Disclaimer: I. Don't. Own. Naruto. Or. Alice.


Chapter Eleven

I'm investigating things that begin with the letter M.

I looked at myself in the large mirror, wondering how I got here. How had an innocent (enough) party turned to a kidnapping and near-death experience? Now, I was wearing a Cinderella dress made for a baby doll. (Not literally, of course. Babies don't wear princess dresses.)

Tsunade clicked in again, holding something in her hands.

They were little white heels.

"Where are you getting all of this?" I asked, gesturing to the dress and shoes that fit me perfectly.

"I have an excellent tailor." She smiled. There was something suspicious about that smile, I just couldn't figure out what.

"Well, tell them I said thank you." I said, slipping on the heels. My feet had started getting cold.

"They'll greatly appreciate it." She said, leaving again. Strange. At this point, I was sick of the yellow bedroom and decided to explore the castle.

I climbed the stairs (literally climbed) and started on the roof. It was a large castle, and I could see everything from the roof. Including someone causing a scene at the entrance.

There was a group of guards leading in a lone person. I sighed and walked down to the next floor.

On the main floor, I saw a sight that made my breath catch in my throat.

Hatter!

I wanted to run to him, but he was talking to the Queen.

"I heard some interesting information, Hatter." Tsunade said, walking circles around him. He stared straight ahead the whole time.

"What would that be, your highness?"

"You disobeyed me."

"How do you figure, if you don't mind me asking?" Tsunade smiled.

"Sasuke told me a certain hatted figure found the small hominid and did not bring her here."

"Sasuke is also a liar, Ma'am." Tsunade nodded.

"I am aware of this. Are you aware that he no longer is among us, Mr. Hyuga?" Mr. Hyuga?

"I was, the bees told me."

"The bees?" Tsunade asked. Hatter nodded.

"Are you aware of what happens to liars, Hatter?" He nodded.

"I am." Tsunade sighed.

"Boys, bring him to the cells." She said, sitting in her chair. On either side, two men in black coats with red clouds grabbed Hatter. They walked in my direction. I panicked and pressed myself against the wall.

I decided I would wait until later tonight to find him.

Later that evening, I was sitting at a long table. It reminded me so much of Hatter's, but it was neater and not as long. Tsunade sat at the head of the table, Kaori right next to her. I sat on the table next to Kaori. After I ate, I asked to be excused.

"Whatever for?" Tsunade asked.

"I'm incredibly tired and feeling feint. I think I need to rest." Tsunade nodded.

"Alright. Good night, Tenten."

"Good night." With that, I hopped into Kaori's hand. She put me down gently and I walked until my clicking heels were out of ear shot. After that, I broke into a full on run. I ran as fast as I could without tripping on my face. Heels weren't my best friends.

I stood in front of a large door. Damn, how was I going to open it? Almost like magic, someone on the other side opened it. I slithered past them as they continued walking.

The cells were very dark, and my heels clicked so loud I was afraid to wake up the dead.

"Hatter?" I whispered, only barely able to see anything. I heard shuffling. I clutched my necklace and continued walking.

"Hatter?" I whispered a little louder.

"Tenten?" my heart fluttered.

"Yes, Hatter. Where are you?" Suddenly, I ran into something hard.

"Right here." I felt my way in the darkness and felt a cold bar. I walked past it and found something warm.

"Hatter!" I whispered as excitedly as I could. I found his hand and sat in it. It was so dark, I could only see his pale eyes.

"I'm so glad you're alive." He said. His eyes shut and he sighed in relief. I heard him messing around with something. I heard a click and a dull light illuminated the cell.

"What is that?" I asked.

"I have a light on my hat."

"Of course you do." I smiled. Seeing him made me want to cry.

"How is she treating you?" He asked, placing me on his shoulder.

"She wants me to call her 'Mom'." I responded. He chuckled.

"Yeah, she does that." I rested my head on his cheek. We sat and talked for a while longer, until I started yawning.

"You should go to bed. I'll still be here tomorrow." He said, nudging me gently with his knuckle. I yawned.

"You better be." With that, I kissed his cheek and climbed down his arm. I ran out of the cell, whispering 'Bye!' before I was out of earshot.


So the seed of love has been planted. Review! Please?