Tarrant awoke from his heavy dream as sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows of his studio, casting soft, dappled patches of light across his face, bringing with it a faint warmth. He squinted slightly, the chaos of last night and the uncontrollable emotions still lingering in his mind, leaving him with a sense of unease. The wooden back of the chair creaked as he shifted, trying to fully shake off the unusual dream.
A light laugh echoed from the corner, interrupting his thoughts. Instinctively, Tarrant turned his head, only to see the mischievous grin of the Cheshire Cat slowly materializing in midair. That familiar, crescent smile accompanied its gradually appearing form in the corner of the studio.
"Oh, Tarrant," the Cheshire Cat drawled with a teasing tone, drawing out its words, "Are you still sleeping? Such great news, and you're still dozing off in your chair!"
Tarrant rubbed his eyes, frowning as he looked at the Cheshire Cat. "What good news?" he asked, his voice tinged with caution. Dealing with the Cheshire Cat always required care—it loved withholding crucial details and complicating matters even further.
The Cheshire Cat's smile grew more enigmatic, its tail tracing a lazy circle in the air. "Alice is back! She's in the palace, dear Hatter. Why don't you hurry and take a look?"
Tarrant's heart skipped a beat, and in an instant, he leapt from his chair. Alice was back? He could hardly believe his ears, but in that moment, all reason fled. He didn't care what the Cheshire Cat might say next, snatching up his hat from the table and rushing out of the studio in a flurry.
The bright sunshine lit up the land of Wonderland, but Tarrant was too consumed with urgency and excitement to notice. He sprinted towards the palace, the cobblestone path beneath his feet seeming endlessly long. By the time he arrived, breathless, before the grand gates of the palace, shimmering in the sunlight, his heart was pounding so hard it felt as if it might burst from his chest. However, just as he was about to dash into the Queen's library, a row of armored guards blocked his way.
"Stop!" one of the guards said coldly, his spear pointed towards Tarrant. "No entry is allowed without permission."
Tarrant nearly jumped in frustration. "You know Alice has come back! I am the Royal Hatter! I must see her!" His voice was frantic, his eyes pleading, but the guard remained unmoved.
"No one can enter the library without the Queen's permission," the guard stated firmly, his tone as unyielding as the steel in his armor, as if the man before him wasn't Tarrant but just another intruder.
A surge of anger welled up in Tarrant's chest, his fists clenching as his brow furrowed deeper. He had rushed all the way here, only to be stopped at the door, so close to Alice yet unable to see her. His heart felt as though it were being pulled by an invisible force, both restless and powerless.
Meanwhile, inside the library, Alice had just finished her conversation with the Red Queen and the White Queen. She had explained the guidance given by Time, and at last, the complex riddle had an answer—the missing part of the Maze Garden could only be restored by the wish that she and Tarrant would make together.
The White Queen nodded gently, speaking with her usual grace. "Your and Tarrant's wishes are the key to repairing the rift in time and space. We believe that you will succeed."
The Red Queen, though appearing slightly impatient, also harbored a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "I hope the issue can be resolved quickly this time. The Maze Garden cannot withstand more misalignments of time."
Alice nodded in response, a mixture of determination and apprehension swirling within her. She knew what she had to do next, but she also understood that this journey was one she had to embark on with Tarrant. Taking a deep breath, she turned towards the library doors.
As she pushed open the heavy wooden doors, the sight before her made Alice chuckle. Tarrant was standing outside, being held back by a row of guards, furiously arguing with them. His face was full of desperation, his voice filled with anger, "You can't do this to me! I must see Alice!"
The guards, however, remained resolute, standing guard at the entrance. "No one is allowed to enter the library without the Queen's permission," they repeated coldly.
Alice couldn't help but smile as she watched this scene unfold. Tarrant, frantic as a child, was being held back, anxious and helpless. It reminded her of his usual madcap demeanor, and she found herself laughing softly at the memory of their past adventures.
"Tarrant," her voice called out gently, with a hint of teasing affection, "What are you doing?"
Tarrant spun around at once, seeing Alice standing at the library's entrance, her face lit with a joyful smile. In that instant, it was as if the entire world stopped. His anxiety, anger, and helplessness melted away in the warmth of her expression. A look of relief and joy flashed across his eyes, and his voice softened, "Alice, you're finally here…"
Alice shook her head slightly, walking up to him. She addressed the guards, "Put down the guards, soldiers. Tarrant is my friend."
The soldiers exchanged uncertain glances but, seeing Alice's command, finally lowered their spears and stepped aside, allowing Tarrant passage.
Tarrant exhaled deeply, the tension leaving his body as his gaze remained fixed on Alice, as if ensuring she was truly there, unharmed.
"I told you, there's no need to be so nervous," Alice said softly, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at him. "Everything is fine."
A wry smile tugged at Tarrant's lips, his earlier frustration dissolving into joy. He scratched his head sheepishly. "I thought... maybe you needed my help."
Alice nodded slightly, her expression becoming serious as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "In fact, I do need your help. The gaps in the Maze Garden require us to complete them together. Time told me that only when we express our wishes together, can we mend the rift in time and space."
Tarrant's eyes flickered with surprise and confusion, but more than anything, they held resolve and trust. "Then let's go. No matter what difficulties lie ahead, as long as you need me, I will be by your side."
Tarrant seemed to feel the peace of the moment, and suddenly, he laughed, as if his earlier anxiety had never existed. "But before that, what do you say? Would you like to have a tea party with me? We can discuss our wishes leisurely in the garden."
He gave a theatrical bow, his hat nearly falling from his head.
Alice laughed softly, "Alright, Tarrant, I accept your invitation. Let's go have tea."
With smiles on their faces, they left the library together, heading towards the Hatters' garden, leaving the bewildered guards behind.