us a whole loaf of bread and a pastry if we wash the floors for her today."
"I hope he doesn't buy a bunch of Teas again."
To David's surprise and utter bewilderment, his mother suddenly stopped at his words. Grabbing his shoulders, she bent down to his level, stony faced and mouth tight with sudden anger. Her eyes hard and large beneath the strands of long black hair that had fallen in front of her face.
"Don't let me ever hear you say anythin' of that sort again y'hear?"
"Wha?"
"Your father is a good man." Mam snapped again, shaking David by the shoulders slightly. "He's only going through a rough patch because he's had trouble finding work is all. He needs those Teas to cope with the stress! If he needs them he should buy them!"
David nodded wide-eyed at his mother. It was very rare for her to get angry, but every time she did, the world stopped. Her face usually was so calm and loving anything out of the normal was well, simply not normal. "Yes Mam."
She nodded to him, smiling slightly as she pushed her hair out of her eyes. "Good boy. Now let's head over to Old Ophelia's shall we?"
Nodding again, he took his mother's hand as they headed down the road in silence. David didn't care, his father on his mind. If Papa was in a "rough patch" as Mam had put it then it was an awfully large patch. Papa had been drinking Emotion Teas before David was born—probably longer. Sometimes he was okay, but other times…
He shook his head quickly, trying to forget about it as he and his mother walked into the old worn building they had been approaching. David had been so deep in thought he hadn't realized they had arrived at their destination. Slapping on a smile, he let go of Mam's hand as a gingerly old lady waved to them from her counter.
"Maria!" Old Ophelia wheezed as they came up to her. "I was beginning to think you weren't going to show."
Mam smiled and waved her off. "You always offer us such help Ophelia. Why in Wonderland would we not show up when you're always so kind and generous?"
"And David!" Old Ophelia said, leaning over the counter. "You're getting so big! How are you today?"
"I'm very good, thank you Miss Ophelia."
The old woman smiled and nodded to him, before turning back to his mother. "The pails and dishrags are where you left them last time, Maria. Already full and ready to go." She said gesturing to the closed door behind her. "Be quick about it. I'm closing the shop early today so I can pay a visit to the doctor."
"Oh is he in the village this week?" Mam said, passing the older woman towards the shut door. "I thought he came when the moon was full?"
"No dear." Old Ophelia answered as Mam passed her, handing David a pail and rag. "He comes every year, right before the full moon. Never late. He's such a charming young man and well dressed too! Goes to the smaller villages all over Wonderland who don't have doctors before returning to his practice back in Wonderland City. Very smart man too, I'm thinking of asking him if he'll take my little Bernard as an apprentice next year."
"Bernard would make an excellent doctor." Mam told her as she kneeled down beside David on the floor, dipping her rag into the pail as she did. "He's inherited your son's brains that is for sure."
"We got a letter from Phillip a few days ago, speaking of which." Ophelia said, her chest puffing up ever so slightly. "He got accepted as Assistant to the new Head of Tea Scientific Discovery inside the Casino! Carpenter I think is his name? Any who, they are doing big things in the Casino they are. Big things."
"Yes they are." Mam agreed. "You and Bernard must be so proud of him."
"Oh we are!" Ophelia exclaimed. "I tell you Maria, some of the best jobs one can get these days are in the Casino."
The old woman continued to ramble on for the rest of the hour, but David tuned her out. Old people could be so annoying sometimes. Going on about this and that, and rambling about nothing. Mam also continued to answer her but the work was done at a reasonable hour despite her distractions. David happily carried the large loaf of bread as they continued down the winding road. It was nice to have shoes to protect his feet against the sharp stones that littered the narrow road leading home.
Mam walked a short distance behind him, holding the pastry and the bundle of cloth she had been given by the village hat maker for washing the windows in the hat display.
"What d'you think you'll make with the new cloth this time?" David asked.
"I'm not sure yet." She answered. "Your Papa traded that new jacket I made him. There should be enough material to make him another one. Maybe even enough to make you a new pair of stockings to go with your new shoes."
"Really?"
"If there is enough material after I make Papa a new jacket. I may make him a new shirt too. You know how Papa likes to look his best."
They continued to walk down the winding road together as the sun touched the tip of the horizon, giving the sky a golden hue.
"You know Mam," David said after a moment gently turning his head to look at her but still walking. "I think I have it all figured out."
"What have you got figured out sweetheart?"
"I have a plan." He said turning his head to look at her as they strolled, altering the weight of the loaf of bread in his arms so he wouldn't fall over. "When I get bigger, I'll open a shop. I don't know how or what kind of one yet but I will. Then you'll be able to afford all the material you need and you can make as many jackets for Papa that you want!"
"Well, that's a very fine dream David."
"It's not a dream! It's going to happen. I'm sure of it. You'll see."
He smiled as his mother's face began to grin widely. "Oh really?"
"Yes, really."
He returned her smile as Mam swiftly ran towards him. The boxed up pastry and the bundle of cloth fell to the ground as she scooped him up into her arms. David let out a little yelp of annoyance as she held him there, laughing. He twisted with all his might to escape her grasp but his mother held onto him tight, kissing the top of his head lightly.
"Come on Mam!" David whined struggling against her. "Quit it!"
But she refused. Tickling him, a mischievous smile on her face. David gasped for breath as he giggled, still trying to escape.
Finally, he managed to break away. Running as fast as his newly shoed feet would take him, he hurtled up the road into the sunset. He only stopped when he was up the hill to look back. Mam was walking up the bundle of cloth still in her hand and the pasty box, now slightly dirty under her arm. David waved to her as he continued down the hill.
Faster and faster he ran. Picking up speed as the hill curved onto a steep slope, hair flying back and feet barley touching the ground. He could see his home in the distance.
Their little home was a little ways at the bottom of the hill. The wooden home was old; it had belonged to Papa's grandfather. An old table sat in front of their yard. It was never used and it was covered in vines and moss. Their house was equally as moss and vine covered with a few exceptions of the windows and front door. The old wood could only be seen if you were up close. The roof's shingles were coming off and there was a hole in the middle. Despite the leaks and the cold drafts that seemed to constantly fill the inside of the little cottage, it was home.
David flung the little door open with a push; he turned to see his mother starting down the hill. Good, she would be coming soon. Shutting the door ever so carefully, he looked around the dimly lit cottage. It was simple, with a kitchen on one side and stairs on the other. In the middle of the room, a tiny table sat. It didn't surprise David that Papa sat at the table, a vial of Emotion Tea in his hand.
"Hello Papa." David whispered as he approached the tiny table. His father didn't look at him for a moment, sipping the vial labeled Pride as the little boy set the loaf of bread in front of him.
"Where did you get that?" Papa asked his voice gruff and angry.
"Mam and I paid a visit to Miss Ophelia's today." David said letting his voice rise a bit as Mam came through the door. "We also went to go see the Hat maker who gave Mam some cloth for a new jacket for you Papa!"
Papa didn't look at David. Instead, he rose from his seat, staring at Mam. His chocolate brown eyes hard with fury. Mam shrank back a little. "Didn't I tell you not to do that anymore Maria?" He snapped. "What kind of people will they take us for? They pity us because they think we need charity!"
Mam took a deep breath, gently gesturing Papa towards the table. "Lewis darling," she said with a shaky voice. "Just calm down, yeah? Have some more Pride? It will make you feel better."
Nevertheless, Papa remained where he was, staring his wife down. "Even with the Emotion Tea, I can't feel prideful when there is nothing to have any pride about. Look at this mess!" He yelled grabbing the boxed pastry and flinging it across the room. In surprise, Mam dropped the bundle of cloth onto the dirt floor. "We live in a dump!"
David tensed up as Papa began to pace around, yelling at the top of his lungs about why he could have no pride in what they had. David didn't understand. They lived a comfortable life, why wasn't Papa happy? Perhaps he had mixed some Teas again, he tended to do that sometimes.
He watched as Papa continued to pace and yell, until he suddenly stopped and stared at Mam. "Where is the other ring I was saving?"
David looked over at his mother, who was pale in fright. "Today we went to the Shoemaker and bought David some new shoes. He needed them terribly darling."
'I was saving that ring for something important!" Papa yelled, walking towards her, his voice rising angrily with every step. "How dare you steal from me! You wench!"
Papa grabbed Mam's wrists in anger. Almost immediately, she cried out in pain and shock as he twisted them, making her go weak at the knees. Without thinking clearly, David rushed to his father's side, pulling on his shirtsleeve.
"Papa! Stop! You're hurting her! Stop Papa!"
David could feel his heart beating out of his chest as Papa blinked for a moment and stared down at his son. Mam gasped for breath and pulled her wrists away from him rubbing them slightly. The young boy gulped, as Papa's eyes grew once again dark and angry. There was a sharp pain, as he yelped out in surprise. He could feel the sensation of falling for a split second before another sharp pain.
He opened his eyes for a moment, but had to blink back sudden tears. Sprawled out on the floor, he could feel his left eye tingle and pulse as he looked up at his father towering over him with his fist outstretched where David had been standing moments before. Mam was pulling on Papa's sleeve just as David had done. Her eyes were wide with fear and tears were streaming down them as she pleaded with her husband. "Lewis, leave him. He didn't mean it. Just leave him."
"If it wasn't for him we'd still have that gold ring! If it wasn't for him we would be so much better off! Just look at him, Maria! He's little and scrawny and never will amount to anything!"
David stared at them both, wide eyed. He wanted to run. However, he couldn't feel his legs. His heart beat faster and faster.
"David, go to bed!" Mam suddenly yelled, looking over at him in desperation.
That was when he found his legs. As fast as his feet could carry him, David bounded up the creaking stairs up to the attic where his bed was. His hands shook with fright as he fumbled with the attic door, finally opening it and shutting it with a bang. Flinging himself to the bed, David dove under his covers and slammed his head under his pillow, trying to drone out the angry incoherent voices from below until all was silent.
The next morning, everything was surprisingly quiet. David lifted his head from his pillow with a groan. He was still in his shoes and clothes and his face hurt. Ever so gingerly, David touched his left eye. It was swollen and tender and David had a feeling it didn't look very good. He swore silently to himself. If he had kept his mouth shut then Papa wouldn't have gotten angry. It was his fault. Why was it that he was so afraid? Why couldn't he just stand up to Papa?
A few minutes later, he quietly walked down the stairs. The main room was silent, despite both of his parents being in the kitchen. Mam stood over the stove with her back to him, her shoulders moving up and down silently. He had half a mind to go over to her, but Papa had suddenly risen from his place at the table and was walking over to him.
David tensed up as Papa approached him, cupping his chin in his hand. "Looks like you're going to have a black eye for a while, kid."
The boy nodded curtly, staring at his father with anger. How dare he act like everything was fine! Papa nodded uncomfortably under his stare. "Listen Dave," Papa said. "I'm sorry about last night, yeah? I wasn't in me right mind."
Once again, David nodded curtly. Papa looked over towards Mam for a moment before putting his arm around his son and leading him to the opposite end of the room. "I have something to tell you. I'm heading out for awhile. There is a job offer at the Casino working with Miss Ophelia's son Phillip and that Carpenter man. I'm heading to Wonderland City. Once I get everything settled, I am going to send for you and your Mam. Until then, you're the man of the house. Look after your Mam, yeah? And stay outta trouble."
David didn't respond to his father as he ruffled his hair uncomfortably. Mam was facing them, holding a big leather bag. Tears were streaming down her face as Papa came over to her, taking it and kissing her on the cheek lightly.
"I'll write as soon as I get settled."
Mam let out a sob as she wrapped her arms around Papa. "You know I can't read. Neither can David."
"It's the thought that counts, yeah?"
David watched as his parents clung onto each other in the kitchen. His mother continued to sob into her husbands shoulder.
"Please don't leave, Lewis. I don't think I can live without you."
Papa pulled away from her, his chocolate brown eyes shining with excitement. "I'll be fine. Besides, this isn't forever Maria. We'll be together again. I promise that I will send for you as soon as possible."
He never did.
A/N:
I'm very excited about this story and I hope you enjoy it too!
I've decided, since I'm about half a chapter ahead, I will include a Preview every so often. It'll take a bit from the upcoming chapter so you can get psyched every so often. This may be a good idea, as well as a bad one. We'll see what happens.
Preview of Chapter Two: Alphonse Flues
David burst from the cottage, tears running down his face. He had to get help. Someone could help. Anyone could help. He scanned the road, but it was empty. Running up the hill, he could see a horseman in the distance. But he was so far away, David could never catch him, but he had to try.