Been a bit, but don't worry. I haven't forgotten you! Here's a little something.

7: We Must Be Off

"Calm down. Calm down. We'll figure it out." I put my hand on his to stop the shaking. "Do you remember how you got it to work last time?"

"Emma." I stood up and began packing a bag with all the supplies necessary to make a hat.

"Then there is no time to waste." He stopped me, "She is here, and all we have to do is find her. Then she can make the hat and we can go to Grace."

"It's not that simple."

"Yes it is." I resumed packing.

"No, it isn't. The hat will only let the same amount of people come back as go."

"Then we'll stay there."

"It's a world without magic!" he knocked the bag from my hands. "You don't know what that's like."

I picked up the bag slowly, "Where do you think I came from, Hatter? Where do you think I lived before the rabbit hole?" His eyes were blank when I looked into them, "I know it's not a magical place," I stuffed a few more things in the bag, "but we'll be a family again. Or is magic worth more than that to you?"

"How could you ask me that?"

"Time's changed you, you forgot me. How am I supposed to know what matters to you now?"

We stood in silence for far longer than I could count, just staring. A stalemate. I didn't falter, I just stared, stared until he turned and began to pack as well. "Where did you last see them?"

"I think I pointed them in the direction of the harbor. We can make it there quick if we cut across the desert."

"No one crosses the desert."

"Well, there's a first time for everything." I peered out the window at the horse. "Should be able to carry both of us fine."

"What if it doesn't work? What if she can't help us?"

"Negative negative Neal, a man who lost his zeal. I'll tell you how, he'd meant to bow, but slipped on a 'nana peal." I started to douse the fire, "I swear you were no where near this pessimistic when we first met."