Chapter 2: What have you done to My Underland?
"I don't care about his status. You will not use his name unless he tells you himself," I interrupted angrily.
"Fine," Chesh said in defeat.
"Now, what is it about Terrant that caused this to happen to my Underland?" I asked sternly.
"He's not in his right mind," Chesh said.
"No one in Underland is in their right mind," I said.
"No, I mean, because of the fumes from the chemicals he uses to make his hats he can't remember anything about our relationship," Chesh said.
"Wait a minute! You and Terrant had a relationship? Damn I hate it when I miss everything," I said.
"That's right we started our relationship shortly after you fell asleep. We only were together for two years before he suddenly couldn't remember anything," Chesh said.
"So you lost your will to care about anything and just gave up on everything?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. Really I am. I just, well, you know," Chesh said.
"I understand, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about being left a mess to clean up," I said.
"I really am sorry," Chesh said pulling the cute cat eyes.
"Oh, alright, you're forgiven," I said in defeat.
"Thank you. I really am sorry about all this," Chesh said.
"It's alright. I always have to fix things when I wake back up," I said honestly.
"It's a little irritating but oh well," I said and made my way down the stairs and into his kitchen, "Hope you don't mind me stealing some eggs and toast. I haven't had breakfast and I can't do anything on an empty stomach."
"Help yourself," Chesh said smirking as he entered the kitchen as well.
I busied myself with preparing my eggs and toast before sitting down with my breakfast. It was better than nothing. When I finished I had my dishes wash and put themselves away. Then I walked to the front door and stepped outside.
"So, would you like company or are you doing this solo?" Chesh asked.
"Are you kidding? I always go solo," I said.
"Alright, good luck," Chesh said.
"Thank you and good day," I said with a slight bow as I snapped my fingers.
I appeared just out of view of the never ending tea party. I carefully looked at my wardrobe once again and decided that it couldn't be any worse. I walked out from my hiding spot and into the tea party.
The Mad Hatter, otherwise known as Terrant, was sitting at the head of the table.
To his left was the Dormouse.
To his right was the March Hare, otherwise known as Harlan.
Terrant looked up and a smile splashed across his face, before he stood up and walked around the table to greet me. That struck me as odd since any other time he would have just walked down the table.
"Hello my dear. I'm afraid I don't know your name. That is extremely rare in Underland since everyone knows everyone. What is your name my dear?" Terrant asked.
"I'm the White Tiger," I said with a curtsey.
"It's a pleasure to meet you my dear. I am-" he started.
"The Mad Hatter, your name is Terrant, but you tell most people that it's Benjamin. Yes, I know you. I know everyone. The only one that knows me is the Cheshire Cat. Now, I have some business to do and I need to speak to you privately if you don't mind," I said getting right to the point.
"Well, that's quite an accomplishment. Uh, the most private place would be my room, if you don't mind being there," he said.
"That's fine. Lead the way please," I said trying to be polite.
Terrant nodded and lead the way back around the table and into the house. There were several hallways which we went through until we reached his room.
"What is it you needed to speak to me about?" Terrant asked.
"Okay, you need to just listen and hear me out. You and Chesh started a relationship ten years ago. Two years later it kinda ended because the fumes got to your head and you forgot. All of Underland suffered because Chesh lost his will to keep things running right without you. Now what I can do is bring those memories back and make you immune to the fumes effects," I said.
"If there is anything that I am missing in my memories I would like it back," Terrant said.
"I was hoping you would say that," I said, "Now, I need you to lie on your bed, close your eyes, and relax."
Terrant nodded and did as he was told. I walked over to the edge of his bed and very lightly placed my fingers on his temples. I muttered a few spells and then removed my fingers. I then left the room quietly so that I didn't wake him up. I made my way back outside and stood near Terrant's chair.
"Now, listen to me. Hatter is resting right now. He shouldn't be woken up or he will likely be rather upset. If I find that either of you has double crossed him while he was in his condition you will pay. I will see to it that you wish you had never been born," I said venomously.
They both nodded looking like they were about to shit themselves. I then snapped my fingers and was outside Theo's house. He walked out the door looking a little dazed so I made sure to make some noise as I came out of the woods.
He was tall and looked rather human except for his ears and feet. He had long white hair pulled back into a pony tail, long white rabbit ears on top of his head, and red eyes. He wore a red suit with a white button up underneath. He looked very much a professional, as always. His feet looked much like a rabbits. He also wore white gloves that stopped just after his wrists.
"Oh, are you new here?" he asked politely.
"No, actually I've been here longer than even the Cheshire Cat. I am the White Tiger. I managed to keep myself a secret for quite a while. Has anyone told you how cute you are?" I asked.
"No, I don't believe they have," he said flushing a little.
"Well, you are. I've been watching you for some time now. How are things in Underland, I've been asleep for a while now?" I asked kindly.
"Well, The Queen of Hearts has been having her attacks a bit more regularly and they've been getting more violent by the day. I'm so afraid to go into the Tulgey wood anymore because of the stories about how demented the Caterpillar has gotten, but the only way to get to the castle is through the wood," he said honestly.
"Tell you what, you stay home today and I'll deal with the castle. Also stay out of the wood for a couple days. Don't want anything happening while I'm fixing things. I'll see you later Theo," I said and snapped my fingers.
I was standing outside the castle and carefully slipped in the doors before marching into the throne room.
"Who are you to dare and just-" the queen started before gasping in shock.
"I am the White Tiger. I am here to set things right. You, your husband, and all those who have been reanimated are to stay in the castle. The rest of the staff may leave. Anyone who does the opposite of these instructions will be punished. Understand?" I asked icily.
They nodded and one of the servants went to tell the rest of the staff the news. Within ten minutes the only ones left in the castle were the King, Queen, and all those who had been reanimated.
About a week later I had the Castle fixed but left it closed until I had fixed the wood. As I was walking through the wood I heard some branches behind me snap and spun around.
"Well, well, well, it's my lucky day. I've caught myself an appetizing little snack. What should I do with her?" the Caterpillar asked himself.
"Evan, you're sick. Let me help you," I said sweetly.
"Oh, a willing captive, this could be interesting," he said.
"Please Evan, let me help you. I can heal you and make you better," I said trying to get through to him.
"There's nothing wrong with me you little bitch!" he yelled and slapped me across the face.
"That was the wrong move," I said slowly turning my face to the front.
I reached out, grabbed him by the throat, and picked him up three feet into the air.
"You are sick and you need help. I'm the only one that can help you so suck it up asshole. If you don't cooperate then you can be locked up for the rest of your days. Understand?" I asked menacingly.
He nodded his head in ascent. It took three days to fix him. After that the castle was open and I went back to see Theo.
"Ah White Tiger, correct?" he asked.
"Yup that's me," I said smiling brightly.
"I couldn't help but wonder how did you know my name the other day?" he asked.
"I know everyone's name," I said.
"But I've never told you my name," he said confused.
"No one has told me their name. I just know it. I know everything there is to know about Underland. When I'm awake that is," I said.
"Why does Underland get so bad?" he asked.
"I have to sleep every once in a while. When that happens I leave Underland in the hands of someone else. I always have a mess to clean when I wake up," I said.
"Perhaps you should leave it in more capable hands then," he suggested.
"Perhaps I will next time. As it is I won't be sleeping for a while. There's still so much to fix," I said.
Out of nowhere Chesh popped up beside me.
"Oh, thank you so much. He remembers me now. I'm so happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Chesh said squeezing the life out of me.
Welcome Chesh. Can't breathe," I said.
"Oh sorry," he said and released me.
I gulped in a lung full of air gladly and then turned back to Theo.
"Who did you leave in charge of it while you were sleeping this time?" Theo asked.
"Uh, that's confidential. Sorry Theo," I said.
"It was me," Chesh said flatly.
"You let it get this bad! Why?" Theo asked outraged.
"I lost my will to keep it going," Chesh said.
"But you-" Theo started but was cut off by my finger.
"If someone you loved forgot you completely do you think you would have the will to keep things going?" I asked and moved my finger.
"No, I guess not," he said.
"There you go," I said and looked away into the woods.
"So, who was it that you loved?" Theo asked.
