Fairfarren (Book 2 of Return to Wonderland)

Chapter 9

"Alice I don't mean to complain but we've been traveling for who knows how long and we haven't found anything." Hatter laid a hand on her shoulder, stopping.

"We can't just leave, there has to be something around here that'll help find that witch." Alice faced him, stubbornness clearly showing, "Let me check the map."

She opened the bag that was slung over her shoulder, her hand pushing stuff aside in it was the only sound in the empty place. The map was stuck so she pulled slightly in order to get it out but careful not to rip it.

"Here it is-" Alice paused when she caught sight of the book fall from the bag as well. Unfortunately Hatter saw it too.

"You dropped.. this.." Hatter's voice drifted off, picking up the book then scanned through it, not long before it stung his hand, making him drop it, "Where'd you get this?"

"I..umm.." Alice stuttered, not knowing what to say she couldn't decide whether or not to lie, "Mirana let me borrow it.."

"Alice, I know your lying, I know you." He lifted her chin up to meet his gaze, calm yet firm, "Now tell me, please."

"Alright.. I.. I took it when you both left the library. I thought it'd be useful in finding out more and stopping this." Alice sighed, glancing down then up at him.

"I want everything back to the way it was just as much as you do but we have to trust each other. I'm not upset, dear." He gave her a smile, pulling her into a hug.

She hugged back, smiling then heard something, slowly pulling away and looks around, "Did you hear that?"

Those words reminded her of when she and Hatter were talking (and not her right proper size) in the destroyed Witzend when they heard Bayard and the red knights. This time it was the same bark but different people.

"There you two are!" They heard a soft voice that seemed louder than usual call out, being pulled into a tight embrace. The person had a white dress, hair and dark brown eyes.

"Mirana? What are you doing here?" Alice asked, shocked that the queen would come here again and why she was there in the first place.

"What are we, chopped liver?" Mally got their attention then scurried from on top of Bayard to the palm of Hatter's hand, "Ya know ya great lumps got a knack fer sneaking ou' like that without us!"

"You both nearly scared us to death! I mean.." Mirana stood straight, regaining her proper yet calm behavior and composure, hands flitting like always, "Have you any idea what might've happened?"

"Well I-" Hatter spoke up but Alice laid a hand on his arm, shaking her head and looked up at the queen.

"I know Mirana, I'm sorry this is my fault. I was the one who went out in the first place.." Alice said quietly, loud enough for her to hear though. She picked up the book and handed it back, "I also took this.. I'll take whatever punishment you choose.."

Mirana sighed, taking the book back, "Alice, I accept your apology, it is against my vows to harm any living creature everyone should be forgiven. But next time please listen-"

She paused, glancing down at the book in her hand, remembering that Alice had held it but wasn't affected by the magic that defended it against anyone but a royal. That's when a memory popped up.

"Alice.. you.." Mirana started then stopped unsure how to tell her, no one else could know. Not even Luscinia, "Never mind let's all head back to Marmoreal."

Alice stared at Mirana with worry and confusion but decided best not to question. Yet. Instead of mounting the Bandersnatch, she decided to walk with the others, giving enough time to think.

**a while later**

The walk back was quiet, no one said a word, not even a twitch was heard from the mad hare or a sound from the bickering twins.

"Everyone please wash up for dinner, I have some matters to look over." Mirana smiled as if nothing was wrong but when they all tried to ask, she gave them a stern look, something she rarely did which meant she was serious.

They all headed different directions, Alice was about to leave when she felt someone grab her arm then turned, seeing Mirana was the cause, "Alice I believe we must have a talk."

Mirana kept a firm grip on Alice's arm, her steps urgent but felt like her whole body was holding in a breath. She made sure no one was still in the halls, peering around each corner till they finally set foot in the library.

"Alright what is this about?" Alice jerked her arm away, so many questions she had but it felt like everyone was keeping secrets, not telling her anything.

"I don't mean to worry you just promise not to.. freak out." Mirana added air quotes on 'freak out.' She opened the same secret archive, putting the black book back and taking out another one that looked worn yet shimmered since the cover was gold.

**Scene Change**

Hatter had finished cleaning up, changing his clothes and such, when he thought, 'Where did that girl wander off to?' He chuckled silently, knowing how his Alice was, always curious and exploring.

Walking out, he wandered out and through the castle, looking for her. The hard part was figuring out where she could be. 

He came to a stop when voices drifted from down the hall. Both were female so one of them had to be Alice. Making his way, the voices were audible and he had barely stepped through the door when three words made him freeze.

"Alice you're.."

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Author me: MUAHAHAHAHA CLIFFHANGER *evil laugh*

Fangirl me: You truly are evil...

Author me: Don't worry, they'll find out in the next chapter! Fairfarren all!