Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything belongs to Lewis Carroll, Tim Burton, Linda Woolverton, Disney, and other parties. Some quotes are from the movie or slightly reworded; I do not own these either only borrowing for the time being. I only own a Mad Hatter poster. This is for fun, and to get an evil plot bunny out of my head.
A/N: Okay folks… here it is the next installment. Thanks to everybody that is reading, alerting, and favoriting! Really makes my day to see all of it, especially the reviews. And now, without further ado, on to the next chapter!
Chapter Six
The next morning, Alice awoke to sun pouring through the window of a strange room. Sitting up disorientated, Alice looked around the room. It was sparsely decorated; only a bed, chest of drawers, closet, and a stand with an oil lamp. The room was painted the color of the midday sun with light pink trim. The furniture was some form of dark wood. She couldn't believe how well the colors went together, or how happy the room made her feel just by looking at it.
Seeing the sun through a window, she rose from the bed and headed for it. Looking out of the window, which was on the second floor, she could see more of Underland then she had before. Under the window sat the tea table. She could see the Hare, which she had learned last evening was named Thackery Earwicket, carrying a plate of scones to the table, where Mallymkun was waiting. Around the clearing that the table and windmill sat in was Tugley Woods. Looking at the dense woods in the light of a new day, and not in fear of being chased, the place was slightly different. Flowers were blooming in muted colors. Birds and insects were flying around, and animals were going about their business in the distance. Alice smiled softly at the image lay before her; feeling happy for the first time since her father died.
She still wasn't certain if she was dreaming or not. How could this be a dream if she could be hurt? Wouldn't jolt her awake? Also, everything she had come in contact with so far has seemed very familiar, like a far off memory. Frowning at this thought, she recalled what Absolem had said right before the Bandersnatch attacked. 'What did he mean, when he said that I never know who I am when I come here? Is it possible this place is real, and I have been here before? Why am I so happy to be here?'
She was startled out of her thoughts by hearing a knock on the door. Alice spun around on her feet to look towards it. Her heart beating wildly from the fright she'd just gotten. Putting her hand up to her heart, she tried to will it to slow as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Hearing the door open, she opened her eyes to see Hatter entering her room.
"Alice, are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine, Hatter. You just gave me a start when you knocked. I was lost in thoughts." Alice said as she finally calmed.
"Dreadful place to get lost. You never know where you'll end up. You didn't answer when I knocked, so I thought you might still be asleep. Are you sure you are okay?"
Alice looked closely at his concerned face, and noticed a difference. His eyes were a soft yellow color, not a lime green. Confused Alice asked, "Hatter, did your eyes change color?"
"Yes, you see, err… well, my eyes change color with my moods." Hatter answered in a slightly embarrassed tone, while fidgeting with the object behind his back. Noticing this, Alice decided to change the subject, even though she thought it was kind of cute how the Hatter was embarrassed over his eyes changing color.
"Is that for me?" Alice asked, as she pointed to the bit of fabric she could see sticking out from behind Hatter.
" What? Oh, yes, yes it is." Hatter answered as he pulled out a beautiful dress, then most beautiful color of forget-me-nots. The dress was like nothing she had ever seen before. There were no sleeves on it at all. It would go down to her shins when on her, in a taffeta fabric. The bodice had two ribbons on each side draped so that they look like off the shoulder sleeves. On the top of the bodice were taffeta flowers. The bottom was slightly full, but not enough to get in her way during travel. Also in his hands were what appeared to be ballet flats made of a slightly darker fabric.
Alice was speechless. She could not believe the Hatter had made this dress for her, or that he made it for her in one night. "Hatter I can't believe this… I-it's…"
"You like it?"
"No." At this the Hatter's eyes dulled to a yellowish green, and his face fell. Alice realizing what he was thinking quickly went on to say, "I love it!"
Hearing this Hatter brightened up and said, "Well, you better get dressed. We need to head out soon in order to reach Marmoreal at a decent time. I'll have tea waiting for you.", he said as he left the room to fix the tea.
Quickly changing, Alice tore a piece off the end of the ruined underdress, and tied it around the wound on her right arm. Not noticing the redness of infection setting in.
Coming down stairs Alice had a quick cup and a scone. After finishing, Hatter and her retrieved Mally and Thackery from the tea table, and they were off, heading East to Marmoreal.
~AIW~
After walking for sometime, the group sat down for a break and light snack. Out of some mystical pocket, Hatter produced teacups and teapots from his jacket, and Thackery did the same with the scones and cakes. After a delightful rest full of laughter and riddles, they were on their way again. The only difference, being Alice walking a little slower to try to combat the lightheadedness that was beginning to plague her.
While Thackery and Mally walked ahead talking, Alice took the chance to ask Hatter something that had been stirring in her mind since yesterday. "Why was I brought to Underland? " 'If this is a real place, after all.' Alice added silently in her mind.
Hatter looking shocked at the question answered, "To slay the Jabberwocky, of course! Don't tell me no one told you."
"Slay a what?"
"Jabberwocky; a most foul and dangerous beast. The Red Queen's pet, and champion. McTwisp should have taken you to Absolem He could have shown you the Orraculum, and explained everything so much better."
"I did see Absolem, but the Bandersnatch came before we really ever talked. Besides, even if this isn't a dream, and I'm the right Alice, I don't slay." Alice answered resolutely.
"You don't slay? Do you know what has happened here since the Red Queen has taken over?" His voice changing to a slight burr in his anger and frustration.
" I couldn't slay anything if I wanted to."
Hatter looked at Alice with a mixture of loss and hurt on his face. "You've changed. You're missing something; you used to be so much more… muchier. You've lost your muchness."
"My muchness?" Alice asked confused at the odd word. Before Hatter could explain anymore, there was a shout from ahead. Turning her head to look forward, Alice saw Mally and Thackery pointing to a castle in the distance. Looking back to each other, Hatter and Alice started walking faster to catch up to the two animals up ahead on the path.
Starting to feel more lightheaded than before, Alice slowed down from her brisk pace. Everything was beginning to spin around her; raising her hand to her forehead, she noticed she was a hotter then usual. A sudden wave of dizziness overtook her, and she felt like she was floating. Before her eyes shut completely, she saw Hatter running back to her calling out her name in distress.
End A/N: Ain't I a little stinker! ^.^ Please feel free to review
