Crashing Through the Glass

Chapter 3

The Hatter had truly lost his color. His hat was not upon his head, his eyes had faded into a miserable slate grey, his hair now limply dangling strands of a different shade, and even his clothing reflected his mood. There had been no color in him for a very long time.

He leaned on the armrest of his chair, staring at the sky with melancholy. He never realized how much he would miss Alice until she had gone again. He had been absolutely certain she would stay this time. Yet she hadn't.

The first time she had left, she was still a little girl, far too small to stay. He had missed her, but understood her reason for leaving. She had returned again, not a year later, but was still far too small to stay for more than a day. But then the Red Queen had unleashed the Jabberwocky, and he had become preoccupied with trying to survive.

But this last time, he could find no reason for her leaving. Not one. So he returned to the never-ending tea party, certain she would not return. Jabberwocky blood would make her believe it all a dream, and those from outside Underland rarely believed in their dreams. They were terribly boring that way.


Alice was managing to remember her 'dream' from years before rather successfully. She and Chessur were slowly working their way through the woods, heading in the direction of Thackery's endless tea party.

"…What happened after I left with the Vorpal Sword? I would rather like to know how Tarrant managed to get away."

"Well, I convinced him to let me take his place at the execution; everyone knows you can't behead a head with no body! Although, he did seem rather miffed at losing his hat, even if it was temporary." Chess sighed at the memory of the hat. "Such a lovely hat. He never even wears it anymore; I see no reason for him not to give it to me."

They reached the clearing. Alice gasped at the sight in front of them. It was as it had been left; a long table covered with cracked china teacups, old plates, and various implements used for the enjoyment of tea. The main differences, though, were that it was silent, and at the end Tarrant usually sat at, there was a grayscale smudge. Just as Chessur said, Alice thought. The Hatter has lost his color.

"You see what I mean? He's faded away into this dreary thing." The cat said. "I'd suggest you walk out where he can see you." He nudged Alice forward with a paw.

She took a step, warily. Her dear friend wasn't moving much, and it worried her. She took another step, and a twig snapped under her foot. Tarrant looked up.

When he saw her, he gasped. Suddenly, color and life surged through him. He returned to his normal shades in a matter of moments. He beamed at her. "Alice!"


((A/N: I got the idea that Hatter can change so drastically by watching an interview with Johnny Depp. He mentions that Tarrant's emotions are 'very close to the surface…He's like a giant mood ring.' Also, I wanted to explore the eyes-change-color idea. I'll probably write about that idea further in another ficcy after I finish this one. Reviewers get digital tea, just don't be late or I'll have Thackery throw it at you.))