Okay, I'm gonna start out by saying I'm sorry for ot working on this more, but a new job and college have taken up a lot of time. But I have the rest of the story pretty much sketched out in my head. I'll hopefully have the story done soon. But since i haven't done anything in awhile, I decided to post a quick chapter that will explain some stuff and lead into the next chapter which I am really looking forward to writing. Hope you enjoy.

It was quite a sight. Standing in the center of a large clearing, a large structure rose from the ground. The base was like any other small home, but from the center of the roof as large tower rose up another twenty feet into the air the face of a clock staring out over the field. It clicked and clacked every few moments as the two hands of the clock moved slowly. Hellboy stood at the edge of the clearing and stared at the building.

"Guess this would be the place."

Looking back down at the map in his hand, he saw that it had drawn the clearing and circled the structure with an arrow pointing at it. Shrugging, Hellboy stuck the paper in his pocket and walked through the clearing toward the building. A small fence surrounded the building, but it was made of wood and only three feet tall. Opening the gate, he walked up to the house and tapped lightly on the door. He heard the quick running of footsteps and the door opened slightly. Hellboy looked down at the man.

"Hey, we met before, but it was pre---"

The man yelped in terror and slammed the door shut again. Hellboy sighed.

"Okay."

Stepping forward, Hellboy planted his shoulder into the door and pushed inward, breaking the door's hinges. Stepping into the house, Hellboy leaned the door against the wall and looked around. Clocks were everywhere. One the walls, on tables, hanging from the ceiling, they were everywhere. Hellboy looked around and caught a glance of the man huddling behind a tall grandfather clock.

"I'm not here to hurt you. I was just told you could help me."

The pale man glanced out from behind the clock.

"Told? Told by whom? Help with what? I don't know anything! I only do what I'm told!"

Hellboy held his hands up.

"Relax…a Caterpillar and a guy named Hare told me you could get me into the Red Queen's castle. They said your name was Herald, right?"

Herald relaxed slightly, stepping out from behind the clock slightly.

"Why do you want into the castle?"

Hellboy sighed again.

"All I know is that the only was I can get home is to take this little thing…"

Hellboy reached into his jacket, removing the small white gem.

"…and stick it with the one the Queen has."

The man suddenly ran forward at Hellboy so fast the Hellboy barely noticed it. Grabbing Hellboy wrist, the man pulled his hand down to his eyes. Looking through his glasses the man smiled.

"You have the white half! You have the white half!"

Hellboy stepped back.

"Yeah…so I take it you'll help me out."

The man smiled, running quickly to a staircase and running up it talking so fast Hellboy couldn't keep up with what he was saying. Hellboy just shrugged.

"Guess that's a yes."

Walking around the room, Hellboy looked at the clocks, each ticking away. Turning he looked at the other side of the room and saw a number of pictures hanging from above a fireplace. Walking to them, Hellboy looked closely at one.

"I swear I know this guy."

The picture was a portrait of a man sitting at a desk with piles of papers around him. Hellboy suddenly stepped back, his eyes opening in realization. Herald ran back down the stairs, dressed in the same clothing Hellboy first saw him in, the large pocket watch in his hand.

"Must hurry! Must hurry!"

"Hey, who is this?"

Hellboy pointed at the picture. Herald glanced at the portrait and smiled slightly.

"Doggledon. He was the Historian of Wonderland before I. He disappeared shortly after the Red Queen rose to power. Very sad. He was by the White Queen's side when Red defeated her and Red Queen hunted him to no end. He has not been seen in many, many years."

Doggledon. Hellboy knew him by a different name. He recognized the picture, but the picture he remembered him from was an older version. More wrinkles, white hair, but the same man. Doggledon was Charles Dodgson. Hellboy chuckled.

"Well…that explains a lot."

Herald looked at him inquisitively at Hellboy, but shook his head quickly, pulling at Hellboy.

"We must go."

"Alright…alright."

Following Herald to the door, Hellboy grabbed it and pulled it back open. Herald looked at the door in Hellboy's hands as he held it. Hellboy grinned slightly.

"Yeah…my bad."

"Nevermind, we must go."

Shrugging, Hellboy dropped the door and walked outside. Following behind Herald, Hellboy started walking, but stopped as Herald slid to a stop on the grass. Hellboy looked down at Herald.

"Forget to set an alarm clock or something?"

"Oh dear……oh my…"

Herald's eyes were wide with fear as he looked out. Hellboy lifted his head up and stared out to what Herald was looking at. A slightly thin man stood leaning against the fence. An olive green over coat hung from his shoulders and a matching colored top hat sat on his head. The brim covered the man's eyes, but a wide smile adorned the man's face. Herald stepped slightly back.

"She sent the him…she sent Hatter."

Hellboy looked down at Herald, then back up at the man. Hellboy sighed, stepping in front of Herald, putting himself in between the pale man and Hatter.

"Just find a safe place and stay there until this is over."

Hatter slowly raised his head, the smile never leaving his face.

"Don't go far."

Hatter chuckled slightly as Hellboy stared at him.

"Ah, the great, red-skinned stranger…who seems to be quite a big danger."

Hellboy rolled his shoulder slightly, cracking it.

"Most people just call me Hellboy. Are you the next one the Red Queen has sent for me to kick the crap out of?"

Hatter smiled.

"I am her star among stars, the greatest of the great. I am the only one who matters…"

Hatter removed his top hat, revealing his dark red hair, and bowed slightly never taking his eyes off Hellboy.

"…I am Hatter."

Hellboy sighed slightly.

"Listen…can't we just forget about this? I've had a really long day and just want to go home."

Hatter simply remained smiling as he slowly stepped back, unbuttoning his coat. Shrugging his shoulders, the overcoat pooled down into a pile at his feet, revealing what was underneath. The black vest was covered in gleaming metal, dozens of knives of different sizes and shapes slid into sheaths across the vest. Flicking his hands out to his sides, two thin, long blades popped out from under Hatter's sleeves, folding out into his waiting hands. Hellboy raised an eyebrow.

"Aw, crap."