Hatter's Revenge (rewriting - read at own risk)

Ch.2: Just Alice

Mad heard a rustling sound and looked up to find that Cheshire had somehow managed to get fifteen feet up a tree in about two seconds. Chesh's mouth was parted slightly, showing growing canines and his pupils were blown out, startled. Mad knew he was about three seconds from morphing into the giant cat creature he turned into sometimes.

"It's okay, Chesh," Mad said softly. "It's okay. I'm okay." Chesh's skin twitched as fur started creeping over his arms. "You're okay, Cheshire. Deep breath."

Chesh's claws made score marks in the branch as his fingers tightened and his eyes locked on Mad's. He took a breath and the fur started to recede. When he was sure Chesh had calmed down, he grinned and teased, "Scaredy cat."

Chesh's hair ruffled up around his head. He hissed and dropped lightly from the tree, creeping toward Mad and the girl. The girl, Mad realized, he was still holding on to. He quickly let go and stepped back. Surprised by the sudden lack of support, she wobbled and fell over.

The girl just sat there, a bewildered look on her face. She was still staring up at Mad and jumped violently when Chesh sniffed lightly at her shoulder. She swatted at him, making him flip sideways.

 Chesh scrambled over to Mad, peering at the girl over his shoulder. His ears were pressed back and he was growling softly in the back of his throat.

He made a vaguely soothing sound before taking a step forward. Or trying to. Chesh grabbed his arm, yanking him backward. He squelched a flare of irritation and, his voice stern, said, "Cheshire."

He then looked at where Chesh had grabbed him to see claw marks tearing at his coat. Blood welled up where Cheshire's claws were embedded in his skin. When Chesh saw, his eyes widened and he let go slowly. Mad narrowed his eyes, trying to ignore the painful tugging sensation of the claws being pulled from his skin.

"Sorry," he whispered, flicking a long ear in Alice's direction, though he kept his eyes on Mad.

"It's okay, Chesh. I get it." He patted Chesh's shoulder so he would know Mad wasn't angry. Chesh pressed into the contact, then melted quietly into the shadows, licking at the blood around his claws, cleaning them.

When he had disappeared, Mad grimaced, flexing his wrist. Then he crouched down next to the girl. She stared at him mutely, her eyes traveling to the torn coat and bloody sleeve.

 "What was he?" she whispered.

"Who, Chesh? He's a cat," Mad said. He tugged at the sleeve of his coat, hiding the small punctures in his wrist. 

Her face twisted. "Biggest cat I've ever seen."

He laughed, amused. His smile faded when she asked, "Where am I?"

He pursed his lips lightly, considering how he should answer her question. Then he decided to just rip off the bandage. "Wonderland."

The girl looked puzzled, but not worried. 

That will change soon enough, Mad thought grimly.

"Wonderland? What's that?" The girl cocked her head to the side. "Who are you?"

Mad stood, extending a hand to help her up. She took it and when she was standing, he removed his hat. "Madison Hatter. But you can call me Mad." He winked as he replaced his hat. "As for what is Wonderland, well that's a bit more difficult."

"Then how about where is it?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips.

"I don't know," Mad said simply.

She blinked. "How do you not know?"

"Well do you know where you are?" Mad asked peevishly. She shook her head. "Then why should I be expected to know where you are?" He pressed his lips together, trying to maintain his patience.