Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Bonds were beginning to grow, and others were beginning to fade. It must've been an unforseen fate. To escape the life she once lived in, she returned to find herself in one that felt mutual. Of course, she didn't enjoy there brewing arguements, and she did feel as if she was abandoning those who took her in.

She held great bonds between the Hare, Dormouse and the Cheshire, still laughing and smiling as always. But any connection with the Hatter seemed different - they were both different. I guess the person seems friendly at first, but then the layers begin to peel and they reveal a more darker side - one of negativity.

The Hatter tried to bring doubts about her new friend into Alice's mind. She refused to believe, and usually this sparked aruguements. Sometimes, Alice did believe what he said, but she cast it out, coming to believe that Leo is just a lovely person...

When the four went to revive the other creatures from their suffering, Alice usually wasn't among them. She had ran off to meet up with this new character who seemed to be taking control over her, as the Hatter thought. There was something there... something underneath the surface that was difficult to observe... but it was there... as he thought... he just hoped something would begin to show his true colours, and that he isn't just a friendly face...

She held a new found affection towards Leo; she enjoyed his company and so did he. He taught Alice a few life lessons, and even a vary of sword fighting. They'd wander, together, enjoying the companionship. A charm had definatly enthralled her, and now she was bound...

. . .

Midday had arrived quickly. The mist had disappeared, and the once cloudy skies departed to reveal a gleaming blue. The sun was visible for the first time in months - to see it again was wondrous. The house itself had begun to breathe life; the ears that were puckered low had arose proudly, and the fur-tatched roof regained it's tawny colour. But even if the land seemed to escape the decaying grasp, the destroyed forests and fields still persisted.

The door of the house opened, and out popped a merry Cheshire Cat. He grinned wildly at the blue skies, 'It's a lovely day,' he informed the others inside, 'the sun has finally come out.'

'Splendid,' a voice said, that of the Hatter.

'I am going to take a walk,' said the Cheshire, and closed the door behind him. The bitterness of the air still lingered, but was thankfully lowered by the heat of the suns rays. The Cheshire inhaled, breathing in the fresh air, and exhaled. With that, he trotted off into the distance.

. . .

Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;

All mimsy were the borogoves,

And the mome raths outgrabe.

The songs of the forest had returned; life was beginning to breathe again. The rays of the sun shone through the gaps in the high withering canopies. Flowers, dead or living, remained on the bushes. Since the mist had gone, everything was gradually returning to the way it was. The creatures, however, some still remained rabid with the unknown force. The Cheshire was thankful he never experienced this fate - but felt pity for whoever did.

It was a very long walk, striding over pallid hills and thick woodland, forests of mushrooms and small hamlets. Everything still seemed abanndoned. The Cheshire let out a sigh of grief. He knew that a majority of the land had been deserted; the creatures and people had migrated away, avoiding the dissolution and the beasts that roamed.

He came across a clearing, just outside of the large and mysterious Tulgey Wood. Such strange creatures used to live in there. The Cheshire dared not to enter; the shadows of the trees embraced it in a haunting darkness. He inspected the woods for a moment before continuing his walk.

When trotting down the edge of the forest, a foul scent had passed into his nose. It was dreadfully putrid; the stench of something decomposing. The Cheshire pulled a disgusted face. His grin suddenly faded. It was horrid! But the cat didn't wish to leave the scent alone until knowing what the cause of it was. He travelled to the source of the revolting aroma. It came from behind a large shrub. The Cheshire hesitated to pull it back; too nervous to see what was hiding back there. Nonetheless, he pushed the leaves out of the way, and struggled through until he came upon a ghastly sight. His eyes widenened with horror, and he let out a gasp of terror. '... Nivens?'

The body of a critter lay motionless on the floor. From the Cheshire's shock, it was the White Rabbit; dead. His white coat had been stained scarlet, and his waistcoat tattered and torn. His eyes remained opened, but no life was present. From the Rabbit's expression, before he died he saw something dreadful. There was a puncture wound in his stomach, and blood had poured onto the grass.

The Cheshire was trembling all over. Extreme remorse fell upon him. There was no smile on his face. He couldn't believe what he saw; his little friend laying lifeless before him. He tried to overcome the fear that had englufed him, and observed the wound in the Rabbit's stomach. It wasn't a bite mark, or a claw mark, but the mark made by a blade. The Cheshire gasped. Could it be? He wondered. He resided in silence and thought, so many thoughts. He began to back away from the Rabbit, terror still present in his teal eyes. Although feeling guilty for leaving his body, the Cheshire darted away, back in the direction of the house.

. . .

'I'm going to meet Leo now.'

Alice skipped down the wooden stairs and into the sitting area, where the Hatter, Hare and Dormouse rested. The Hatter peered up at her, 'Alright,' he said softly, 'Don't be too long.'

'I won't,' She promised, and she wrapped herslef up warm before she left the house.

. . .

A while later, the door suddenly sprung open with great force. The trio jumped from the seats, alerted. As they observed the doorway, a feline stood there, trembling all over and with great horror plastered onto his furry face. The Dormouse approached uneasily, 'Chessur?' He asked, 'you are alright?'

The cat ignored the question, and still stood there panting and shaking. The Hare and the Hatter looked at eachother confused. The Hare then began to approach the scared feline, 'What is wrong?'

Once again, the cat didn't answer. He was held back with fear. The Hare glared, quite annoyed that the cat didn't give an answer. He grumbled to himself and returned to his chair. The Dormouse followed. The Hatter stood there, studying the Chesire's state. The cat began to move his eyes, suddenly realising where he was. He gazed up at the Hatter, 'Terrible news,' he panted.

'What news?' The Hatter asked, concern in his voice. The Cheshire gradually dragged himself towards the others, mouth agate. He slumped himself down infront of them, 'Earlier,' he began once he found his voice, 'I was walking... just outside of Tulgey Wood-'

'What were you doing there?' The Dormouse asked intrusively.

'It's where my feet took me.' He took hold of his bushy tail and stroked it softly, 'As I was walking, I caught the scent of something foul.'

'What sort of foul?' The Hare asked, sitting on the edge of his chair, ears twitching.

'A decomposing sort of foul.' The Cheshire answered, 'I went to investigate what it was...' He began to tremble again, '... I saw... I saw...' The image of the Rabbit had returned, and the horror had stolen his voice.

'Saw what?' The Hatter asked, kneeling infront of the Cheshire and stroking his furry back. It was while before the cat managed to retrace his voice. A heavy lump lingered in his throat, '... I saw... the White Rabbit.'

'Nivens?' asked the Hatter, 'What was he doing?'

'Nothing.' The Cheshire shivered, 'That was why it was terrible. He was there... laying... doing nothing.'

'Laying?' asked the Dormouse. The Cheshire nodded, 'Laying... motionless... red... stains...'

'Red stains?' a great concern arose in the Hatter's voice, 'What do you mean by red stains?'

The Chesire took a deep breath, 'Blood.'

'Blood?' Yelled the others in unison. The Chesire nodded again, 'Yes.'

'Are you saying,' began the Hare, 'that the little rabbit has been killed?'

'Yes.'

The others gasped in horror. 'I observed the wound,' The Cheshire continued, 'it wasn't an animal or a beast wound. No bite marks, no claw marks, so it couldn't have been a Glower.'

'Then what was it?' asked the Hatter.

'... A stab wound.' The Cheshire jumped up onto the chair and rested upon it. The Hatter strayed to his side, 'A stab wound? As in a dagger, a sword, a knife?'

'Yes. One of them.' The Dormouse hopped onto the chair to comfort the forlorn feline. The Hare's eyes twitched rapidly, and his hands trembled as he arose the teacup to his mouth. The Hatter stood there, drowned in thought and bewilderment, 'Who do you think did it?' He asked.

The Chesire shrugged. A sign of abhorrence whirled in the Hatter's eyes. The Dormouse saw it clearly, 'Do you reckon it could be him?'

The Hatter nodded in reply, 'It must be. Who else is there? Alice even said he carries weapons with him.'

'Are you accusing that Leo person as the culprit?' The Hare asked, quite taken astride by the Hatter's accusation.

'Yes,' He answered, 'I always thought there was something strange about him and now this proves it.'

'You believe Leo killed the White Rabbit?' The Cheshire asked, gazing up at him with broken eyes.

'Believe so? I know so.' The Hatter raced to the doorway. The others starred at him, shocked by his sudden run. 'Where are you going?' The Dormouse asked. The Hatter opened the door, 'To find Alice.'

'Hatter, don't.' The Dormouse replied, 'What are you to do when you find her?'

The Hatter paused by the Dormouse's question. What was he to do? He contemplated. It was a tough choice that ensued him. He let out a sigh, 'I don't know,' he answered ambiguously, and he left the house quickly and into the sunset forests.

. . .

Evening had arrived. The skies were shadowed by a sheet of grey clouds, but they weren't rain clouds, their shade was much softer than that. They walked slowly down the path, arms linked, and they both strided into a large meadow. It was livid in colour, but there was a hidden beauty about it. The blades of grass swayed in the evening breeze. The soft moonlight hidden behind the clouds managed to light the area with an aura of elegance.

They walked into the middle of the meadow. Alice smiled to herself, 'This place is lovely.'

'It is,' Leo agreed, 'that's why I brought you here. I knew you'd like it.' He unlinked arms with her, and pulled out a golden pocket watch from his jacket. Alice gazed at it suspiciously, 'That looks like the White Rabbit's watch.'

He shook his head quickly, 'Oh no,' he said with a smile, 'this was a gift from my father. I've had it for ages.' He placed it back in his pocket hastily. He let out a sigh of content, 'It's a nice night, don't you think?'

'Oh, yes, it is,' replied Alice, but her tone wasn't so jolly.

'What is wrong?' Leo asked, his eyes studying hers. He put a hand on Alice's arm, which was crossed infront of her chest. She didn't look at him. 'Nothing.'

'Are you sure?' He asked skeptically.

'Well,' she began, 'I'm just annoyed at the moment.' Her expression was pale. Leo titled his head, questioning her motivations. She wasn't happy at all. 'Why is that?'

'Just...' her voice trailed for moment, '...nothing.' She shook her head, and unfolded her arms. Her head was lowered, but Leo lifted it up gently. 'Nothing?' He asked softly.

'It's just that I've heard from the Hatter that you're not all who you really are.' She gazed at him, sorrow in her eyes. He looked blankly for a moment before he let out a small laugh, 'What? Why does he think that?'

'I don't know,' she said vaguely. No smile formed across her face, even her golden hair began to fade in shade. A shadow hung over her. Leo saw it clearly, 'Don't let it bother you. You know who I am,' He placed his hands upon her shoulders ,'I have nothing to hide from you.'

From the corner of his eye, he saw a small white shape fall by. It fell from the sky gradually. Suddenly, another appeared, and then another, and another. He looked up into the heavens. A whole army were descending upon them. He smiled with amazement, 'It's snowing,' he informed.

Alice gazed around. The snow was already beginning to cover the soil. The snow swayed with grace. 'I haven't seen snow for a long time,' He said. Alice watched the snow fall from the monochrome clouds, and then, as if the beauty of the snowfall had entranced her, a smile befall her. 'It's beautiful,' she commented.

'Very,' he agreed. He looked into Alice's azure eyes, 'Just like you.'

She beamed gleefully at him. All the sorrow that had grasped onto her had faded away in the breeze, what was replaced was an aura of bliss. She observed his hazel eyes, which hadn't moved from hers, 'I think... I know why I returned her now.' She said.

'Why is that?' He asked, his hands gradually moving down her arms, until they folded into hers. She let silence hover before she let any words escape her lips, 'I think I returned here... to meet you.'

He smiled softly at her words. He caressed her rosy cheek, 'You think that?'

'Yes,' Her hands traced along the side of his face, 'I do, and I'm glad I have.'

'So am I,' He said, and brushed the golden frocks from her face, 'you bring back beauty here with your prescence. To have met someone like you is a blessing.'

She smiled, blushing slightly, 'I think the same way about you.' She fiddled with his chesnut hair, 'And I think what I've been wondering, which I now know, is what I have finally found.'

He didn't answer, but gave her a delighted smile. Her eyes had become lost in his captivating gaze, 'I think I'm beginning to love you.' She confessed. His eyes lightened up by her confession, and his hand gently caressed her cheek once again, 'I think I am too.'

She beamed adoringly, and slowly she moved her lips to meet his, where they shared together a passionate kiss. The snow fell around them, lighting the meadow in a sheet of white crystals. The moonlight shone down at them, illuminating the meadow in a soft blue. The world had melted around them, and time seemed to halt for them at that moment. Alice felt absolute joy, and her heart was thumping widely with devotion. Leo's was mutual, and he smiled as they kissed...

In the shadows, lurking, however, a presence they were unaware of was observing them through the withering trees and shrubs. It was not one of compassion anymore, as it had been watching the two lovers sink into their devotion. The presence that was concealed there was the Hatter. In his eyes there was no softness, just raw anger. His hat had shadowed his eyes, and with that he seemed much darker than he should've been. He was envious of them, but he dared not to declare it. He clenched his fists with frustration, and gritted his teeth with fury. He wished to storm towards them and part them with force, but he knew he couldn't do that, he couldn't do that to Alice. The feelings she felt towards Leo were the same as he to her. Since her arrival, affection for her had grown rapidly, and his feelings were all for her. But underneath his fury, there was sorrow. He held back tears forcefully. His heart suddenly felt as if it was torn apart. The darkness had pulled him under into despair.

After he decided to finish gazing at them, he sighed with remorse. He didn't say a word. His frown had vanished to form a line. The glossy texture of his eyes said it all; he was heartbroken. He began to walk away, but glanced behind his shoulder. He shook his head gently, then began to leave the area quickly.

After their kiss had ended, their foreheads met, and they smiled affectionatly to eachother. Leo wrapped his arms around her waist and embraced her. She rested her head onto his chest. He stroked her hair, admiring it greatly. Since Alice had been engulfed into a world of her own, she suddenly realized how dark it was getting. She gently pulled herself from Leo's embrace, 'It's getting late.'

Leo took out the watch and studied it, 'Aye, it's close to ten.'

'Ten?' She asked with shock in her voice, 'It'd better hurry back. They'll be wondering where I am.' Before she began to ran off, she looked up at Leo. He was smiling at her, his eyebrows raised, 'Well, will I see you soon?'

She nodded, 'Of course, I'll be out tomorrow.'

He beamed, 'Great! I was thinking we could go to the Queen of Heart's castle. I've heard it's really grand. We have it all to ourselves,' he smirked at her.

She giggled, 'Whatever idea is coming to your head, let it drop.' She put on a serious face, 'Yes, that would be lovely. I've had a wonderful time tonight.'

'I'm glad you liked it,' He held out a hand to her, 'May I walk you home?'

She took his hand, 'Yes, you may.'

With that, hand in hand, they began to walk back to the house through the snow covered Wonderland.

. . .

Heavy, furious footsteps echoed down the pathway, and the door of the March Hare's house flung open with a brutal force, almost causing the door to break to pieces. The Hare jumped from fright at the unexpected bang; his tea spilling everywhere. He rapidly turned his head to see a crimson faced Hatter, drowned in both fury and agony. The Hare hid himself from his sharp, monsterous gaze, too afraid to let out a whisper.

The Hatter ran upstairs and barged into the bedroom. The Cheshire was sleeping, before the rapid noise penetrated his ears. His eyes darted open. The Hatter sat stiffly on the end of the bed, enveloped in obvious anger. The Cheshire starred at him bewildered for a minute before he said anything, 'Tarrant?' He asked softly.

The Hatter didn't answer, but starred tempestuously at the wall infront of him. 'Hatter?' The Cheshire asked again, a little louder than the last call. The Hatter's limbs softened, and he gave out a sigh of grief. 'What has angered you?' The Cheshire asked.

'Nothing,' he whispered.

'Nothing?' The Cheshire asked skepically, 'your eyes speak different.'

'They lie!' The Hatter retorted. The Cheshire backed away from his response. He was daunted by the Hatter's anger, but he was pulled in by his sorrow. 'Hatter, what did you see?'

The Hatter shook his head, 'Nothing.'

'You saw something. Something has tempered you. You wouldn't act like this unless there was a reason. What is that reason? You can tell me.' The Chesire gave the Hatter a friendly grin.

'I saw something that has tempered me. I wouldn't act like this unless there was a reason, and there is reason.' The Hatter took off his hat and fiddled with it.

'And so what is that reason?'

The Hatter didn't reply. He continued to fiddle with his battered top hat. The Cheshire sat infront of him, 'Is it Alice?'

The Hatter stopped, and fury had made their way back into his eyes. They glared at the Cheshire, 'Possibly.'

'So it is Alice... and Leo?'

Suddenly, the Hatter tossed his hat across the room, hitting the wall violently. The Hatter gritted his teeth, his hands clenched in fists. The Cheshire looked in half shock and half concern, 'What did Leo do? Did he hurt Alice?'

The Hatter shook his head, 'The opposite.'

'Opposite?' The Cheshire wandered in question, 'Was he overly friendly?'

The Hatter caught a sense of mockery in his tone, and clasped the Cheshire Cat by the neck tightly. The Cheshire was horrified, 'Tarrant!' He yelled through his restraint.

'Don't mock me!' The Hatter hissed, and unclasped his hand. The Cheshire gagged for breath and retreated himself away from the angered man, 'I wasn't mocking you!' The Cheshire shouted, 'I asked if he was over friendly, as in did he do anything that of a lover?'

Anguish inflicted the Hatter, and he gazed at the Cheshire forgivingly, 'I am so sorry, Chessur. I didn't mean to do that to you.'

'It is okay. I forgive you,' The Cheshire said, rubbing his neck. He gazed upon the Hatter with pity, 'What has happened to you? I haven't seen you like this since...' His voice trailed off, 'Nevermind.'

'I'm corrupt,' he whispered, 'just like the others.'

'No, you're not.' The Cheshire handed the Hatter back his hat. He took it and placed it back onto his head. 'Now tell me,' The Cheshire began, 'what happened?'

'I was walking along the forests, and I saw Alice and Leo in a meadow.' All anger was cast out, and the heart-wrenching sorrow returned, grasping its claws over the Hatter's heart. 'They spoke of love and affection. She thinks she returned her to meet him,' Tears began to form, 'they embraced, they touched, the fluttered - they kissed.' With that, the tears escaped his eyes, the crying began.

'Is that it?' The Cheshire probed, 'you were furious and violent because they kissed?' The Cheshire arose to the Hatter's face and brushed the tears away with his paw. 'You sure are a sensitive one. I always thought you were tougher to break than that - just think; the once whimsical Mad Hatter - broken hearted by the charms of a girl called Alice. Don't let this get to you.' The Cheshire continued to comfort the Hatter, resting a paw upon his shouder.

'It's not just because of Alice,' The Hatter informed, 'It's of who Alice has fallen in love with. Does she know of what he did to Nivens? He's of no good. She's not safe around him. To think of what he could do to her,' Tension occured in the Hatter's voice, 'To think if that sword was anywhere near her. To think of him hurting her. To think of him betraying her!' The Hatter jumped to his feet, 'To think! Just think! Just wonder! It's not safe. It's not secure. He's dark. He's a liar!'

The Cheshire shook the Hatter strongly to attain his mentality, 'No good! Not safe! No good! To think!...'

'Tarrant! Hatter! Listen!' The Hatter suddenly stopped his outburst, and collapsed back onto the bed, overcome with exhaustion and shock. The Cheshire sighed with relief. 'Finally,' he whispered contently.

'... Have I gone mad?' The Hatter asked concerned, his expression frozen in shock.

'No, what makes you think that?' The Cheshire answered sarcastically.

'I was always mad, but not like this,' he informed, horrified by his mentality, 'what has happened to me, Chessur?' Concern arose in his voice, and he pitied himself. The Cheshire did also, 'All I can say is that you have fallen in love with Alice, and that you're very jealous. I understand about Leo; you obviously despise him,' he sighed, 'You were fine before she returned. You were fine until he came into the picture. I sense a presence of your older self returning.'

'My older self?' The Hatter asked, 'The form I ran away from?'

'The form that engulfed you. This obviously brings back those memories - those agonising memories-'

'Stop, Chessur,' The Hatter pleaded, 'I don't want to remember.'

'Well this isn't helping you.' The Cheshire and the Hatter remained in silence for moment, 'You should come downstairs. We'll make you something to eat. Get your mind off this.' The Cheshire began to tug on the Hatter's shirt gently. The Hatter arose, 'Yeah, I guess you're right.' And he followed him downstairs.

. . .

'I thank you for walking me home.'

'It's always a pleasure.'

Alice and Leo stopped outside of the Hare's house, farewelling eachother before they made their leave. 'What time shall I call for you tomorrow?' Leo asked.

'Midday,' she replied.

'Very well,' He took hold of her hand and kissed it, 'It's been a lovely night.'

'It has,' Alice smiled. They moved their lips closer to eachother's and kissed softly. 'Good night, my lady.'

'Good night.' With that Leo departed from the area. Alice sighed with affection. A large smile ensued on her face. She was drifting along the clouds. She casually opened the door of the house, unaware of what is waiting inside...