"Go! Now!" The Hatter turned to Alice, a wild look in his eyes, which were turning a dangerous amber. "Go to Mamoreal, you'll be safe there!"

"What about you? You're coming too!"Alice said bewildered, standing her ground against the Hatter's attempts to push her away. Her heart sank when she saw him un-sheath the sword from his belt and she grasped his wrist to stop him.

"You have to go; it's your blood the Knave wants, although he'd settle for mine as a sort of consolation. If this doesn't stop now he'll hunt you forever."The Hatter's face turned to one of dismay, the edges of his irises flickering green as Alice stared deep into them, her unsaid terror clear in her own. Alice opened her mouth to protest but the sound of horse's hoofs began to grow louder. The link between the two broke.

"Leave me! I'll be fine!" The Hatter jerked his arm from her, using his other hand to shove Alice away a little more forcefully.

"Hatter...No, I...I can't leave you with that psycho! Please!" Hot, salty tears brewed in Alice's eyelids, then spilled over to trail down her pale cheeks. The Hatter grasped Alice's upper arm and pulled her behind a tree, providing cover that would soon be revealed. Digging his sword partly in the ground near them, the Hatter placed his hands on her cheeks, much like she had done to him those 3 years ago in Iracebeths castle when he'd been forced to make hats for her bulbous head. His heart twisted when he saw the concern that laced her chocolate brown eyes. "Don't do this..." she whimpered softly.

"If I was unsure for any reason that me fighting for you would lead to us being parted, then I would accompany you to Mamoreal without a moments haste." he reassured, tracing his thumb over her soft skin to wipe away her tears. "However, this is not above me. You'll see me again. I promise."

Hesitantly, as if the very action was painful to her, Alice nodded. "Ok. I'll go." The Hatter let his hands fall from her face, pulling his sword from the ground and clasping the hilt. Sniffing, Alice wiped her eyes one last time. Straightening his jacket, the Hatter opened his mouth to say something, only to be silenced when Alice flung her arms around him, gripping the material of his coat. Angling the blade away from her, The Hatter pulled her close in one last tender embrace. "Fairfullen Alice" he whispered in her ear.

Regretfully, Alice pulled away. It was then the hoof beats began to sound threateningly close. The Hatter's eyes once again blazed over the darkest amber. "Run."

This time Alice listened, she turned to North and ran towards the forest cover, and didn't look back.

The Hatter watched Alice disappear into the shadow of the woods just as the Knave's horse came to a halt in the clearing.

"I know you're there Madman! Come out and face me! You could give me the girl while you're at it, then this would be so much easier!" the vile Knave baited. Gritting his teeth, the Hatter stepped out from behind the tree, sword poised. "Alice isn't here. She will never be in your presence ever again!" the Hatter spat.

The Knave smirked. "Such a shame. I've never really enjoyed that childish game of seeking those that are hidden. I suppose your life will have to suffice now." Dismounting in one fluid motion, Stayne revealed his own sword. The metal was burnished black, the hilt engraved with a vicious looking creature that resembled the Jabberwocky. He turned the blade over in his gloved hands. "Such a fascinating design. How splendid it will look with your blood staining it."

The two men circled each other menacingly. "I see banishment taught you nothing. A stained sword can only hold such much blood before it begins to feel heavy." The Hatter said.

The Knave laughed spitefully. "Still talking in riddles? No wonder they say you're mad. And to think you were ever employed as a Hatter! Look at that disgusting thing you wear now, it's simply revolting! However that blonde brat can stand to look at you is beyond me"

Despite the insults, the Hatter remained unperturbed, merely giving the Knave an amused smile."Diminish my appearance all you wish, it will only make my triumph ever so much more enjoyable."

Changing track, Stayne continued his verbal abuse. "Very well. How is the little whore by the way? I'm sure you've been enjoying your time together Hat Man. You would be a fool not to take advantage of that wench."

Tensing visibly, the Hatter gripped his weapon tighter. Stayne gave a triumphant sneer; he'd obviously hit a nerve.

"I do believe you're going soft. You honestly think a creature like Alice would want someone like you? Ha! You must be more insane than I first thought! Was she scared about leaving you here Hatty? Did she cry?" The Knave mimicked her voice "Don't leave me Hatter! Promise me you'll be alright!" merely the traits of a skilled actress if she did. When I saw her in that castle, I knew she wanted me. She practically BEGGED for me with her eyes!"

"Enough!" the Hatter growled, his Scottish accent bleeding into his words. Yet deep inside the Hatter felt a flicker of guilt as he was reminded of his words earlier; "You'll see me again. I promise." Lying to her that he would defiantly return, had been so difficult.

"Oh yes Hatter she was craving me, it was all I had to make her stop! Although now I question my actions. She's so very alluring isn't she? You've been looking, I can sense it. Oh, how I long for her now! For you to see what she wishes to do to me! I'd want you to see. Her rubbing against me, her tongue in my mouth, her smooth lips on me, all of me. My hands on her-"

"I'm warning you!" cutting across his vile thoughts, the Hatter was trembling with rage. But the Knave was relentless.

"How many nights were you alone with her on this little journey of yours? I bet those were torturing! Her chest rising and filleting as she slept, her entire body for you to explore! But you were too much of a coward to take action? Oh but I bet you wanted to! Did she make you hot? Did she set your heart aflame? I bet you were yearning for her. Her teasing glances and lustful gropes! I bet she made you hard; every night as she slept your blood probably rushed and filled you. Desperate for a release-"

"NO MORE!"

Lunging toward, their swords clashed together, the blades glinting as they struck one another repetitively. Thunder rumbled overhead, rain beginning to pour, pattering against the Knave's armor breast plate. The storm that had been ominously hanging in the air for hours couldn't have come at a worse time. Lightening forked suddenly, illuminating the battle. Determination was etched upon both of the men's faces, each knowing that this battle would end with a death.

Authors Note: There's chapter 1 and the Preleud. R&R, reviews much appreciated :) xx