Return To Wonderland

Chapter 17: Who are you?

**The next day**

Alice woke to the sun rising and turned her head to see an IV sticked in her arm. She lifted her head a bit and saw Hatter sitting on the bed, slumped over and sleeping.

His quiet snoring made her chuckle and lift a hand, running it through his hair gently. She realized he was holding her other hand and smiled.

"I would never let you go." Hatter whispered and smiled back at her, she didn't even wonder how long he'd been awake.

"I love you.." Alice whispered, trying to sit up with his help then wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him.

He kissed her back, smiling and caressing her hair. They stayed like that for a moment and pulled away for air.

"I love you more." Hatter whispered, resting his forehead against hers, "How are you feeling?"

"Better I guess." Alice shrugged slightly then winced, clenching her teeth in pain. She tried not to scream, her back stung but not as much as before.

"Alice?! What's wrong?!" Hatter gently touched her arm, a worried and panicked look on his face. 

"I'm fine.." Alice breathed in and out, the pain slowing and soon disappeared, "My back just hurt.."

"That guddlers scuttish pilgar lickering shukm juggling slurking urpal bar lo muck egg brimni-!" Hatter's eyes were turning dangerously close to red and yelled in his Outlandish accent.

"Hatter calm down my love, I'm here. I'm fine.." Alice leaned in, hugging him tight and whispered in his ear.

"My dear Alice I'm so sorry, they hurt you it's my-" Hatter said sadly and froze when she held his face in her hands.

"Look at me. None of this is your fault! We didn't know this would happen but it's over." Alice stared into his eyes with tears and a stern look, "Ok?"

"Ok.." Hatter whispered and nodded, wiping her tears away and helped her up as carefully as he could so to not hurt her.

But Alice didn't seem fazed, she wanted to heal as quick as possible to be ready for when the battle began and knowing Iracebeth, would be soon.

**Scene Change**

Everyone was standing outside in front of the castle, Mirana stood on the steps and raised her hand for silence. Hatter and Alice stood on either side of the queen, glancing at each other as if they were communicating.

Tyva stood with the others in the crowd, no one seemed to recognize her, not even Tarrant's friends, which she couldn't decide was a relief or not.

Had they all forgotten about the Hightopp clan or did she change a lot over the years? The truth would be revealed soon.

"As you all know my sister has called for a war. The army is ready and we shall set out tomorrow." Mirana announced, "Who will step forth to join?"

"I will." Tyva stepped up, the people murmured to one another about the newcomer.

"Tyva are you sure? It's dangerous.." Mirana lowered her voice, making sure no one heard.

"Your majesty, I've trained my whole life to protect myself and for times like this. You need as many others as you can get to join." Tyva whispered back.

"We'll join too!" A tiny voice spoke up. Mally was riding on Bayard, the Tweedles raised their wood swords, Thackery with a teapot, even Cheshire appeared.

"Alright then it's settled. Everyone is dismissed, be prepared." Mirana gave a quick motion of her hand and left in a blur of white with her court.

Hatter and Alice talked quietly, not noticing that Tyva stayed behind and stood there watching. The two hugged and Alice went back inside.

"Who are you?" Tyva turned to go but stopped when she heard Tarrant's voice. 

"That's something I can't say.." Tyva looked back but faced downwards, not wanting to see him for fear of causing herself more pain.

"Why? You seem familiar so you must know me.." Tarrant said, one possibility of who she was popped in his head but he pushed it back.

"It's not the right time.. not now but soon.." Tyva slowly pulled away and speed walked inside.

Now wasn't the best time to tell him everything, not until it was safe and Underland was at peace again.

**Scene Change**

"Hatter what's wrong? You seem distracted." Alice put down her sword while training (she had been healing quicker thanks to a potion) and saw that he was distracted.

"Hmm..?" Hatter looked up and forced a smile, "Nothing my dear, just thinking."

"Tarrant I know something's on your mind, you can tell me. No secrets, remember?" Alice gently laid a hand on his shoulder and he nodded.

"Ok.. it's just that the woman who came out of nowhere.. I think I've seen her before." Hatter lowered his head so the brim of his hat hid his eyes.

"Well she does kind of look like you, maybe it's just a dream you had but forgot." Alice thought about it and shook her head.

"Maybe your right, let's keep practicing." Hatter shrugged and changed the subject. Right now, all that was important was to defeat the bloody red queen.

Could she be who he thought she was? No that couldn't be possible, they all died that horrid day, killed by the jabberwocky. 

Unless...

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Sorry this is such a short chapter but I promise the next one might be longer! Hope you enjoy and fairfarren all!