When Worlds Collide | Mad Hatter OUAT x Reader |

Chapter 3 ✂ The Chase

Dashing through the forest, you felt an icy breeze flushing through your veins. You could feel the floor beneath you rumble as you desperately tried to be slick and smooth with your running. Branches skimmed your skin and tugged at your hair but you tried your best not to let them catch you. You knew this forest like the back of your hand and you were aware of the shenanigans you could pull off with this forest's twists and turns.

The black knights were not too far behind but seeing the crystal water before you, a smirk crept upon your lips. You gained speed as you came to a fallen tree over a river bank. Knowing they were right at your tail, you pulled your stolen sword and threw it in the crack of the tree before leaping onto stone land. The fallen tree completely collapsed and as it hit the surface of the water it suddenly just-- disintegrated into dust.

The knights hadn't noticed that and they made a wise decision that only gave you the upper hand. One black knight prepared to cross the stream just before you called you, "You might not want to do that my friend!"

Although you were on the other side of the stream, you could hear the irritated growl that the horses and men gave before the first victim made his way to the water. And just like you'd expected- just like you desired it, the horse sunk into the quick sand beneath the crystal water. The so-called, fierce and courageous knight slowly drowned right before your eyes.

Being a kind hearted thief, you threw the thick stranded rope that hung on your utility belt. Using your good arm, you succeed in throwing the rope to the far end without touching the water. The man's screams subsided quickly, not because his last breath was stolen but because he managed to escape with the help of the other knights. As they reeled the man out, you saw the gratefulness in his eyes as he held onto dear life. The other men, however, had insane anger brewing in their glares.

With a smirk, you strolled to the edge of the woods, attempting to reach beyond their sights. The wind hurtled against your face as you dodged branches and snapped twigs. You glanced over your shoulder to make sure you'd made it far beyond their reach.

"Hehe, suckers..." You chuckled and glanced back at your path. Just in a fraction of a second, you crashed into a stranger a little smaller than yourself. In the course of the impact, you didn't care if the stranger was your enemy, you held onto them for dear life as you tumbled and crashed through bushes and trees on your way down the petite cliff. Through all the sounds surrounding you, you managed to make out the laughter of a child. When the undesired ride was over, the stranger and you and split arms, causing both of you to collapse beside one another. Your breath was shallow and you panted heavily but through all of that you still heard the stranger laughing. You gawked over at the intruder to find none other than a young girl.

She had torn and dirty attire but the most vibrant and mature features. She continued to giggle as she towed herself to her feet. Being a lonely woman for so long under a small roof of abandoned antique treasure, you wanted something or someone to share all that adventure and joy with. If only you were able to ever have a family of your own. That's when the thought hit you. She was a pretty little thing. You wanted her. Whatever you do ends badly but this is the way out of your lonesome prison. But that's when you remembered the knights. They like to break your collectives and precious things and find the thing that they can use to blackmail you. That's one reason that snapped you from your thoughtful trance.

You were not gonna let them take advantage of you or the little girl.

"Stop laughing! Shhh! Be quiet!" You whispered firmly, shaking her by the shoulders. She kept giggling for a moment or two till she locked eyes with something behind you. And an icy shiver ran up the back of your spine as you heard the cackling noise of horse shoe against wood.

"GET THEM!" A knight hollered, pointing towards you and the girl. Without a further delay, you seized the girl's hand and darted towards the thicker edge of the woods. The girl was struck in a state of bewilderment but she held onto your arm.

"Where are you taking me?"

"I have no idea but I'm planning on loosing them sooner than later."

"My papa! H-He's going to be looking for me!" She hesitated pulling you in the opposite direction.

"He'll find you dead if you don't listen to me!" You threatened her with a firm grasp at her wrist. You could see how frightened she was. Her beautiful eyes were rimmed with red as tears layer them. Noticing the knights were out of view, you took the moment to kneel down to the girl's height.

"I'm sorry dove. I'm just as scared as you are and that's why I'm running. I know I'm a stranger but you have to trust me. After that we can go and find your family." You whispered reassuringly as you held her small hands. "Have faith in me... please."

You saw her eyes soften with trust flushing over them. And with that a smile crept over your lips. "I'm gonna keep you safe, I promise."

So with dense hope you found yourself staggering through the woods, ever so often hearing twigs snap, causing you to run once again. The girl didn't speak much but you knew she thought long and hard in worries. It seemed like hours went by and maybe the knights were gone. But you'd have to keep safe for the night, especially now that the knights saw you with the girl. You couldn't go to your father's house or disguise in King George's palace with the child hanging about.

You thought deeply as the little girl drank from the rain water rolling down the leaves of the trees. You were breathless from the everlasting run and she must be tired too with her small frail legs. Just when you were about to tell her you change in your course of plans, you saw a figure rustle in the bushes nearby. It took a mere glance at the girl to motion her to run. And so again, you took her hand and tugged her around as horses chortled.

"Get in here!" You commanded in a whisper to the girl as you directed her to a root made cavern underneath a hill. She didn't disobey you but slid underneath as you followed behind. The space was limited but tightly packed together, you knew you could stay hidden from the knights.

She was a small fragile thing, tightly wrapped around your arms. You can smell the fresh forest breeze drenched in her hair and her soft skin reminding you of the child she is. It reminded you of your step brother and how much you'd missed him over these dreadful lonely years. You noticed the bewilderment and anxious pouring over her soft child like features as she stared out the opening.

"Your mother..." You muttered. "She'll find you. Don't worry dove."

There was not even a simple reaction to your voice. "What's wrong?"

"I don't think that's possible. Not until the very end of my time." Her voice wavered as she replied.

"She- she's gone, isn't she?" The little girl nodded. "Do you... miss her?"

"Very." You instantly noticed the muffled tears she was holding back. With no further thinking, you hugged the girl and she buried her face into your arms.

"Papa will find us though, no worries." She smiled false heartedly as she wiped her tears.

"He will... Now you get some rest. Those knights are stubborn when it comes to finding their victims. They'll probably still be looking around for another hour or so. Get some shut eye, I'll be your guard dog." You grinned reassuringly.

The little girl grinned vibrantly before dozing off. You've always wanted a child but your father never approved and always insulted you for being the way you are. You just wish if for once in your life, you could find someone or something worth living for. Maybe this girl was the one... Maybe you could hold her captive and keep her yours if her father does not come. But that isn't true love is it? Forcing one to love you for your pleasures and needs. You couldn't be that desperate and you would never be that cruel. Maybe you should just embrace this closeness of a love one for as much time as you have. It may be worth it.

Slowly as you begin to doze off with the girl in your arms, you heard a snap.