Chapter Ten – Making Contact
Hatter had never felt so uneasy in the city. It looked different to him now, darker somehow. He expected to find a Suit round every corner, the Rabbit Head lurking down every alleyway. It was disconcerting in the extreme. And as if he weren't already jumping at shadows, he found himself thinking about his Oyster and wondering if she'd keep her promise to wait for him. Were all Oysters that hard-headed?
Still, he had to admit that Alice knew her own mind. Even if it ran contrary to what the reasonable, logical thing was to do. She was loyal to a fault, brave and beautiful and so very determined. And incredibly blind, if she couldn't see everything he was trying to do for her.
A noise snapped Hatter out of his reverie and he cursed to realize that he'd gone further then he needed, and had to turn back round. He forced himself to focus on the task at hand, and that was to waylay good old Dormie. His business partner might have had narcoleptic tendencies, but he also had a way of talking up the new Teas that urged people to buy. It didn't hurt that he had ties to the Resistance, as well.
Dormie was a creature of habit. Hatter only had to wait three quarters of an hour for his business partner to come down a particular stretch of ledge, twitching and mumbling to himself. Hatter waited in an alley, grabbed Dormie by his coat and pulled him around and up against the wall.
"Not the face!" Dormie screamed, cowering. "Not the…Hatter! What do you want?"
"Just keep your voice down, Dormie. I need you to get a message to Caterpillar."
"What makes you think I can do that?" Dormie asked coyly.
"Don't get cute," Hatter warned. "I haven't got the time."
"Dodo's the only one I know in the Resistance. I'm not sure Caterpillar actually exists! He's probably some mythical figure made up to keep us all treading the mill."
Hatter frowned. "You tell Dodo to get a message to him then. We still have what they want. We're ready to make a deal."
With that, Hatter turned out of the alley. "You know where to find me. I want to hear from you in an hour." He heard Dormie scurry away and hoped – again – that Dodo would help. The lure of the ring would hopefully be too strong for him to say no.
All his usual haunts were unsafe now, so Hatter headed for an unusual one, one that hopefully only he and Dormie knew of. It required a bit of climbing and ducking through abandoned buildings, but Hatter eventually reached it. His childhood home. His backup-backup escape hatch.
The building was run down, all the windows broken. No-one had lived there for years, and Hatter made sure that he was never seen coming or going from it. The flat he'd shared with his parents had been small, but it suited him just fine on a temporary basis. Everything was covered in dust now, the only pieces of furniture left standing were a tatty old chair and a small table, but Hatter was able to let his guard down here.
He flopped in the chair, ignoring the plumes of dust that sent up, and drummed his fingers nervously on his knees. This plan had to work. Caterpillar was the only one with power enough to get Alice out of Wonderland, and once he had the ring it would give the Resistance the boost it needed to finally get something done. Hatter felt like the whole world was riding on his shoulders. Sneaking food and supplies to the refugees had never carried this amount of responsibility. He was in the kettle now, for sure.
The longer he sat, the calmer he grew. There was nothing around him but quiet, and it was a nice change from his last two days. If nothing else, his Oyster certainly kept things from being boring. Hatter reflected that he'd never felt quite so alive until Alice came into his life, never felt so much depth of emotion without the help of a Tea. If only she could be reasoned with…
He went round and round in his head, frustration with Alice warring with longing. What he wanted from her she would likely never be able to give, but that didn't stop the wanting of it. He sat like that for the next hour, trying to work out things in his head and desperately wishing he had a nice, hot cup of tea.
It was ten minutes past time when Dormie came scuttling in with a reply from the Resistance. "Dodo contacted Caterpillar."
"You're late," Hatter noted. Like all Wonderlanders, he had a kind of built-in clock in his brain.
"Dodo's hot to get his hands on whatever it is you have, Hatter." Dormie looked around nervously. "He said to tell you that Caterpillar will send an operative to you to make the deal."
"Where?"
"He said Caterpillar will find you."
Hatter wasn't certain he liked that, but it certainly did move Caterpillar up in his estimation of mysterious all-powerfulness.
"Thanks, Dormie. I won't forget this." Hatter stood, dusted himself off, and headed out the door.
"You better come through, Hatter, or it's my neck too!" Dormie shouted after him. Hatter flapped a dismissive hand at him and made the cautious trek back to his boat. So far his plan was working. Now he had to hope that Alice had stayed put while he was gone.
*o*o*o*
Hatter was exhausted by the time he got back to Charlie's fortress. Sneaking out of the city had proven harder than sneaking in, and he'd had to dodge several groups of patrolling Suits. Then it was hiding the boat again and making the hike to the fortress, all while keeping out of sight of the Jabberwock. And on an empty stomach to boot. He'd had easier days.
When he returned to the camp he found Charlie snoring away in his hammock, his burlap bear hugged to his chest, and Alice no-where to be seen. Fighting back a stab of annoyance, Hatter walked over to the sleeping knight and got right next to his ear.
"Charlie!"
The White Knight tumbled out of the hammock.
"You're supposed to be looking after Alice."
"I know what you're thinking," Charlie said. "But I wasn't really asleep. I simply let my soul lift out of its mortal shell to stand sentry on a higher plain."
"Where's Alice?" Hatter asked, trying not to lose his temper. Charlie pointed to a path on the far side of the camp. More walking. Great.
Hatter followed the path through the trees to a clearing, dominated by a large, rocky hill. And there was his Oyster, standing at the top of the hill like a beautiful statue, that plum-colored coat swirling around her in the wind. Hatter's breath caught in his throat for a moment at the sight of her, so still as she looked off into the distance. In the sunlight she fairly glowed.
Shaking himself back to reality, he made the climb to where she was standing and wondered how she had done it in those ridiculous boots. Alice heard him coming and turned toward him, and once again Hatter was stopped in his tracks. There was such a look on her face, he had difficulty pinning down what she must be feeling. The overall feel he got was sadness, though, especially the way she stood with her hands clasped to her chest. He had to literally force himself to get to the business at hand, when all he felt was an overwhelming need to fold his Oyster into his arms.
"It's good news," he said, closing the distance between them. "The Resistance wants to help. They're sending a special agent who will take us to see Caterpillar."
Alice dropped her arms and stared at him, saying nothing. It made him feel a bit self-conscious. He realized he was panting a bit and gestured back to the path.
"It's quite a steep hill," he said.
Still Alice said nothing, just looked at him with those wide blue eyes.
"You okay?" he asked her, starting to feel a bit concerned.
"I was beginning to think you weren't coming back," she said softly.
There she was, doubting him again. Hatter wondered why he kept putting himself out there for her.
"You still don't trust me?"
"How soon till he gets here?" Alice asked, changing the subject.
"Those guys can move pretty fast when they need to," he replied. He turned, and caught sight of what Alice had been looking at. The Kingdom of the Knights was spread out before them, grand even in its decline. Once again Hatter felt the urge to help his people, to help Wonderland before the Queen could do any more damage.
"You're going to join them, aren't you?" Alice asked. She was still talking softly, like she was afraid of spooking him. "Fight alongside them?"
"I have to try. As Dodo said, I've lived my life playing both sides of the court." Hatter wanted Alice to understand. "It was the only way I could stay alive. I made the Hearts think that I was working for them while I fed their enemies. Those days are over."
Alice held his gaze, and Hatter could see himself reflected there. He sighed, wishing he could tell what she was thinking. They stood in silence for a few moments, looking at the crumbling chess pieces in the distance. The wind blew Alice's hair, and Hatter had to stop himself from touching it. He wanted to touch her too badly to let himself actually do it.
"We should head back to camp," Alice said finally. She shot Hatter a half smile, then headed back down the path. Hatter followed her in silence, content to walk behind her for a while. But then Alice came to a stop, absently rubbing the Glow on her arm.
"What's the matter?" Hatter asked. Alice looked up at him and the vulnerability in her eyes rocked him. She looked so lost, like all of her strength had left her.
"What will I do?" she asked him plaintively. "If I get stuck here?"
Hatter answered with complete honesty, not needing to think about it at all. "Then I'll make sure you're okay."
More than ever he wanted to wrap his arms around her and promise her that he'd keep her safe, keep her happy. Alice kept looking at him with those eyes that said so much more than she could with words.
Hatter carefully put his hands on her arms, moved slowly closer and closer to her. He watched those eyes, waiting to see if she would be afraid of what he was doing, but he saw no fear.
"I think your luck is finally changing," he said softly. He was filled with a sudden rush of desire and possessiveness. He continued moving slowly, his gaze now falling to her lips. Hatter's eyes flickered back to Alice's for just a second, and saw wonderingly that she was moving towards him as well. Their lips were almost touching, he could feel her breath on his face, and then the moment was broken by the smooth voice of an intruder.
"That's right, it is."
Hatter and Alice both turned, startled. And there, like Hatter's nightmare come alive, stood the Prince of Hearts. He was dressed in a dark purple suit, and had a sword in one hand. Behind him, Jack could see Charlie trussed up on the ground.
"Hello Alice," Jack said. "I'm not interrupting anything am I?"
Hatter automatically positioned himself in front of Alice, and wished he had a weapon. Or a nice clear shot with his powerful right hand. Or a pet Jabberwock that would rip the Prince's head off.
"I know what you're thinking," Charlie said. He seemed perfectly at ease, despite the bindings on his hands and feet. "How could anyone sneak up on me, of all people! And in my own manor, too."
Casting around for a weapon, Hatter spied a good length of tree limb on the ground and snatched it up, running to face the Prince of Hearts. He wouldn't let that git take his Alice.
"You think you can take me on with that?" Jack asked. He didn't look at all concerned.
"I'm not an old man," Hatter countered.
"Oi!" Charlie sounded a bit put out, but no-one was paying him any attention.
"Look, nobody is fighting unless it is me and I'm a black belt, remember?" Alice positioned herself between Hatter and Jack.
"Who's your friend?" Jack asked.
"He's just a friend," Alice replied. Hatter tried not to let that bother him. He knew he should be glad that she even considered him a friend at all.
"Yes," Jack agreed. "You two looked pretty friendly."
Hatter almost grinned. It seemed there was a way under that calm, cool exterior after all.
"You jealous Jack?" Alice asked.
"A little."
"Did I hear that right? The guy who's engaged to a duchess is worried about me."
Hatter mentally cheered Alice on. She was clearly still upset with Jack, and that could only work out in his favor.
"You know that was just an act," Jack said.
"No. I don't."
"Come. I've brought you a horse, let's get out of here." And just like that Jack turned to leave, obviously accustomed to his orders being obeyed. Hatter wasn't going to let that go.
"She's not going anywhere with you." He put himself in front of Alice again.
"You know she can't stay here," Jack said without bothering to turn round.
"Look, stop it both of you!" Alice said. She put a hand on Hatter's shoulder. "I need to know about my dad."
Alice walked closer to Jack. "Is he here?"
"Yes. He's alive and well, and if you let me I'll take you to him."
Hatter shook his head. Lies. It was all lies. Clearly Alice could see that!
"Really?" she asked. Her voice sounded small, and hopeful, and Hatter got a sinking feeling in his gut. Jack clearly had the leverage here.
"But we'd better get going," Jack said. "You don't have much time."
"Where is he?" Alice was now face to face with Jack, and Hatter was certain she'd forgotten he was even there.
"We're moving him into the city and if we hurry you can see him by nightfall."
"What do you mean, moving him?"
"I have people helping me."
That was a red flag for Hatter, who decided it was time to jump back into the conversation. "What people?"
"Do you want to see him or not?"
Hatter was so completely ignored by both of them that he wondered for a moment if he hadn't gone invisible.
"Yes, of course." Alice nodded, and Hatter could see she was starting to get nervy. "Right. Wow. Um…okay."
"Don't tell me you trust this guy," Hatter said. How can you trust him?
"He knows where my dad is," Alice said. She turned to look at him, finally.
"He'll say anything to get his hands on the ring!"
"No, he hasn't asked for the ring. He doesn't want the ring! Do you Jack?"
"Yes, I do," Jack said.
Hatter looked at Alice, willing her to turn round so she'd get the full effect of the I-told-you-so face he was giving her.
"You do?" Alice finally seemed uncertain.
"It's just all an act!" Hatter insisted.
"We need the ring to get you home," Jack said. "The Looking Glass won't work without it."
Hatter turned away. Jack was a good liar, he'd give him that. He was telling Alice the same things Hatter himself had been trying to tell her, only apparently Jack was better at the telling. Alice seemed to believe everything that fell out of the Prince's royal mouth.
"Yes, of course," she said.
"Don't be fooled by this Alice." Hatter tried again. "He's working for his mother. Blood and water, you remember?"
"Then why am I alone?" Jack asked. He held Alice's gaze with his own, and once again Hatter was pushed out. "Why aren't there five hundred Suits at my back? And how did I find you here in the middle of the forest? You think I just followed my nose?"
Now that was a sensible question! "How did you find us?" Hatter demanded.
"You sent for me," Jack replied sharply. He didn't look away from Alice.
"Come again?" Hatter asked, momentarily confounded.
"I'm the agent who's supposed to escort you to Caterpillar."
For once, Hatter was at a loss for words. The Prince of Hearts was working for the Resistance? This had to be a joke.
"You know Caterpillar?" Alice asked.
"Very well. Caterpillar recruited me into the Resistance. That's why I stole the ring." Jack finally looked away, moved away, and Hatter was glad to see the space between the Prince and Alice. "And escaped to your world. It was supposed to trigger a coup. Unfortunately…well…you saw what happened."
Jack finally seemed to be feeling something, Hatter noted. The man wasn't an automaton after all.
"But if you give us back the ring we can give it another try."
"You want to overthrow your mother?" Alice asked. Hatter was gratified to hear a little doubt in her voice.
"I've seen what she's done in close up. And I know perhaps better than anyone if I don't stop her she'll destroy Wonderland."
Pretty words, Hatter thought. He still wasn't convinced Jack was on the level. The Prince moved back to face Alice, his eyes only for her.
"So who are you going to trust to get you and your father back home? A Resistance insider and future king, who's already scheduled your return trip through the Looking Glass. Who cares for you more than anyone else in the world." Jack looked away from Alice and sneered at Hatter. "Or this man?"
Alice turned to look at Hatter, but he couldn't meet her gaze. He knew nothing he said would make any difference to her, wouldn't shake her blind trust in Jack. He wanted to scream at her to stop, to not give everything she had to Jack, before she ended up like his…
Mother.
Hatter hadn't thought about her in some time, was surprised to feel the pain still there. The bitterness, too. Nothing seemed to have changed for him at all in that moment. She'd given everything she had to one man, too – his father. And when the Queen had him executed, his mother had nothing left to give her only son. She'd just stepped off a ledge a week later, leaving Hatter on his own.
Now Alice was doing the same thing, in his estimation. Giving herself to Jack and leaving nothing for Hatter. The swirl of emotions in him left him sick and sad and scared.
Hatter dropped the stick and stepped away, knowing he was beaten. He fought against the unexpected wetness of tears in his eyes. Jack had everything Alice needed or wanted. Whatever Hatter had, it wasn't enough for her. It hurt him, unbelievably so, that Alice said nothing.
"Where's the ring, Alice?" Jack asked softly.
Alice hesitated for a moment, then gave in. "It's where it belongs." She looked over her shoulder at the Red King on his throne.
"Well, well," Jack breathed, hurrying over to slip the ring off the King's bony finger.
"Huh," said Charlie. Hatter had forgotten all about him. "Under my very nose."
"I wish you all the luck in the world, Alice," Hatter said. He knew this was goodbye, and he felt an ache in his chest.
Alice turned to look at him in surprise. "You're coming with us, Hatter."
"I don't think I figure in the future king's plans," Hatter replied. He gave Alice a quick smile, trying not to let on how much this was costing him.
"He's coming with us," Alice said to Jack. Determination was writ large on her face, but Hatter knew this time she wouldn't get her way.
"Caterpillar was very clear." Jack tucked the ring into his coat pocket. "The Resistance will only help you on their terms. You must come alone."
"But Hatter stood by me," Alice argued.
Hatter swallowed past the lump that had grown in his throat. At least she'd seen that much, he thought. It was something he'd be able to hold on to.
"It's for your own safety," Jack said. "And for your father's."
And once again, the Prince pulled out his trump card. Alice would do anything for her father.
"Hey," Hatter said softly, catching Alice's attention. "I wouldn't want to go with this guy anyway."
Hatter and Alice looked at each other, and there was so much he wished he could say to her. He wished he could give her a proper goodbye, at the very least. Instead, he turned and started to walk away.
"What will you do?" Alice called after him, stopping him in his tracks. She sounded worried.
"Me? You kidding?" Hatter forced himself to laugh, and he smiled at Alice. "I'll be fine. Believe me. You're better off with this guy."
The irony wasn't lost on Hatter. He'd been wanting nothing but to have Alice believe him, and the one time she finally would he'd be lying through his teeth. He couldn't stand another minute of this.
"Go," he told her. He told her with a look that she'd be okay. And then he turned away and didn't look back as Jack led Alice away. Hatter released Charlie from his bonds, barely hearing the knight spluttering and following him as he walked back up to the hill.
Hatter, Charlie by his side, watched Alice and Jack ride away. His Alice was leaving. He'd done what he could for her, kept her safe and gotten her an audience with Caterpillar. He should feel relieved to have her off his hands. Maybe now his life could resume some sense of normalcy. Surely Jack would have no trouble getting Alice back to her world.
"I'm going after her," Charlie said. He made a motion to leave.
"No," Hatter said.
"I am sworn to protect her!"
"You work here is done. Brave Knight." Hatter sighed. "But you should be proud. You've done one hell of a job. But she's in safe hands now."
Hatter left Charlie standing on the hill and he made his way back to camp. He was sorry now he'd come this way, because the memory of that almost kiss was entirely too fresh in his mind. Curse Jack! Why had he chosen that moment to interrupt?
Pacing around the camp, feeling at loose ends, Hatter wished there'd been some way he could've gone along. He'd seen Alice so far, he should be able to see her all the way home. It wasn't as if Jack couldn't use the help, he argued with himself. As far as he knew, the Suits were all still loyal to the Queen, and if she found out Jack had betrayed her there was no telling what she'd do.
The more Hatter thought about it, the more he knew that he couldn't just let his Alice ride out of his life this way. Charlie may have sworn to protect her, but he had made his own promises. Maybe, if he stayed close by and offered his assistance, the hollow feeling in his chest would go away.
She almost kissed me, he reminded himself. Clearly she had to feel something for him. And however small that feeling may be, Hatter didn't want her to forget it.
"She's gone," Charlie said morosely as he walked back into camp. "What do we do know?"
Hatter finally had a new plan, and he was ready to act on it. "Well, seeing as how I'm wanted by both the Suits and the Resistance, I think it might be prudent to hide out in the hills for a bit. See how things fall out with Jack before I go back to the city."
Charlie looked flustered. "What? You're leaving too?"
"Just for a little while," Hatter assured him. "I don't suppose…could I borrow one of your horses?"
AN: Some extra scenes in the beginning and at the end of this chapter, which I know is pretty long. I couldn't find a good spot to split it, though, without losing the flow.
The important part of this chapter, for me anyway, is that Hatter has stopped thinking of Alice as his Oyster, and instead will now think of her as his Alice. Curse that almost-kiss! I also wanted to touch on the reason Carpenter has that line about not using watches in Wonderland – they all just seem to know the time.
For a longer bit about Hatter's parents, read my series of one-shots called The Happy in the Ever After, the chapter titled Family Ties.
As always, your reviews are appreciated! And I love hearing about your favorite scenes and lines from the movie! You know mine – "I'll make sure you're okay." Swoon!