Alternate Timeline of Catt meeting Hela

*This was a one off of Catt meeting Hela in an alternate story or timeline. While this isn't part of the main arc and will not be referenced it still develops characters and provides light on Helen's and Elaina's backstory. This Side Story starts off with Hela, newly freed, sneaking up behind Catt and meeting her for the first time.*

Hela Hyde: \*Hela smiled, quite amused.\* It's not my fault
you didn't hear me coming... You should have been more observant.

Catt Hatter:  \*Catt
looked at the floor.\* You're right, Mz. Hyde would be disappointed in me. Being
snuck up on so easily.

Hela Hyde:  Especially since I wasn't even
sneaking... \*She tilted her head.\* I don't suppose that you have any food on
you?

Catt Hatter: Um, not on me. But I'm sure we'll find something set out in the
kitchen! \*Catt turned, heading towards the kitchen.\* What was it you were
hungry for?

Hela Hyde:  Salmon, oatmeal with dark chocolate and
blueberries in it, an orange, a grapefruit, mashed potatoes, green beans, and
salad with olive oil for dressing. \*Hela answered immediately, almost seeming
to be reciting a list. She followed Catt eagerly, rather tempted to run ahead.
She had a pretty good idea of where the kitchen was and it felt like there was
a black hole where her stomach should be.\*

Catt Hatter:  \*Catt was
careful to diligently remember the list for later. The two walked into the
kitchen to see everything Hela had requested set out on a platter on the counter.\*
See? I said there would be something in the kitchen!

Hela Hyde:  \*Hela froze at the sight of the food,
her mouth watering though she knew better than to rush over and eat just yet.
She let out a breath slowly, then gave Catt a cold look.\* Time travel, correct?
That's how it's already prepared?

Catt Hatter:  Um...maybe?
Heh-heh...\*Catt answered nervously. She knew how dangerous the Time Creases
could be if they fell into the wrong hands.\* The problem with that is it's one
way. So I'll leave you to your lunch, and be back before you know it! Ok? \*She
turned to leave the room.\*

Hela Hyde:  \*Hela grabbed Catts shoulder, her voice
dropping to a silky purr.\* How do I know you haven't tampered with the food,
Hatter? \*Her grip tightened.\* I'd hate to have to leave so soon just because
someone thought they'd be clever and bring Helen back...

Catt Hatter:  \**Shoot,*
that's actually a good idea. But I didn't think of it, and seeing how she's
thought of it now it would seem that's for the best.*Catt thought,*
feeling the strength in the hand that arrested her progress to the door.\* A-as
clever of an idea as that is, I'm afraid it's impossible. I don't have access
to any version of the potion. Plus you should know me well enough to know I
don't use methods like that.

Hela Hyde:  Hmm... \*Hela released her, approaching
the tray of food set out for her.\* Very well, you can go... And do hurry back.

Catt Hatter:  I'll be
back before you know it. \*Catt assured her as she stepped out of the doors.
When Hela turned back to the decadent serving platter, she saw Catt, standing
on the far side of the table and doing her best not to grin.\*

Hela Hyde:  \*Hela tilted her head at the
reappearance of Catt, thinking about what she had learned about her time
traveling as she took her seat at the table.\* So... Since you've already
prepared this food and set it out... You've been here at least since before the
past you even offered to get something for me to eat. \*She said slowly, keeping
her eyes on the tray as she began to eat.\*

Catt Hatter:  \*Catt was
somewhat disappointed by the lack of a reaction, but did her best to hide it.\*
Yes. But I don't get the time back. If I go back in time, I need to take the
long way round to get back to where I started.

Hela Hyde:  Hmm... \*Hela took a bite, chewing
thoughtfully.\* A time machine that can only go back in time. How... Familiar.

Catt Hatter:  \**Machine?* She
pondered in confusion. *Right, I never showed her my device.*\*
Familiar? Have you encountered many of these devices?

Hela Hyde:  \*Hela took her time, deliberately
chewing and swallowing another bite.\* Not many... Just the one that brought
Elaina and I to this time period. \*Her gaze returned to Catt, unwavering and
cold. *What do you think of that, Hatter? It is quite possibly your*
fault Helen is stuck here...*She thought, the corner of her lips*
twitching.\*

Catt Hatter:  So, you're
not actually from this time? You certainly play it off well. \*The steady cold
gaze was making her uncomfortable.\*
What's that look for?

Hela Hyde:  Would you mind describing to me what
your little time machine looks like? I've been working on a theory ever since I
heard of what you do...

Catt Hatter:  Um, I'd...
rather, not... \*Catt mumbled timidly, taking a step back. The less Hela knew
about the process the safer everyone would be.\*

Hela Hyde:  \*Hela stared for a second longer before
sighing, returning her attention to the food set before her.\* Alright, fine.
Perhaps you can answer a different question of mine then. Can this time machine
of yours take on the form of a painting?
Catt Hatter:  I, guess it could be mistaken for a
painting. \*She replied. With Hela referring to the Time Creases as singular,
that meant she didn't know about how many there were. Catt felt no need to
correct her on this.\*
Why do you ask?
Hela Hyde:  Because that's how we got here. Through
a painting. \*Hela huffed with irritation. Catt wasn't helping at all.\*

Catt Hatter:  \*This
piqued Catt's interest.\* Did it look 3D and hyper realistic?

Hela Hyde:  I didn't get a good look at it. I wasn't
paying attention at the time. \*Hela answered, frowning faintly.\* And Helens
memories are always fuzzy for me.

Catt Hatter:  Huh. It
might have been one of mine, but the farthest it's gone back so far is two
weeks. \*She crossed her arms and rested her hand on her chin thoughtfully.\* How
far in the future are you from anyway?

Hela Hyde:  It was 2013 when we found the painting
so... Several hundred years. \*Hela finished the last few bites of her food,
picking up one of the plates.\* I'm not complaining. In the future it's much
harder to get away with things.

Catt Hatter:  Yikes!
\*Catt said breathlessly, automatically moving to help clean up the dishes.\* It
might not have been one of mine after all. Do you know where you left it?

Hela Hyde:  \*Hela rolled her eyes, tossing the plate
into the air and catching it at the last second before it came crashing down
onto the table.\* Why all the questions? I don't know and I honestly don't care.
I was just wondering if you were the reason Helen could never go back to her
own time.

Catt Hatter:  \*She
followed the plate with her eyes as it sailed up through the air and was caught
again, marveling at the dexterity.\* If I could look at it I might be able to,
alter it or something. Find out who did make it.

Hela Hyde:  Hmp... Well, last I checked, it was in
some bar over in the dark side of town. The Drunken Huntsman or some name like
that. \*She tossed the plate once more, this time taking a step back and letting
it shatter, a faint smile tugging on her lips.\*

Catt Hatter:  Huh, darn.
I'm still too young to go into bars. \*Catt watched the pieces scatter across
the floor with a sigh. Placing the rest of the dirty dishes in the sink, she
grabbed the broom and started sweeping up the shards of shattered ceramic.  *Good thing I didn't use the fine china.* She
thought, smirking wryly to herself.\*