The Time Has Come (ch.11)
Title: The Time Has Come
Chapter Title: Rescue Mission
Author: greeneyes0911
Pairing: Alice/Hatter, Jack/Duchess
Characters: Charlie, Hatter, Jack, Duchess, Alice, and two OCs (Savy & Topper)
Rating: r-ish (for language & later evil torture)
Length: 5,900+
Warnings/Spoilers: The entire miniseries
A/N: This one is a bit short, but I didn't want to go all into the rescue-ness because then it'd be excessively long. So chea.
Disclaimer: I don't own Alice, Hatter, March Hare, any of 'em....but damn would I be rich if I did!
Savy and Topper break back into the caves in hopes of saving their
friends before things go horribly wrong.
Savy stood poised at the mouth of the cave looking into it. Her big green eyes showed nothing more than determination, and that worried Topper. She was determined to do something, anything to save the people inside. Even if it is needlessly foolish and life risking. He had lead her to the back entrance of the labyrinth. This was the way Aceline and her men came in and out. This was safer. At least he hoped it was safer. He really didn't want Savannah in anymore trouble than she could handle. Or he could handle for that matter. They had no weapons on them anymore. They had no real way to defend themselves other than their ability to fist fight. And that worried him. “Ready,” She asked her breathing calm and collected in a way his never could be in a situation like this. She was always so calm, especially in the face of death itself. Why was that? Why didn't death scare her? He wondered these things. He'd been wondering these things. And yet he'd been unable to come up with any real answers because she wouldn't give him anything. She was so secretive, but always so honest. If she thought something she said it. But what about the things she felt? She didn't share those. Topper's head was spinning at the mere thought of it, and he frowned to himself mentally shaking himself so that he could get his head back on what they were about to do.
“I don't think I'll ever really be ready for this,” Topper said swallowing against his drying throat. He couldn't believe he was about to break into the place he'd just broken out of. This was insane. But he supposed insaner things had happened. Wolf had once said he'd broken out of prison only to break back in for Virginia. Topper assumed this situation was similar. It sounded similar enough to him. He just hoped it was similar enough to have the same ending where they all got out safe and sound. But then who knew. He and Savy were certainly nothing like Virginia and Wolf. Or at least he assumed so, since he'd never met Virginia. But from Wolf's personality Topper knew Wolf would never fall for a woman like Savy. Sure, he'd like one like her. She'd be fine to spend time with. But she wasn't mate material. But then Wolf had always had very high expectations for his mate. Topper assumed that came with the whole being a half wolf thing. Meanwhile Topper had never had very high expectations. He really hardly had any, a pretty face, a nice figure and he was set. She didn't have to have a mind of her own, hell he'd prefer it that she didn't. But this girl. Well she was something else. She was pretty, nice to look, but by no means beautiful or extraordinary. And she said what she meant, and meant what she said. That was usually enough to deter him. Any woman who could think needed to be avoided. Especially in his business. And yet he found himself increasingly drawn to the girl.
“Well we haven't time to fucking waste on you trying to grow a pair,” Savy replied gruffly her eyes not straying from the tunnel. She wasn't going to chicken out now. And she sure as fuck wasn't going to let Topper chicken out. They had to do this. If they didn't no one else would. There would be no one to save the people inside. Topper's family would go up in smoke. Savy's friends would be lost forever. And that was just something she wasn't fucking having. She needed those people. She'd lost too many people in her life. She would not stand to lose anymore. And Topper couldn't fucking make her sit there and wait for them to die.
“Maybe we should have a plan first,” He wore nervously on his lip. He was just trying to deter her. Just for a little while. Just long enough so that she could be healthier before they did this. One wrong move and she was a goner. One blow to those burns and she'd be down for the count. He couldn't count on her fighting skills right now. Which meant he had to protect her. He had to be the one to step up and be a man. He wasn't pleased with this turn of events. He'd much rather remain a coward, it was far safer, he'd stay alive longer that way. But Savy was not the kind of girl to think about things like that. She wanted to do something, and she'd be damned if she allowed him to keep her from it. So he'd just have to suck it up and be a man. Damn did he hate that phrase. And she was going to pay for this. He wasn't sure how just yet, but she was going to. She would owe him indefinitely and he would be sure she knew it.
“Maybe you should buck up and act like a man instead of a fucking chicken.” That was easy for her to say, he'd like to tell her. She was just a girl. A very foolish girl. A very brave girl. Who had fallen into his world head first. She didn't know anything about this place. She didn't know the consequences of her actions. She didn't know anything about Aceline and how completely and utterly ruthless the child was. This girl didn't know half of what he knew, and yet she was leading him around like a ferret on a leash. Wonderful. “You done being a pansy?”
“What choice do I have?”
“That's what I like to fucking hear,” there was a smirk spread across her face. He'd venture to say she looked a little crazy standing there with that smirk on her face ready to lead him head first into danger. Well, that made sense, she'd have to be crazy. She patted his shoulder the smirk not leaving her face, and a cool chuckle escaping her lips. Crazy. The girl was bloody crazy. He'd give his hat to be anywhere but here right now. With that she straightened and strode onward into the cave like she owned the place. In truth Savy was nervous, even frightened. She knew what she was heading for. She knew she might not make it out alive. But then she also knew Alice, Virgnia, Charlie, Duchess, Jack, Harper, and Hatter would all die for sure if she didn't do this. There was a chance she could die trying to save them. But if she didn't try it was a definite they'd die. And that was a chance she just couldn't take. She just wouldn't live with that.
“Hatter's going to bludgeon me to death,” Topper grumbled following after her. He'd made a promise, to save Savy no matter what. And now he was allowing her to walk right back into danger. Hatter was definitely going to kill him. He didn't even want to think about how easily Hatter would kill him for this. It would be like nothing just to take out his cousin (a cousin he didn't really care for) for disobeying an order to protect the girl he'd come to love as a daughter.
“Don't be such a baby,” was the only response he got from Savannah as he slowly moved to the lead.
“Stay close,” with that he took her hand. It was small and warm inside his own. There were rough callouses on all the joints, but that didn't make her hands feel rough. And somehow it was a little comforting. He tried not to think about that. He really didn't need to think about how comfortable he was holding her hand. It was all too easy, way too easy. Savy merely nodded, and followed closely behind never making a peep about the hand holding. She didn't bother with it. Normally she probably would have slugged him for it. But in a situation like this you had to learn to trust the person you were with. She had to trust him, and that was just that. Without a little trust neither of them would get anywhere, and everyone would die despite their attempts. They were silent for a little while. Talking wasn't needed, and it wouldn't help. Especially seeing as they didn't really want people to know they were there. Surprise was key.
Topper knew these caves, but that didn't mean he knew all the booby traps in them. He assumed there would be none in the tunnels that Aceline's suits used. Because let's face it, those guys weren't very bright and they'd probably hurt themselves if there were traps. So he thought they were marginally safe. They were verily deep in the tunnels, unable to see any source of light from the outside, and light at all for that matter, before they came upon their first set of suits. The suits were facing away from the oncoming pair. And it was easy for Topper and Savy to sneak up on them. That didn't mean it was easy. Topper hit the largest of the two in the back of the head. As he shook his hand out a pained expression on his face, the big ugly suit turned around.
“You must hit like a fucking girl,” Savy cut moving in front of him before the big ugly guy could lunge at him. Both the suits came at her, and she ducked easily allowing them to lunge and knock into one another. In seconds she was on her feet again, and Topper was beside her.
“I'd like to see you punch that guy's head. He has a hard head,” Topper growled frowning at her. Savy couldn't help but chuckle lightly at the disgruntled look he gave her. It was more than amusing, and in the situation they were in Savy felt it necessary to keep her sense of humor. Topper thought she was insane. “I'm glad you find this so funny.”
“Come on Top, lighten up.” She swerved easily as one of the big suits swung at her. The burns on her side pulled a little as she popped up and jabbed him in the nose. The suit moaned holding his nose as blood started trickling down his face.
“Is this like your hobby or something,” Topper asked jabbing the other suit in the ribs. It didn't have the same effect as Savy's jab, and Topper felt a little weak. There Savy was wounded, and making a bigger impact than he was.
“Guess you could say that,” She shrugged landing another jab to the bleeding man's head. It took what seemed like forever for the man to go down, and when he did hit the ground the bang echoed through the cave. The other suit looked at his fallen partner with shock etched clearly on his face. “Hey fuckface.” He looked up, Savy landed one careful left hook to the temple and he was down.
“Seriously though, do you do this for fun?”
“Fist fight?” Topper nodded vigorously trying to get a good look at her. Her face was paler, but she didn't allow the pain to effect her. She had felt the sensitive skin of the burns stretch, and pull and she was just waiting for it to break. What would happen then? She didn't know, but she didn't want to think about it. She also didn't want Topper to worry about it. Because if he worried about it they wouldn't be a good team. He'd try to play hero. And they just didn't have time for that. “I spend a lot of my time in and out of bars. Drinking helps....” she drifted off frowning at herself. She'd almost told Topper her secrets. The deepest darkest things about her that scared her. The way the drinking curb an impossibly violent anger she'd had since her parents died. “To clear things up,” She finished lamely.
“Where does the fist fighting come in?”
“You ever... forget that. You haven't ever been to a bar in Brooklyn. It's not a nice area. Lots of shady fuckers ready to take advantage of a little thing like me. I take care of myself.” She shrugged following him as he lead her into a small lighted opening. There were several caves branching off of that room, Topper lead her into one of the caves.
“So where'd you learn to do that then?”
“You know you ask a lot of fucking questions. Especially when we're not in the ideal situation for me to be answering them.” She moved silently behind him, always keeping her eyes trained on him. Another set of suits was on them in minutes. These met the same fate as the last. Savy's hand was starting to hurt, but she didn't complain. She'd wager she'd have some fractures in her hand when she was done. But that was the least of her worries.
“Seriously though, where did you learn that,” Topper asked breathlessly. He leaned forward trying to catch his breath for a moment. He just needed to rest for a second before they moved on. He hadn't been in this many fist fights at one time, and he'd say very clearly he was out of shape. There had probably been a time in his life when he could have kept up with Savy. Probably when he was her age. Which was like two years ago. Why did he feel so old all the sudden? He didn't know, but all this thinking was taking a tole on his progress.
“I grew up in a bad neighborhood. I was always the runt of the litter. I had to learn to take care of myself.” It was said without the slightest bit of regret or remorse. She wasn't ashamed of her background. She wasn't ashamed of what she had to do to survive growing up. There were things she was ashamed of, but being a poor kid wasn't one of them. She was ashamed of her temper. She was ashamed of being an orphan. She was ashamed for being a bit of an alcoholic. She was ashamed of chain smoking. But she was not ashamed of being poor. It had nothing to do with her. It had everything to do with the fact that when her mother and father had gotten married her grandparents had disowned her mother. “For Fuck's sake how close are we Topper?”
“This is a big place.” And they continued on. He didn't bother explaining that they were heading right for the center of it all. They were heading for death itself. But then he'd tried to tell her that once already. She didn't listen. It would change her mind. She wanted to do this, and she would, even if it was the death of her. They came across several more sets of guards before they reached the cells. Many of them were empty. And every empty cell they opened made Savy's heart sink ten inches in her chest. She couldn't handle the thought that they were dead already. She just couldn't do it.
“How many more,” came the impatient uncomfortable voice of Savy as Topper opened another cell to find it empty.
“Relax Savannah, we'll find them. Just relax and keep a look out.” He was aiming for soothing, but even his voice sounded jittery and nervous. Topper found himself strangely nervous. They weren't in the heart of the place yet, but they were close. He could almost feel Aceline's eyes on him. This Savannah girl was going to be the death of him. He could feel it already. Something was going to happen and she was going to be the death of him. And he wasn't so sure he understood why.
Wolf was sitting in the cell a dismal look on his face. He hadn't been able to get Hatter to say a word since Topper disappeared. There was something broken in Hatter's expression. Like somehow he'd done something terrible. Wolf thought maybe Hatter was feeling badly for being so hard on Topper, especially now that they didn't know what would become of him. Or maybe he felt badly because Topper had gotten Savy out. Who knew, the matter was that Hatter felt badly for the way he had treated their youngest cousin. Charlie, the white knight who had joined them who knew how long ago, was still singing to himself in the corner. Wolf's nose twitched at a familiar smell, Topper. “Huff Puff,” the familiar grin spread across his face as he itched above his right ear. “Top!” In a few quick strides he was at the door of the cell his eyes scanning the corridor. “Topper. My darling, dear, wonderful, bright, intelligent, sharp, quick witted-”
“That's enough Wolf,” Topper groaned. He followed the voice to the cell door, and used the keys they'd taken off one of the suits Savy had so skillfully knocked out to open the door.
“You found them Topper,” Savy's voice was lighter, brighter, happier as she waited impatiently for the door to open.
“Not all of them. But with Wolf's nose we'll find the rest,” Topper reassured her as the door creaked open.
“Plain old Savy,” Charlie chimed running to her and catching her in a bone crushing hug. Savy let out a whimper, and Topper had to literally pry the old man off of her. “What's the matter with her? Harbinger what did you do? It was your job to protect her.” His blubbering was cut off by Hatter.
“Charlie, enough,” Hatter broke in. He moved Savy into the light to get a better look at her. He had her hands in his, eyes examining her with clear and present concern. “Wha' did those doctors do ta ya?”
“Nothing I couldn't handle. Don't worry your pretty little head about it Hatter. I'm fine.” His face was still imploring her, and Savy grumbled. “Really Hatter stop fucking worrying. I'm fucking fine.” Hatter's eyes moved from her to Topper who merely shook his head. She wasn't fine, not in his book. She may like to act tough but Topper wasn't going to lie for her. Especially not to Hatter. “Oh for fuck's sake. If I say I'm fine I'm fucking fine. And you must be Wolf,” she shifted gears quickly and easily moving out of Hatter's hands to stand right before Wolf.
“Huff puff,” Wolf said looking her over and grinning at the way Topper stood behind her his eyes set protectively. “You must be little Savy.” Savy nodded with a sigh, someone had been talking about her. She didn't like that. His eyes moved from cheerful to worried.
“They didn't do this to Virginia,” Savy answered trying to set his worries at ease.
“I know that. It's just, well... cripes! They really tore you up.” Wolf's eyes were wide, and Savy frowned.
“What the hell is with you guys? Don't girls get fucking beat up around here? I mean really, I can't be the first girl to get her ass kicked for whatever reason. I mean seriously.” She huffed crossing her arms over her chest and frowning at them all. The four men before her just shook their heads looking confused. Apparently women didn't get beat up in this place. What was that about? Chivalry her fucking ass. There was no such thing. Especially in a place where women were tortured. Just because they weren't physically hurt when it happened didn't make it alright. Just because women didn't get into fights didn't mean they didn't have a reason to. It just meant it was fucking looked down on. Well damn. She needed to get the fuck out of this place. She couldn't continue to deal with this bullshit.
“We don't have time for this,” Topper broke the silence. It was clear Savannah was uncomfortable with the concern everyone was showing her. And that shouldn't have surprised him considering he'd been watching her act tough this entire time. He'd treated severe burns to her side without once seeing her shed a tear. He'd seen her take hit after hit without once thinking of backing down. He'd seen her take down large full grown men with a few carefully placed punches. Yet, he couldn't believe how she didn't act at all like a woman should in her situation. Any other woman, that he knew, would thrive on all that attention. Any other woman would want to be protected. But not Savannah. It made her uncomfortable. It made her angry. He just didn't understand her. “Wolf, find for Virginia. We find her we find Alice. And then we just have to get the king and his family free.”
Wolf nodded, and took a moment to smell the air. Savy watched him like he was insane. He had to be insane. No human being could smell things like that. He wasn't a dog. She'd have to learn a bit more about this Wolf fellow, once they were all safe. If she was still alive by the time they got to that point. No, she couldn't, wouldn't think like that. She had to believe that they would all make it out of this alive. Before she could continue this thought process Wolf was off and running. Hatter was close behind. Topper guided her behind them with a hand carefully placed at the small of her back. She didn't think to hit him for it. Physical contact had sort of become normal during this adventure. Whether it be riding on a horse together, allowing him to dress her wounds, or allowing him to hold her hand and lead her through the caverns. It was easier just to ignore the safe feeling that warm hand sent up her spine. The way it didn't feel like it was foreign. Instead it felt like it belonged there, like it'd been there before guiding her through dangerous situations all along. She decided not to think about that. It was too complicated. It would make things to hard if things went south. She had to be the hero, she didn't have time to go soft.
They came across five guards when they got closer to the cell that held the women. Wolf took one, Hatter another, Topper a third. Leaving Charlie and Savy with one each. Of course Charlie was all but useless when it came to hand to hand combat. Savy disposed of her little guard before she moved on to the slightly bigger one that was chasing Charlie around in circles. The three other men with her stood looking confused, surprised, shocked as the tiny girl took on a man three times her size. She ducked quickly as he made a grab for her, in the process under cutting his legs and bringing him to the ground. It took him a little bit to get up, but when he did he had a dazed confused look on his face. It would a couple more good slugs to the face, this one was big and dumb. Savy managed to get another in to the nose while he was climbing to his feet. Wolf winced at the sight of blood. Had that little girl really drawn blood from the big man before her? It was impossible, improbable, unbelievable, incredible. Topper was in front of her when the man swung a poorly aimed punch at her face. He himself took the hit to his shoulder, and growled a little against the numbing pain that shot through his arm. “Shouldn't have gotten in the way Top,” Savy said the grin still spread across her face.
“Couldn't let him hit you,” Topper responded. But before either of them could get another hit in, Hatter tapped the big man on the shoulder and landed a right hook to the face. Savy winced as the man's eyes crossed and he fell to the ground. Savy's knees buckled as she the skin on her side stretch even thinner. Topper grabbed her before she too could fall to the floor. “I told you to be careful with your injuries. You silly brave little girl.”
“Yeah yeah, I know. I heard it enough on the way in here. I should have fucking rested. Too late now.” She growled regaining her footing and moving out of his grasp.
“No more fist fightin' for Savy,” Hatter said very sternly not even giving her room to argue. When she opened her mouth to complain he raised one finger and said, “I know ya can handle yarself, but I won' have ya makin' those injuries worse. Now I will no' be arguin' with ya. My word is final.”
“You sound like my bloody father,” Savy growled her eyes meeting his. They stared each other down for a long moment, neither seemed willing to give an inch. “Fine, if I can help it. I won't fight anymore.” Her voice was grumbling, and her eyes fell in defeat. She didn't like it, but she knew Hatter was right. It wasn't safe for her to continue to fight in her condition. The skin on her side had already been thin from all the burns, but now it felt paper thin. She'd swear if you looked at it you'd be able to see her bones, and organs. Hatter nodded, and he and Wolf took the lead once more. Topper stuck close to her. He wasn't going to let her need to fist fight. Hatter would have his bloody head.
“Ya watch her Top,” Hatter called from the front. Savy growled a little, and rolled her eyes. She didn't need to be watched, or baby sat. She needed to be allowed to do what needed to be done. She was not the kind of girl who would just sit around when things needed to be done. And right now she was the only one of them willing to do anything that needed to be done. Including putting her neck on the line for them all. No one seemed to understand that. Or maybe they just were too scared to lose her. Whatever the case, she didn't have time to explain it. She didn't have time to sit around and try to make them see reason. There was no reason to be seen as far as they were concerned, and she didn't like it.
Wolf lead them deeper and deeper into the caves. It became impossibly colder the deeper they got. But Virginia's scent was getting stronger, and that's all that mattered. He'd have her again soon. She'd be back in his arms where she belonged. And huff puff her and their cub would be safe. That's all he could think of. The love of his life, and their unborn child. This whole thing had to have put stress on them both. And he'd lay money she'd sleep for a week after this. But he'd allow it, so long as she woke up long enough to eat every meal. He couldn't let them starve even if they were exhausted. Maybe he should take them to that hospital place when they got home. Huff puff, he needed to pay attention. He was getting so distracted just thinking about how much harm could have come to them that he wasn't concentrating on finding them.
Finally they found themselves before a cell door. Wolf stood on his toes to peer in. “Virgnia,” his voice was relieved, worried, and happy all in one breath. She was asleep on the cell floor, as was Alice. They were laying close to each other, likely for warmth and some kind of comfort.
Virginia roused at the voice of Wolf. “Wolf!” She was standing in front of the door bright blue eyes peering back at him with hope. She reached her fingers through the bars to touch his face, to feel his skin, to be sure he was real. She desperately needed to be sure he was real. “God, I can't believe you're hear! I've missed you!”
“Out of the way Wolf,” Topper said pushing passed him to open the door. As the door creaked open Virginia rushed out and into Wolf's waiting arms. Wolf squeezed her as tightly as he dared, and refused to release her. He too had to be sure she was there. He too had to be sure she was real.
“Alice,” Hatter said hoarsely approaching the sleeping form of the woman he'd kept himself alive for these many days. He feared she was broken, hurt, dead. He feared the worst. And he could feel that fear welling up in his throat like nothing he'd ever experienced before. It was raw, and it was clawing at his throat and his heart threatening to rip him apart from the inside out if she didn't acknowledge him soon.
“Hatter,” came the groggy voice of Alice as she sat up rubbing her eyes, and looking at him confused. “Hell, I'm dreaming again,” She grumbled laying back down in hopes to rid herself of this dream. She couldn't get her hopes up. She just had to survive, to keep holding on.
“Yar not dreamin' love. I'm really here.” Hatter assured his voice smoothing over the syllables in a soothing way that only he could achieve. Alice sat up too quickly, holding her head when it protested. Her eyes narrowed on him as if it were too good to be true. “Come on love, let's get tha bloody Hell outta here.” He moved forward and pulled her to her feet. “Ya cyrin' love,” he asked as she buried her head in his chest.
“I'm just so happy you're back,” Alice whispered wiping her eyes with the palms of her hands. “How did you escape?”
“Well Top, and Savy came and got us,” Hatter turned to show her but found the pair missing. “No,” he whispered weakly.
“Where did they go,” Virginia asked looking around for the bright little red head who had shared her cell for some time. She'd grown attached to the girl. Even saw the girl as something like family. They were all in it together. They had been from the beginning. And that girl had been there through it all. She had protected Virginia. She had pulled Alice back from the cliffs of insanity. She had taken every opportunity to try to escape and get them out. She was a hell of a little girl, and Virginia would be severally upset if the girl ended up harmed.
“Hatter, you don't think she could have gone to find Aceline do you,” Alice asked worry etched clearly on her brow. Hatter was unusually silent as his big dark eyes examined the cavern around them in search of the red head.
“They went deeper into the cave,” Wolf said after a quick sniff. “She wouldn't try to take on that little girl alone would she? Huff puff, that would be crazy.”
“No, tha' would be Savy,” Hatter said with a deep frown. “Please Top keep her safe.”
“We should find them,” Alice said her eyes set in a worried expression. Virginia nodded along with her. They both wanted to find the girl. They wanted to be sure Savy was safe. She was family, and neither really knew what they'd do if she got herself killed trying to save them.
“No,” Hatter said firmly.
“No,” Alice asked her eyes moving from Virginia who had been nodding along with her to the man standing very close to her. He couldn't be serious? He didn't really think they should just let this go? He wasn't really going to let her die for them was he? She hoped to hell not. She hoped Hatter wasn't that kind of person.
“Firs', we find tha King and his family. Then we get ya and Virginia out safely. Then Wolf, Charlie, Jack and I will come back and get Savy and Topper.” Hatter's eyes were deadly serious. He looked like he'd really thought this through when really he'd only though about it less than a minute. But that seemed like the safest route for them all. There would be less people to worry about. He and Wolf wouldn't be distracted by keeping Virginia and Alice safe. They'd be ready and willing to save their cousin and Savy. And they could concentrate.
“Excuse me,” Alice asked her blue eyes cutting sharply. She couldn't believe him. Did he really expect them to just leave Savy behind? Did he really think she'd be alright with that? Had Hatter lost his mind! She was not going to allow him to tell her what to do. Not when Savy was in trouble. That girl was family, and like family Alice would do everything in her power to keep her safe.
“Look Alice,” Hatter said taking a long breath and putting his hands on her arms. “Wolf and me won' be able ta concentrate with ya two in trouble. So it's bes' we get ya out of here and then go after Savy. 'sides Topper will take care of her. I trus' him with her.”
“Well I don't,” Alice spat angrily. “If you'll recall he's the one who lead us right into this trap. Have you lost your ever loving mind Hatter? That's Savy we're talking about. She's just a child.” Her face was red, and angry, but Hatter had already made his decision.
“I'm no' goin' ta argue with ya over this,” Hatter straightened up and level his eyes with her's. His big brown puppy dogs eyes were set in a hard expression. This was what he'd do, and she wasn't going to change his mind. He knew what was best for them all. And it just wasn't safe for her and Virginia to be in these caves any longer than they had to. Plus they didn't have time to bicker about it. Normally he would have taken the time out to argue with Alice. To make her see reason. But they didn't have that kind of time. Not with the injuries Savy had sustained. So yes, for once in his life he was going to tell Alice what to do and he'd be damned if she didn't listen. She was a silly, stubborn girl, but this was for her own good. That thought firmly in mind he nodded to Wolf, and Wolf started trying to catch the scent of the King. Alice's mouth gaped as she sputtered indignantly at the way Hatter had ignored her. He had told her what to do, and he wasn't backing down. She never thought he'd see the day. But desperate times call for desperate measures. She still wasn't happy about it. She still would fight him tooth and nail, later. After they had done what needed to be done. They didn't have time for her to make a scene right now.
Chapter Title: Rescue Mission
Author: greeneyes0911
Pairing: Alice/Hatter, Jack/Duchess
Characters: Charlie, Hatter, Jack, Duchess, Alice, and two OCs (Savy & Topper)
Rating: r-ish (for language & later evil torture)
Length: 5,900+
Warnings/Spoilers: The entire miniseries
A/N: This one is a bit short, but I didn't want to go all into the rescue-ness because then it'd be excessively long. So chea.
Disclaimer: I don't own Alice, Hatter, March Hare, any of 'em....but damn would I be rich if I did!
Savy and Topper break back into the caves in hopes of saving their
friends before things go horribly wrong.
Savy stood poised at the mouth of the cave looking into it. Her big green eyes showed nothing more than determination, and that worried Topper. She was determined to do something, anything to save the people inside. Even if it is needlessly foolish and life risking. He had lead her to the back entrance of the labyrinth. This was the way Aceline and her men came in and out. This was safer. At least he hoped it was safer. He really didn't want Savannah in anymore trouble than she could handle. Or he could handle for that matter. They had no weapons on them anymore. They had no real way to defend themselves other than their ability to fist fight. And that worried him. “Ready,” She asked her breathing calm and collected in a way his never could be in a situation like this. She was always so calm, especially in the face of death itself. Why was that? Why didn't death scare her? He wondered these things. He'd been wondering these things. And yet he'd been unable to come up with any real answers because she wouldn't give him anything. She was so secretive, but always so honest. If she thought something she said it. But what about the things she felt? She didn't share those. Topper's head was spinning at the mere thought of it, and he frowned to himself mentally shaking himself so that he could get his head back on what they were about to do.
“I don't think I'll ever really be ready for this,” Topper said swallowing against his drying throat. He couldn't believe he was about to break into the place he'd just broken out of. This was insane. But he supposed insaner things had happened. Wolf had once said he'd broken out of prison only to break back in for Virginia. Topper assumed this situation was similar. It sounded similar enough to him. He just hoped it was similar enough to have the same ending where they all got out safe and sound. But then who knew. He and Savy were certainly nothing like Virginia and Wolf. Or at least he assumed so, since he'd never met Virginia. But from Wolf's personality Topper knew Wolf would never fall for a woman like Savy. Sure, he'd like one like her. She'd be fine to spend time with. But she wasn't mate material. But then Wolf had always had very high expectations for his mate. Topper assumed that came with the whole being a half wolf thing. Meanwhile Topper had never had very high expectations. He really hardly had any, a pretty face, a nice figure and he was set. She didn't have to have a mind of her own, hell he'd prefer it that she didn't. But this girl. Well she was something else. She was pretty, nice to look, but by no means beautiful or extraordinary. And she said what she meant, and meant what she said. That was usually enough to deter him. Any woman who could think needed to be avoided. Especially in his business. And yet he found himself increasingly drawn to the girl.
“Well we haven't time to fucking waste on you trying to grow a pair,” Savy replied gruffly her eyes not straying from the tunnel. She wasn't going to chicken out now. And she sure as fuck wasn't going to let Topper chicken out. They had to do this. If they didn't no one else would. There would be no one to save the people inside. Topper's family would go up in smoke. Savy's friends would be lost forever. And that was just something she wasn't fucking having. She needed those people. She'd lost too many people in her life. She would not stand to lose anymore. And Topper couldn't fucking make her sit there and wait for them to die.
“Maybe we should have a plan first,” He wore nervously on his lip. He was just trying to deter her. Just for a little while. Just long enough so that she could be healthier before they did this. One wrong move and she was a goner. One blow to those burns and she'd be down for the count. He couldn't count on her fighting skills right now. Which meant he had to protect her. He had to be the one to step up and be a man. He wasn't pleased with this turn of events. He'd much rather remain a coward, it was far safer, he'd stay alive longer that way. But Savy was not the kind of girl to think about things like that. She wanted to do something, and she'd be damned if she allowed him to keep her from it. So he'd just have to suck it up and be a man. Damn did he hate that phrase. And she was going to pay for this. He wasn't sure how just yet, but she was going to. She would owe him indefinitely and he would be sure she knew it.
“Maybe you should buck up and act like a man instead of a fucking chicken.” That was easy for her to say, he'd like to tell her. She was just a girl. A very foolish girl. A very brave girl. Who had fallen into his world head first. She didn't know anything about this place. She didn't know the consequences of her actions. She didn't know anything about Aceline and how completely and utterly ruthless the child was. This girl didn't know half of what he knew, and yet she was leading him around like a ferret on a leash. Wonderful. “You done being a pansy?”
“What choice do I have?”
“That's what I like to fucking hear,” there was a smirk spread across her face. He'd venture to say she looked a little crazy standing there with that smirk on her face ready to lead him head first into danger. Well, that made sense, she'd have to be crazy. She patted his shoulder the smirk not leaving her face, and a cool chuckle escaping her lips. Crazy. The girl was bloody crazy. He'd give his hat to be anywhere but here right now. With that she straightened and strode onward into the cave like she owned the place. In truth Savy was nervous, even frightened. She knew what she was heading for. She knew she might not make it out alive. But then she also knew Alice, Virgnia, Charlie, Duchess, Jack, Harper, and Hatter would all die for sure if she didn't do this. There was a chance she could die trying to save them. But if she didn't try it was a definite they'd die. And that was a chance she just couldn't take. She just wouldn't live with that.
“Hatter's going to bludgeon me to death,” Topper grumbled following after her. He'd made a promise, to save Savy no matter what. And now he was allowing her to walk right back into danger. Hatter was definitely going to kill him. He didn't even want to think about how easily Hatter would kill him for this. It would be like nothing just to take out his cousin (a cousin he didn't really care for) for disobeying an order to protect the girl he'd come to love as a daughter.
“Don't be such a baby,” was the only response he got from Savannah as he slowly moved to the lead.
“Stay close,” with that he took her hand. It was small and warm inside his own. There were rough callouses on all the joints, but that didn't make her hands feel rough. And somehow it was a little comforting. He tried not to think about that. He really didn't need to think about how comfortable he was holding her hand. It was all too easy, way too easy. Savy merely nodded, and followed closely behind never making a peep about the hand holding. She didn't bother with it. Normally she probably would have slugged him for it. But in a situation like this you had to learn to trust the person you were with. She had to trust him, and that was just that. Without a little trust neither of them would get anywhere, and everyone would die despite their attempts. They were silent for a little while. Talking wasn't needed, and it wouldn't help. Especially seeing as they didn't really want people to know they were there. Surprise was key.
Topper knew these caves, but that didn't mean he knew all the booby traps in them. He assumed there would be none in the tunnels that Aceline's suits used. Because let's face it, those guys weren't very bright and they'd probably hurt themselves if there were traps. So he thought they were marginally safe. They were verily deep in the tunnels, unable to see any source of light from the outside, and light at all for that matter, before they came upon their first set of suits. The suits were facing away from the oncoming pair. And it was easy for Topper and Savy to sneak up on them. That didn't mean it was easy. Topper hit the largest of the two in the back of the head. As he shook his hand out a pained expression on his face, the big ugly suit turned around.
“You must hit like a fucking girl,” Savy cut moving in front of him before the big ugly guy could lunge at him. Both the suits came at her, and she ducked easily allowing them to lunge and knock into one another. In seconds she was on her feet again, and Topper was beside her.
“I'd like to see you punch that guy's head. He has a hard head,” Topper growled frowning at her. Savy couldn't help but chuckle lightly at the disgruntled look he gave her. It was more than amusing, and in the situation they were in Savy felt it necessary to keep her sense of humor. Topper thought she was insane. “I'm glad you find this so funny.”
“Come on Top, lighten up.” She swerved easily as one of the big suits swung at her. The burns on her side pulled a little as she popped up and jabbed him in the nose. The suit moaned holding his nose as blood started trickling down his face.
“Is this like your hobby or something,” Topper asked jabbing the other suit in the ribs. It didn't have the same effect as Savy's jab, and Topper felt a little weak. There Savy was wounded, and making a bigger impact than he was.
“Guess you could say that,” She shrugged landing another jab to the bleeding man's head. It took what seemed like forever for the man to go down, and when he did hit the ground the bang echoed through the cave. The other suit looked at his fallen partner with shock etched clearly on his face. “Hey fuckface.” He looked up, Savy landed one careful left hook to the temple and he was down.
“Seriously though, do you do this for fun?”
“Fist fight?” Topper nodded vigorously trying to get a good look at her. Her face was paler, but she didn't allow the pain to effect her. She had felt the sensitive skin of the burns stretch, and pull and she was just waiting for it to break. What would happen then? She didn't know, but she didn't want to think about it. She also didn't want Topper to worry about it. Because if he worried about it they wouldn't be a good team. He'd try to play hero. And they just didn't have time for that. “I spend a lot of my time in and out of bars. Drinking helps....” she drifted off frowning at herself. She'd almost told Topper her secrets. The deepest darkest things about her that scared her. The way the drinking curb an impossibly violent anger she'd had since her parents died. “To clear things up,” She finished lamely.
“Where does the fist fighting come in?”
“You ever... forget that. You haven't ever been to a bar in Brooklyn. It's not a nice area. Lots of shady fuckers ready to take advantage of a little thing like me. I take care of myself.” She shrugged following him as he lead her into a small lighted opening. There were several caves branching off of that room, Topper lead her into one of the caves.
“So where'd you learn to do that then?”
“You know you ask a lot of fucking questions. Especially when we're not in the ideal situation for me to be answering them.” She moved silently behind him, always keeping her eyes trained on him. Another set of suits was on them in minutes. These met the same fate as the last. Savy's hand was starting to hurt, but she didn't complain. She'd wager she'd have some fractures in her hand when she was done. But that was the least of her worries.
“Seriously though, where did you learn that,” Topper asked breathlessly. He leaned forward trying to catch his breath for a moment. He just needed to rest for a second before they moved on. He hadn't been in this many fist fights at one time, and he'd say very clearly he was out of shape. There had probably been a time in his life when he could have kept up with Savy. Probably when he was her age. Which was like two years ago. Why did he feel so old all the sudden? He didn't know, but all this thinking was taking a tole on his progress.
“I grew up in a bad neighborhood. I was always the runt of the litter. I had to learn to take care of myself.” It was said without the slightest bit of regret or remorse. She wasn't ashamed of her background. She wasn't ashamed of what she had to do to survive growing up. There were things she was ashamed of, but being a poor kid wasn't one of them. She was ashamed of her temper. She was ashamed of being an orphan. She was ashamed for being a bit of an alcoholic. She was ashamed of chain smoking. But she was not ashamed of being poor. It had nothing to do with her. It had everything to do with the fact that when her mother and father had gotten married her grandparents had disowned her mother. “For Fuck's sake how close are we Topper?”
“This is a big place.” And they continued on. He didn't bother explaining that they were heading right for the center of it all. They were heading for death itself. But then he'd tried to tell her that once already. She didn't listen. It would change her mind. She wanted to do this, and she would, even if it was the death of her. They came across several more sets of guards before they reached the cells. Many of them were empty. And every empty cell they opened made Savy's heart sink ten inches in her chest. She couldn't handle the thought that they were dead already. She just couldn't do it.
“How many more,” came the impatient uncomfortable voice of Savy as Topper opened another cell to find it empty.
“Relax Savannah, we'll find them. Just relax and keep a look out.” He was aiming for soothing, but even his voice sounded jittery and nervous. Topper found himself strangely nervous. They weren't in the heart of the place yet, but they were close. He could almost feel Aceline's eyes on him. This Savannah girl was going to be the death of him. He could feel it already. Something was going to happen and she was going to be the death of him. And he wasn't so sure he understood why.
Wolf was sitting in the cell a dismal look on his face. He hadn't been able to get Hatter to say a word since Topper disappeared. There was something broken in Hatter's expression. Like somehow he'd done something terrible. Wolf thought maybe Hatter was feeling badly for being so hard on Topper, especially now that they didn't know what would become of him. Or maybe he felt badly because Topper had gotten Savy out. Who knew, the matter was that Hatter felt badly for the way he had treated their youngest cousin. Charlie, the white knight who had joined them who knew how long ago, was still singing to himself in the corner. Wolf's nose twitched at a familiar smell, Topper. “Huff Puff,” the familiar grin spread across his face as he itched above his right ear. “Top!” In a few quick strides he was at the door of the cell his eyes scanning the corridor. “Topper. My darling, dear, wonderful, bright, intelligent, sharp, quick witted-”
“That's enough Wolf,” Topper groaned. He followed the voice to the cell door, and used the keys they'd taken off one of the suits Savy had so skillfully knocked out to open the door.
“You found them Topper,” Savy's voice was lighter, brighter, happier as she waited impatiently for the door to open.
“Not all of them. But with Wolf's nose we'll find the rest,” Topper reassured her as the door creaked open.
“Plain old Savy,” Charlie chimed running to her and catching her in a bone crushing hug. Savy let out a whimper, and Topper had to literally pry the old man off of her. “What's the matter with her? Harbinger what did you do? It was your job to protect her.” His blubbering was cut off by Hatter.
“Charlie, enough,” Hatter broke in. He moved Savy into the light to get a better look at her. He had her hands in his, eyes examining her with clear and present concern. “Wha' did those doctors do ta ya?”
“Nothing I couldn't handle. Don't worry your pretty little head about it Hatter. I'm fine.” His face was still imploring her, and Savy grumbled. “Really Hatter stop fucking worrying. I'm fucking fine.” Hatter's eyes moved from her to Topper who merely shook his head. She wasn't fine, not in his book. She may like to act tough but Topper wasn't going to lie for her. Especially not to Hatter. “Oh for fuck's sake. If I say I'm fine I'm fucking fine. And you must be Wolf,” she shifted gears quickly and easily moving out of Hatter's hands to stand right before Wolf.
“Huff puff,” Wolf said looking her over and grinning at the way Topper stood behind her his eyes set protectively. “You must be little Savy.” Savy nodded with a sigh, someone had been talking about her. She didn't like that. His eyes moved from cheerful to worried.
“They didn't do this to Virginia,” Savy answered trying to set his worries at ease.
“I know that. It's just, well... cripes! They really tore you up.” Wolf's eyes were wide, and Savy frowned.
“What the hell is with you guys? Don't girls get fucking beat up around here? I mean really, I can't be the first girl to get her ass kicked for whatever reason. I mean seriously.” She huffed crossing her arms over her chest and frowning at them all. The four men before her just shook their heads looking confused. Apparently women didn't get beat up in this place. What was that about? Chivalry her fucking ass. There was no such thing. Especially in a place where women were tortured. Just because they weren't physically hurt when it happened didn't make it alright. Just because women didn't get into fights didn't mean they didn't have a reason to. It just meant it was fucking looked down on. Well damn. She needed to get the fuck out of this place. She couldn't continue to deal with this bullshit.
“We don't have time for this,” Topper broke the silence. It was clear Savannah was uncomfortable with the concern everyone was showing her. And that shouldn't have surprised him considering he'd been watching her act tough this entire time. He'd treated severe burns to her side without once seeing her shed a tear. He'd seen her take hit after hit without once thinking of backing down. He'd seen her take down large full grown men with a few carefully placed punches. Yet, he couldn't believe how she didn't act at all like a woman should in her situation. Any other woman, that he knew, would thrive on all that attention. Any other woman would want to be protected. But not Savannah. It made her uncomfortable. It made her angry. He just didn't understand her. “Wolf, find for Virginia. We find her we find Alice. And then we just have to get the king and his family free.”
Wolf nodded, and took a moment to smell the air. Savy watched him like he was insane. He had to be insane. No human being could smell things like that. He wasn't a dog. She'd have to learn a bit more about this Wolf fellow, once they were all safe. If she was still alive by the time they got to that point. No, she couldn't, wouldn't think like that. She had to believe that they would all make it out of this alive. Before she could continue this thought process Wolf was off and running. Hatter was close behind. Topper guided her behind them with a hand carefully placed at the small of her back. She didn't think to hit him for it. Physical contact had sort of become normal during this adventure. Whether it be riding on a horse together, allowing him to dress her wounds, or allowing him to hold her hand and lead her through the caverns. It was easier just to ignore the safe feeling that warm hand sent up her spine. The way it didn't feel like it was foreign. Instead it felt like it belonged there, like it'd been there before guiding her through dangerous situations all along. She decided not to think about that. It was too complicated. It would make things to hard if things went south. She had to be the hero, she didn't have time to go soft.
They came across five guards when they got closer to the cell that held the women. Wolf took one, Hatter another, Topper a third. Leaving Charlie and Savy with one each. Of course Charlie was all but useless when it came to hand to hand combat. Savy disposed of her little guard before she moved on to the slightly bigger one that was chasing Charlie around in circles. The three other men with her stood looking confused, surprised, shocked as the tiny girl took on a man three times her size. She ducked quickly as he made a grab for her, in the process under cutting his legs and bringing him to the ground. It took him a little bit to get up, but when he did he had a dazed confused look on his face. It would a couple more good slugs to the face, this one was big and dumb. Savy managed to get another in to the nose while he was climbing to his feet. Wolf winced at the sight of blood. Had that little girl really drawn blood from the big man before her? It was impossible, improbable, unbelievable, incredible. Topper was in front of her when the man swung a poorly aimed punch at her face. He himself took the hit to his shoulder, and growled a little against the numbing pain that shot through his arm. “Shouldn't have gotten in the way Top,” Savy said the grin still spread across her face.
“Couldn't let him hit you,” Topper responded. But before either of them could get another hit in, Hatter tapped the big man on the shoulder and landed a right hook to the face. Savy winced as the man's eyes crossed and he fell to the ground. Savy's knees buckled as she the skin on her side stretch even thinner. Topper grabbed her before she too could fall to the floor. “I told you to be careful with your injuries. You silly brave little girl.”
“Yeah yeah, I know. I heard it enough on the way in here. I should have fucking rested. Too late now.” She growled regaining her footing and moving out of his grasp.
“No more fist fightin' for Savy,” Hatter said very sternly not even giving her room to argue. When she opened her mouth to complain he raised one finger and said, “I know ya can handle yarself, but I won' have ya makin' those injuries worse. Now I will no' be arguin' with ya. My word is final.”
“You sound like my bloody father,” Savy growled her eyes meeting his. They stared each other down for a long moment, neither seemed willing to give an inch. “Fine, if I can help it. I won't fight anymore.” Her voice was grumbling, and her eyes fell in defeat. She didn't like it, but she knew Hatter was right. It wasn't safe for her to continue to fight in her condition. The skin on her side had already been thin from all the burns, but now it felt paper thin. She'd swear if you looked at it you'd be able to see her bones, and organs. Hatter nodded, and he and Wolf took the lead once more. Topper stuck close to her. He wasn't going to let her need to fist fight. Hatter would have his bloody head.
“Ya watch her Top,” Hatter called from the front. Savy growled a little, and rolled her eyes. She didn't need to be watched, or baby sat. She needed to be allowed to do what needed to be done. She was not the kind of girl who would just sit around when things needed to be done. And right now she was the only one of them willing to do anything that needed to be done. Including putting her neck on the line for them all. No one seemed to understand that. Or maybe they just were too scared to lose her. Whatever the case, she didn't have time to explain it. She didn't have time to sit around and try to make them see reason. There was no reason to be seen as far as they were concerned, and she didn't like it.
Wolf lead them deeper and deeper into the caves. It became impossibly colder the deeper they got. But Virginia's scent was getting stronger, and that's all that mattered. He'd have her again soon. She'd be back in his arms where she belonged. And huff puff her and their cub would be safe. That's all he could think of. The love of his life, and their unborn child. This whole thing had to have put stress on them both. And he'd lay money she'd sleep for a week after this. But he'd allow it, so long as she woke up long enough to eat every meal. He couldn't let them starve even if they were exhausted. Maybe he should take them to that hospital place when they got home. Huff puff, he needed to pay attention. He was getting so distracted just thinking about how much harm could have come to them that he wasn't concentrating on finding them.
Finally they found themselves before a cell door. Wolf stood on his toes to peer in. “Virgnia,” his voice was relieved, worried, and happy all in one breath. She was asleep on the cell floor, as was Alice. They were laying close to each other, likely for warmth and some kind of comfort.
Virginia roused at the voice of Wolf. “Wolf!” She was standing in front of the door bright blue eyes peering back at him with hope. She reached her fingers through the bars to touch his face, to feel his skin, to be sure he was real. She desperately needed to be sure he was real. “God, I can't believe you're hear! I've missed you!”
“Out of the way Wolf,” Topper said pushing passed him to open the door. As the door creaked open Virginia rushed out and into Wolf's waiting arms. Wolf squeezed her as tightly as he dared, and refused to release her. He too had to be sure she was there. He too had to be sure she was real.
“Alice,” Hatter said hoarsely approaching the sleeping form of the woman he'd kept himself alive for these many days. He feared she was broken, hurt, dead. He feared the worst. And he could feel that fear welling up in his throat like nothing he'd ever experienced before. It was raw, and it was clawing at his throat and his heart threatening to rip him apart from the inside out if she didn't acknowledge him soon.
“Hatter,” came the groggy voice of Alice as she sat up rubbing her eyes, and looking at him confused. “Hell, I'm dreaming again,” She grumbled laying back down in hopes to rid herself of this dream. She couldn't get her hopes up. She just had to survive, to keep holding on.
“Yar not dreamin' love. I'm really here.” Hatter assured his voice smoothing over the syllables in a soothing way that only he could achieve. Alice sat up too quickly, holding her head when it protested. Her eyes narrowed on him as if it were too good to be true. “Come on love, let's get tha bloody Hell outta here.” He moved forward and pulled her to her feet. “Ya cyrin' love,” he asked as she buried her head in his chest.
“I'm just so happy you're back,” Alice whispered wiping her eyes with the palms of her hands. “How did you escape?”
“Well Top, and Savy came and got us,” Hatter turned to show her but found the pair missing. “No,” he whispered weakly.
“Where did they go,” Virginia asked looking around for the bright little red head who had shared her cell for some time. She'd grown attached to the girl. Even saw the girl as something like family. They were all in it together. They had been from the beginning. And that girl had been there through it all. She had protected Virginia. She had pulled Alice back from the cliffs of insanity. She had taken every opportunity to try to escape and get them out. She was a hell of a little girl, and Virginia would be severally upset if the girl ended up harmed.
“Hatter, you don't think she could have gone to find Aceline do you,” Alice asked worry etched clearly on her brow. Hatter was unusually silent as his big dark eyes examined the cavern around them in search of the red head.
“They went deeper into the cave,” Wolf said after a quick sniff. “She wouldn't try to take on that little girl alone would she? Huff puff, that would be crazy.”
“No, tha' would be Savy,” Hatter said with a deep frown. “Please Top keep her safe.”
“We should find them,” Alice said her eyes set in a worried expression. Virginia nodded along with her. They both wanted to find the girl. They wanted to be sure Savy was safe. She was family, and neither really knew what they'd do if she got herself killed trying to save them.
“No,” Hatter said firmly.
“No,” Alice asked her eyes moving from Virginia who had been nodding along with her to the man standing very close to her. He couldn't be serious? He didn't really think they should just let this go? He wasn't really going to let her die for them was he? She hoped to hell not. She hoped Hatter wasn't that kind of person.
“Firs', we find tha King and his family. Then we get ya and Virginia out safely. Then Wolf, Charlie, Jack and I will come back and get Savy and Topper.” Hatter's eyes were deadly serious. He looked like he'd really thought this through when really he'd only though about it less than a minute. But that seemed like the safest route for them all. There would be less people to worry about. He and Wolf wouldn't be distracted by keeping Virginia and Alice safe. They'd be ready and willing to save their cousin and Savy. And they could concentrate.
“Excuse me,” Alice asked her blue eyes cutting sharply. She couldn't believe him. Did he really expect them to just leave Savy behind? Did he really think she'd be alright with that? Had Hatter lost his mind! She was not going to allow him to tell her what to do. Not when Savy was in trouble. That girl was family, and like family Alice would do everything in her power to keep her safe.
“Look Alice,” Hatter said taking a long breath and putting his hands on her arms. “Wolf and me won' be able ta concentrate with ya two in trouble. So it's bes' we get ya out of here and then go after Savy. 'sides Topper will take care of her. I trus' him with her.”
“Well I don't,” Alice spat angrily. “If you'll recall he's the one who lead us right into this trap. Have you lost your ever loving mind Hatter? That's Savy we're talking about. She's just a child.” Her face was red, and angry, but Hatter had already made his decision.
“I'm no' goin' ta argue with ya over this,” Hatter straightened up and level his eyes with her's. His big brown puppy dogs eyes were set in a hard expression. This was what he'd do, and she wasn't going to change his mind. He knew what was best for them all. And it just wasn't safe for her and Virginia to be in these caves any longer than they had to. Plus they didn't have time to bicker about it. Normally he would have taken the time out to argue with Alice. To make her see reason. But they didn't have that kind of time. Not with the injuries Savy had sustained. So yes, for once in his life he was going to tell Alice what to do and he'd be damned if she didn't listen. She was a silly, stubborn girl, but this was for her own good. That thought firmly in mind he nodded to Wolf, and Wolf started trying to catch the scent of the King. Alice's mouth gaped as she sputtered indignantly at the way Hatter had ignored her. He had told her what to do, and he wasn't backing down. She never thought he'd see the day. But desperate times call for desperate measures. She still wasn't happy about it. She still would fight him tooth and nail, later. After they had done what needed to be done. They didn't have time for her to make a scene right now.