Disclaimer: I do not own Alice in Wonderland.

Author's note: Sorry I missed last month, I was finishing writing my masters thesis. Now that's done normal service should resume. This is only a short chapter, but next time we'll be catching up with the rest of the characters.

The Wrong Rabbit Hole

Chapter 20-Seeing Is Believing

Alice had not moved since they had arrived at camp. She had stayed where she'd fallen, not even moving as Stayne secured her to a stake he had dug into the ground. Only the slow rise and fall of her chest allowed Hatter to know she was still alive. He too had stayed where he'd fallen. As darkness fell Hatter watch the activity in the camp around them. The camp had been set up quicker and more organised than Hatter would have believed. He was sure it was not due to Stayne's leadership as the man had simply set up his own sleeping space and left the others to themselves. Stayne appeared to be out of inspirational speeches. This these people were not truly behind Stayne, but were willing to follow anyone for revenge. This wasn't about freedom; those who wanted freedom Hatter had already seen sneaking off earlier in the journey. No, those left wanted revenge. So many ugly emotions floated around, it would be hard to change them to the more beautiful emotions Hatter preferred. As thoughts of butterflies danced around his head, Hatter caught the sight of the witch walking towards him.

"Hello Alice." The witch was here again. Hatter returned his attention to Alice watching the witch through narrowed eyes. Taking a damp cloth the witch began to dab Alice's cuts. Despite the witch's kindness Hatter could still not shake the suspicion that she had some ulterior motive.

"Thank you. May I ask you how it is you came to be involved in all this?" Alice's curiosity it seemed has not waned even though her strength had. The witch sighed and sat down on the ground besides Alice. She stared out into the distance as she replied.

"My mother was a witch, and she trained me to be the same from a young age. A few years after her death, a new king came to the throne. He feared magic, although most of what makes up Underland is magic, he condemned the practice. He set off across the land seeking out witches. He found me, but took pity on me as I was so young, only 20. All the other witches he'd come across were old. So he had me banished, as I had not lived a full life, and I came to join these people. I have always kept my countenance by knowing that I was never truly evil, and I have waited for the day I could escape. Once this war is over I hope to live in peace as my mother once did."

Hatter shook his head slightly puzzled; he could remember no such king from his history lessons. It was preposterous to think a king could outlaw magic; Underland itself would turn on him. Not to mention he would have had to use magic to banish the witch. It just didn't add up. Alice however did not question it, but then again she had no knowledge of Underland's past.

"But surely you could leave these people now?" Alice asked.

"This is true. But you need protection and help. Plus, how will I tell your queen how to defeat these people if I do not know their plans? I will stay here and perhaps help you escape." Hatter highly doubted this witch would be divulging any sort of plans to the queen. Plus the witch had not rescued Alice, he had.

"You'll help me escape?" A bit of colour seemed to reappear in Alice's face.

"Yes, but not yet. A companion of yours is on his way. But he will not reach us for another day. Only then will you be able to escape. Although I will be able to help you leave the camp. I cannot protect you once you have left." Hatter could not quite believe his ears. How had the witch known of his rescue?

"Who is it that is coming?" Alice asked.

"A young man with striking hair and a hat." The witch said before staring straight in Hatter's direction. She knew he was here, he was sure of it. But how, this was a memory. The witch patted Alice on the shoulder and rose from the floor. She walked away and without a second thought he ran after the witch.

"You can see me?!" He exclaimed. Although the witch made no sign she had heard him she did whisper.

"Yes, but no one else can." Hatter's mind reeled with questions, but they all fought to be voiced first. The witch reached her sleeping spot and sat down. Hatter sat down opposite her and the witch stared him straight in the eyes.

"I'm a witch; I see all that is magical." She said as a matter of fact.

"But this is memory? I'm from your future, you're in my past." The witch nodded and ignored Hatter as she started a small fire.

"Will you really help?" Hatter asked. He wanted her to tell him. He wanted to watch her tell him. No underlander could truly lie to another. But the witch made no reply. After a few moment she said softly.

"I think you should return to Alice. I do believe Stayne has broken her arm." With that Hatter was off. To his great dismay he saw the witch spoke the truth. As he lay besides a sobbing Alice his heart breaking he remarked that there had been no sadness or pity in the witch's voice when she had told him of Alice's latest torment. He was then resolved he would not trust her.