Breaking Wonderland: The Mad Tea Party
BTAS (Batman Animated Series)
(Sequel to Breaking Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass) Arkham is a mess and missing some of it's worst inmates. Will Arkham's escaped inmates have a smooth transition like the rest of Gotham City?
AN: Long Chapter due to dialogue.
Chapter 9: The Mad Tea Party
Inside an abandon building all was quiet. The outside appeared to be in dire need of repair and was close to be abolished. However small noises could be heard, as the largest room of the building was no longer vacant. A long table was set up for what seemed like a massive tea party. There was a few large mushrooms around the area as well. There was a small house in front of the table with a huge fake tree next to it. The door swung open and the Mad Hatter stepped out. He took a seat down at the very front end. He placed his elbows on the table clasping his hands together and rested his chin down on them as he cleared his throat. Finally the moment he had been waiting for after weeks of planning and some risky thefts for him to achieve this moment, he waited patiently as the others awaken.
Within a few second they all started to stir. The first one to lift their head completely was Poison Ivy followed by Scarecrow then Harley and lastly Riddler.
"What's going on?" Poison Ivy asked as she saw Riddler across her and Scarecrow right next to him.
"I know that voice," Riddler said to himself as he shook his head.
"Red?!" Harley piped up as she stared toward her left.
"Ah finally awake I see," Mad Hatter said with wide grin.
"Idiot! What have you done this time?" Scarecrow shouted angrily.
"I can't move," Poison Ivy said bitterly.
"Hey I can't either!" Harley noticed as well.
"We all can't" Riddler said angrily.
"Hey what's goin' on here?! What's the deal hats?" Harley said as she continued to struggle with her invisible binds.
"Why you're all invited to my Tea Party, of course," Mad Hatter said happily as he stood up his arms wide.
"Great fantastic but that doesn't explain why I can't move," Poison Ivy sniped.
"Well simple of course you're all under my control," Mad Hatter replied proudly. Scarecrow growled.
"How is this possible? We're not wearing any microchips," Scarecrow said angrily. Mad Hatter gazed at the Riddler.
"Would you like to explain?" Hatter asked entertained.
"We are wearing them," he said simply. Ivy, Scarecrow, and Harley exchanged bitter perplexed looks. "They're hidden within our clothes," Riddler said once again.
"Wow really?" Harley asked in shock.
"Really," Catwoman said unenthusiastic. Mad Hatter turned to look up toward the tree.
"Why my dear Cheshire Cat, I'm so glad you've finally decided to join us," Mad Hatter said as he turned back toward his table guest.
"Great I wonder who else is here," Riddler said out loud to himself.
"Oh so glad you asked!" a familiar voice came out from the shadows.
"Puddin!" Harley shouted out happily. The Mad Hatter stood up angrily slamming his hands on the table. Soon the Joker walked from the shadows and toward the table.
"Now I'm so disappointed in you Hats not inviting the life of the party," Joker said making his way opposite of him and sitting down. Mad Hatter grimaced as Joker lifted his legs and placed them on the table.
"Hmph well there's bound to be a few uninvited guests," Mad Hatter said with a wave and sat back down crossing his arms. "So would you like to explain how you found this place?" Mad Hatter asked as Joker got a toothpick and placed it in his mouth.
"Harley left a little green mint envelope on the table," Joker said bringing it out.
"Good now help us!" Poison Ivy demanded.
"Why? I'd like to see where this is going," Joker replied as he grabbed a cup of tea and started placing some cubes of sugar. Poison Ivy glared at him angrily.
"I swear if I get my hands-"
"Now Red," Harley interrupted.
"This branch is very uncomfortable! When am I getting down?" Catwoman asked as she tried to move off the branch. Mad Hatter rolled his eyes before sighing.
"Very well," he said and with that moment they were all able to move their arms and upper half of the torso. They were also able to move their legs but no matter up they couldn't find a way to stand up.
"This isn't right," Scarecrow murmured to himself.
"Oh but it is," Mad Hatter said as he stood up excitedly again. "Be grateful I gave you that much freedom," he said happily as he bent over the table. Ivy heard munching near her right.
"Harley?!" Ivy scolded.
"What?! I'm hungry might as well, right Mr. J?" Harley asked and the Joker nodded as he dipped his cookie in his tea.
"Right-O my little treacherous doll. Relax enjoy the party... Red loosen up!" Joker said stuffing the cookie in his mouth.
"Cut the crap, why are we here?" Catwoman finally asked. The atmosphere tensed as they all became quiet. Mad Hatter stood up straight and smiled.
"Why Catwoman I daresay I give you too much credit," Mad Hatter replied. Riddler release a snicker by his remark. Catwoman glared as she managed to release her claws. As Ivy managed to kick Riddler from under the table. Riddler blushed crimson as he glared at Ivy who perked a brow and glared back.
"Shut up we're finally going to hear the reason why," Scarecrow whispered toward Riddler.
"You're all here because I have a very important announcement to make," Mad Hatter bellowed. "I have a special guest one I think you you'll all will like," Mad Hatter paused. "She's been dying to see you," he said getting giddy.
"You son-of-a -" Harley shouted angrily
"Harley," Ivy scolded.
"No! This isn't right! You just barely lost Alice and now you're found someone ELSE!" Harley yelled as she tried her best to stand up. Ivy frowned as she felt Harley had a point. Riddler and Scarecrow looked at each other confused as Joker drank his tea calmly. "I remember why I was commin' here! Don't think I haven't forgotten!" Harley seethed.
"What's going on!?" Catwoman finally bellowed.
"Maybe if everyone would shut up we can all finally find out!" Riddler yelled.
"Ha that's a first coming from you," Scarecrow said shaking his head in disbelief.
"Enough!" Mad Hatter slammed his fist on the table. "You're all are becoming very rude and very uncivil, now don't make me have to raise my voice again is that understood?" he asked as he made them all suddenly jerk down about to slam their heads on the table except for Catwoman who was about to slam hers into the tree instead. Joker's brows raised as he looked around him impressed. The whole room became dead silent again.
"This isn't funny," Ivy whispered to the others.
"You're telling me," Riddler replied. "Like I like losing all control of bodily will," he whispered angrily.
"Ha-Ha," Harley let out sarcastically. BANG! All three of them suddenly banged their heads on the table spilling tea and food about.
"AH- HA HA HA HA!" Joker laughed as he held on to his gut. "I'm starting to like this party, Hats. You're quite the host," Joker replied entertained. Scarecrow shook his head a he smirked as Catwoman and himself were the only ones who didn't slam their heads. The other three sat back up their expressions bitter. Finally they were able to use their arms again as all three held their head.
"Now," Mad Hatter started again happily. "Where was I?" he asked confused. Harley growled as her anger soon returned. Ivy glared at her warningly. "Oh yes I was about to introduce my lovely and dearest guest," he said with a breathy sigh. He stepped out of his chair and made his way in front of the door. "Please let me introduce to you my dearest, beautiful, beamish, of all! My dearest Alice," he said with a bow. They all grew quiet as within a few seconds the door carefully opened and hesitantly a girl stepped out into the open. Dressed just like Alice from Wonderland, donning her blue dress and black shoes and headband. Alice stepped out and curtsied. Harley and Ivy's eyes widen in shock.
"It can't be," Catwoman whispered to herself as she tilted her head to try get a better look.
"He-Hello," Alice greeted nervously with a curtsy as Mad Hatter stood up and took Alice's hand.
"ALICE! You're alive!?" Harley finally shouted excitedly. Alice looked at her and nodded with a smile.
"What's this?! You know her?" Joker asked feigning hurt but showing definite signs of interest.
"I thought you were dead they found your body," Catwoman said as she adjusted her sitting position. Alice looked up at her and waved.
"They didn't they just assumed I was dead. I faked my own death," Alice revealed. Catwoman's eyes widen as Mad Hatter led her toward her seat.
"Now now my dear you'll have time to talk to Cheshire Cat later. For now it's tea time and we must have tea" he said as he returned to his seat about to sit down as well.
"I don't get it why am I here?" Scarecrow asked bitterly. Everyone looked at him but shrugged interested.
"Why you're the main reason why we're all here," Mad Hatter replied as he dipped his teabag into his cup a few times. Alice was already doing the same as she looked just as confused as the rest of them. Scarecrow leaned back as he felt the glaring by his fellow colleagues grow more intense.
"Okay but why am I here?" Riddler asked as he took a sip of his tea. "Ah," he released satisfied. Poison Ivy placed her elbow on the table looking quite bored as she wasn't in the mood for tea.
"That's no fun in asking why isn't it?" Mad Hatter said upset. "Aren't you the smartest oh most conniving knave? I'm sure you'll figure it out in no time," he said.
"Hey where's my tea?" Catwoman asked a bit hurt.
"You may come down if you like Cheshire Cat but remember no slithy moves," he warned. Catwoman slipped out of the tree and took a seat next to next to Poison Ivy.
"So glad you can join us," Alice said to Catwoman happily. Catwoman gave a small grin and grabbed her tea.
"Well Alice I don't see anyway out of this," Catwoman replied as she grabbed a cup of tea and started dropping sugar cubes. They all sat quietly for a moment drinking tea silently to themselves.
"Ms. Isley? Are you not going to drink your tea?" Mad Hatter noticed as Ivy sulked quietly to herself.
"No, I don't care for tea. I don't like being bound by your will, and I don't like not knowing where I'm at while sitting in the same room as the Joker!" Ivy spoke to a shout.
"Red," Harley warned with her eyes darting at the table.
"I don't care!" Ivy said. Mad Hatter took his last sip and placed down his tea cup back on it's plate. Riddler cleared his throat and placed his cup down.
"So Scarecrow got any reasons why you're the reason we're all here or am I going to figure it out all by myself?" Riddler asked Scarecrow with a smirk.
"I don't care, I want to be excluded from this madness," Scarecrow replied sourly. Riddler placed a hand under his chin and looked around him.
"Why Alice? I don't believe we met. I'm the Riddler by the way, all questions aside, Riddles are my game," he introduced standing up about to lean over the table to shake Alice's hand who stood up smiling.
"I want a clean cup," Hatter interrupted. "let's all move one place on!" he yelled as suddenly they all moved a space over and sat back down.
"Did we?" Ivy asked.
"Hoo hoo, now this is fun!" Joker said as he moved along voluntarily. Harley began preparing Ivy a cup of tea.
"Two lumps, Red?" Harley asked. Ivy rolled her eyes.
"One," she replied and grabbed the tea from Harley.
"I'm Alice by the way," Alice finally finished introducing herself to the Riddler who gave her a wide smile.
"Charmed," he said reaching over across the table.
"I want a clean cup!" Mad Hatter yelled again bitterly.
"COME ON!" Catwoman yelled angrily as she dropped her cup of tea which fell and spilled all over the table. They all moved one seat over once more.
"Edward, shut up!" Ivy scolded from across. Riddler frowned looking put off. Harley muffled a giggle as she picked up a new cup of tea.
"Now I'm guessing you'd like to know why we're all here," Hatter finally started. "Perhaps Scarecrow would like to start," Mad Hatter said dipping his cookie in his tea. Scarecrow gripped tightly to his armrests as he was on the end of table where Joker once sat.
"Now why would I want to do that? I don't absolutely have the slightest inkling to why?" he said angrily.
"Once upon a time there was young rabbit named Billy-" Mad Hatter started.
"You're mad!" Scarecrow shouted. "You're can't possibly-"
"However the young lad was ignorant as he unfortunately crossed the path of fear-"
"I won't have it! I will not be blamed!" Scarecrow yelled as he kicked the table away from him. The others looked around alarmed as they felt the tension grew.
"Yes you're the one who started the spiral! You're the one who harmed me and Alice! Now you will apologize!" Mad Hatter growled as he stood up on the table and pulled Alice with him. Alice's eyes widen as she was being lead across the table.
"There's no need really!" Alice protested as they knocked all the china spilling tea, biscuits and cookies about.
"See what you made me DO!?" he scolded the Scarecrow as he looked at his table a mess. "You made me waste my TEA!?" he yelled angrily as he pulled Alice in front of him and practically shoved her in front of the Scarecrow. Alice leaned away from him, frightened by his appearance and the fact that she was intruding in his space. "Now apologize," he said again through gritted teeth. Scarecrow looked at Alice then back up at Mad Hatter who still standing up on the table.
"No!" he said loudly. Joker shuffled his deck of cards, grinning as he placed his legs upon the table. The others stared silently looking at the scene.
"You will do as your-" Hatter started.
"STOP ENOUGH!" Alice yelled as she shook her head. "Both of you!" she cried. She calmed down as she turned around to looking back up at Hatter.
"Now we will be civil about this," Alice started calmly her voice came out unusually nasaly. Mad Hatter crossed his arms looking off toward the side. Alice sighed as she pulled Mad Hatter off the table. "It's true, Scarecrow killed the man I loved who brought me to tears constantly and when Billy died... I broke," Alice said as she sat down on the table in front of the Scarecrow who leaned back in his chair. "But because of him I would never have met Jervis again. I wouldn't be here having tea with all you now. I would probably be home waiting for Billy to return while he slept with his secretary" Alice said sadly. "So Scarecrow there's no need to apologize because I forgive you for what you've done," she said as she placed her hands on his armrest. Scarecrow leaned away further as he pulled his hands back. "Thank you," she said smiling up at him.
"Well that explains it," Catwoman said.
"Damn that's no fun I really wanted to figure this out all on my own!" Riddler said as he stuffed a cookie in his mouth.
"I want a clean cup," Mad Hatter said lightly. They all stood up and moved over a seat. Now Riddler was at the end and the others seemed to be getting used to it as they didn't complain.
"So Alice-" Riddler started though Catwoman slammed her tea startling him.
"Shut up!" Catwoman whispered at him angrily.
"I'm quite done with tea," Alice said placing her cup down on her plate.
"Me too, my dear let's talk business," Mad Hatter said as he placed his cup of tea back on his plate and grinned. They all stared at him confused as they placed their cups of tea down as well. "Now you're all wondering how do I get these microchips off my small minded head?" Mad Hatter said happily. "Well it all depends on you," he said smiling looking about his guest.
"On us?" Catwoman asked as she sat up straight in her chair. Mad Hatter nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes you all owe me a favor some more than others I might add," he spoke glaring at Harley and Scarecrow. "If you succeed you'll be released from my bounds, debt paid off on your merrily little way," he said grinning.
"And if we fail?" Ivy asked her eyes narrowing.
"If you fail I will assign you another task until you succeed," Mad Hatter said staring at Poison Ivy.
"But I'm sure that won't be necessary, especially with you," he complimented. Ivy perked a brow as she crossed her arms. "Now you will all be staying here until your debt has been paid my dear Wonderlandians! Except for Joker who had no business to be here in the in the first place," he said as he stood up.
"Why not?!" Joker asked offended.
"Because I don't trust you," Mad Hatter said. Joker shrugged with a smile.
"You may go I do hope you don't mind me borrowing Harley Quinn for awhile?" he asked. Joker glanced at Harley who's eyes widen pleadingly.
"Nope I don't mind but what do I get in return?" Joker asked placing his deck of cards away.
"You may have three of my microchips and one controlling headband. They're old and out of date but they will still get the job done," he said as he popped up three of his original chips. Joker grinned broadly.
"Ooh I do like the sound of that, DEAL!" Joker said making his way toward the Mad Hatter.
"Why you two-timing-" Harley pipped as she struggle to sit up swinging her legs and arms madly.
"Harl give it up, you knew this was going to happen," Ivy said as she took a bite out of a cookie looking bored once again.
"Ah hoo-hoo, see ya later Harley be a good little girl," he said as he bent over and planted a loud kiss on top of her head. With that he walked out of the building.
"Now the rest of you I'm giving you free will to an extent. You will not be able to take off your microchips, no matter what, each time you'll try, you'll find that you can't," Mad Hatter finished. Riddler smiled.
"I like a challenge!" Riddler said as he stood up and tried to swing his hat off his head. "Damn!" he released as his hat didn't seem to budge. Alice giggled as his actions, Ivy tried to raise her arms towards her head as well but no matter what she couldn't seem to reach where the rose hair pin was. Harley lifted her legs toward her jester hat trying to take them off but no matter what she couldn't get her legs to bend just right. The only ones who didn't bother to struggle was Scarecrow who sat their his arms crossed and Catwoman who muffled a yawn.
"There are plenty of rooms here go find your own and don't bother escaping you'll find that you'll have just as much as difficulty as you are trying to take off your chips," Mad Hatter said exasperated. He muffled a yawn as well. "Alice my dear, shall we?" he asked. Alice nodded as she took his hand.
"Good night everyone!" Alice said with a wave as they walked off toward another room leaving the others to continue with their struggle.
