Fairfarren (Book 2 of Return to Wonderland)

Chapter 7

**End of Flashback**

"So.. the enchantress is Underland's daughter.." Alice muttered, tapping her finger slightly on the page, staring at the empty page that looked ripped.

Mirana nodded and sighed, "They say Underland banished her into the dark side of the looking glass in the far edges of the Outlands."

"Wait, what do you mean dark side? Isn't the looking glass used to go through both worlds?" Alice turned to Mirana.

"Yes but that is a story for another time, right now we must focus on the situation at hand now." Mirana responded while closing the secret section, heading out to the entrance of Marmoreal where everyone waited.

"Alice, are you coming?" Hatter stopped, watching her linger at the table.

"Yes just a moment.." Alice glanced up, giving a small smile which he returned then left. Alice grabbed the book then went to catch up to them.

**Scene Change**

"Please everyone settle down!" Mirana raised her voice then cleared her throat, "I must inform that.. a danger that existed long ago has returned, we don't know what will happen but I advise you to stay safe and if you see anything, please report to me. Thank you."

When she said a danger, the citizens gasped in shock and fear, panicked muttering rising then stopped when the guards escorted everyone back to Witzend.

"Mirana we have to do something! We can't just stand here and let that witch destroy the rest of this place!" Alice stepped forward, hiding the book behind her back.

"Alice listen, we don't know what she is planning, it'd be dangerous and reckless to go out there just like that." Mirana warned calmly, really how could she stay peaceful about this?

"If we don't then she could strike any moment." Alice replied back then sighed. No one would go with her, that she knew. She turned on her heel and ran, ignoring the calls of the queen and Hatter calling.

**Scene Change**

Alice grabbed a bag and filled it with supplies, having changed into new clothes, a vest with gold buttons and pink lace shirt and sleeves underneath and wide pants with boots. The vorpal sword in it's sheath attached to her hip.

"And where do you think your off to?" Hatter leaned against the doorway, staring at her with dull green eyes that looked sad.

"To find her." Alice muttered, slinging the bag over her shoulder but was stopped by Hatter grabbing her shoulders, "Tarrant I need to get by.."

"Your not going anywhere, remember what Mirana said? It's dangerous." Hatter shook his head, trying to do what was best to keep her safe.

"If no one else is even trying to search then I will. I'll put an end to this." Alice said stubbornly back, trying to pass him.

"Fine.. but I'm going with you." Hatter stepped to the side to block her path, lifting her chin up to meet her eyes.

"What?! No! Are you mad?" Alice widened her eyes, pulling away. "I'm not going to risk anyone else getting hurt." 

"And I don't want anything happening to you." Hatter gently cupped her cheek in his hand, whispering, "I made a vow to love and take care of you, I'm not willing to break it, not now, not ever. Besides, someone once told me that-"

"All the best people are." Alice whispered, cutting him off. "I'm sorry but.. I have to do this alone."

She walked past him, gently brushing her arm against his then wandered through the halls, running when she got outside, the moon barely shining behind the clouds.

**Scene Change**

"This girl is very stubborn, yet this is perfect." The woman replayed what happened and chuckled, waving her hand to erase it. 

Grabbing a bunch of ingredients from stone shelves, she mixed them together and murmured words under her breath, the liquid in a gold goblet.

"Excellent, now we wait." She smirked and laughed, going over to a piece of glass that was all dark, no reflection in it. Placing her hand and taking a deep breath, soaking up energy.

**Scene Change**

"Now which way did it say?" Alice took out the map, talking to herself. It had gotten darker and she was now in Tulgey Wood so that didn't help.

"Who's there?! Show yourself!" She grabbed her sword, pointing it out at where the noise came from. At first she suspected it was just an animal or maybe the wind but she heard enough bushes rustling and twigs snapping to know someone was following her.

"It's alright, just me.." Hatter came out, his hands slightly raised. He had on a what looked like a travel outfit but his regular hat on.

"Oh my god.. I told you to stay!" Alice put her sword back in it's place, "I don't want something happening your going straight back to Marmoreal-"

She paused when he crashed his lips onto hers to silence her ranting, drawing her closer as she relaxed then slowly pulled away just to look at him.

"I'm just as stubborn as you love, thought I was going to let you win this round?" Hatter chuckled slightly, "Besides I know more about this place, I bet you were lost."

"I was not.." Alice crossed her arms but couldn't hide her blush, "Maybe a little. Whatever, ok I guess we're in this together."

They sat by a tree, agreeing to proceed on the trip in the morning so they could get some sleep. He wrapped his arms around her, mostly for protection and were quiet, staring at the night sky.

"I'm actually glad your here.." Alice whispered, smiling at the familiar feeling of his comfort and warmth. 

"I know dear, I know, it's alright." Hatter kissed the top of her head, running a hand through her curls.

But Alice could've sworn she saw a shadow fly across the moon, letting it disappear in a second but before she could process what it was, dreariness took over and was out like a light.

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I think this is kinda short but I finally got it done! Anyway what do you think that witch is up to? Hmmm.... curiouser and curiouser. Fairfarren all!