Hello. Well, midterms kept me busy, leaving me with little time to write this chapter. Snow's still around too. The new chapter of Pandora Hearts is here though, Retrace LXIX: Alice. Young Alice is so cute, and that two page spread of Alyss is beautiful (Although I think the best two page spread is the one of Oz and Leo from Retrace LXV {Don't yell at me!}).

peppermint twertile: Ah, no I don't play hockey, I just went to see a game. And, regarding Mark, you're half right, but not Vincent, he does have blond hair though. I agree, hospitals are depressing, and I know from experience (it was just one time). It's not fun.

I do not own Pandora Hearts in any way, nor do I own anything familar.

Chapter 6: The Stranger

Take a little jump in the back of your mind

Take a little jump to the back of your life

-What Heaven Allows, Hammock

Something about my surroundings felt different, even if everything around me was still black nothingness. Moving my hand slightly, I was surprised to find that it brushed against something soft.

'Huh?' I moved my hand some more, that surface was still there. Actually, it was all around me.

Going at an attempt to open my eyes, at that time, much to my surprise, they really opened.

What I saw around me wasn't the usual surroundings that I had seen before, but an entirely different setting. Since the light and colors were different than the darkness I had seen before when talking to Aaron, I had to squint to make out the shapes in front of me. Once my vision adjusted enough, I was able to confirm that this wasn't the same place as before, instead, this was a bedroom, light coming through the half closed curtains. It was now apparent that where I was lying was a bed, my gaze lazily directed to the wall because I was laying on my side.

'What the-'

"Aaron-sama, are you awake yet." A voice said as I heard a door open behind me.

"Uh, I'm-" Wait... Aaron-sama? "What?"

"I asked if you were awake yet." I head footsteps approach the bed, and, hastily turning around as I sat up, I came face to face with a maid, her hair tied back into a ponytail.

"W-who-"

"You're not sick again, are you?" She asked, cutting off my sentence. "Your face is red. Or did you have a bad dream?"

I pushed her hand that I found had been resting on mine away and scurried backwards, my back making a slight thump as I hit the headboard, cushioned by the pillows though. "Don't touch me!"

"Oh." The maid stepped back, looking at me strangely. "Okay then. Breakfast will be ready soon."

I watched, startled as she started to walk away. "Hey."

"Yes, Aaron-sama?" The maid asked, turning back around to me.

"Can you just...bring it up to me instead?" Even though I'm very confused right now, I am hungry, in need of some food. I haven't eaten in a while.

My breathing calmed down once she nodded politely and left, and I loosened the firm grip I held on the sheets, letting them lay limply on my lap. I kept looking around the room, trying to figure out where I was, certainly not at home though.

'Where in the world am I?' I wondered. I don't remember how I got here at all, the last thing I can remember is falling back asleep in that dark void. Why was that maid calling me by that name? 'All these thoughts are making me dizzy.'

I put a hand to my head, closing my eyes and breathing slowly. Something feels off though, and when that maid looked at me, she was...

Wait, my glasses! They're not on my face!

"Huh? Where are they?" I couldn't feel that circular glass covering my eyes. There was something else I noticed too, that my bangs were shorter than before, like back when I had them cut.

Now startled beyond belief, I jumped out of bed and ran over to a mirror on a dresser. Maybe this was some prank Elliot and Carrie were pulling on me. After all, even though I don't know where the 'Aaron' bit came from, Elliot would have probably orchestrated this whole shenanigan, getting Carrie to help.

'Okay, how bad did they cut my hair? They are so going to-'

My thought stopped mid-sentence when I looked in the mirror, because instead of seeing my usual self there was something different looking back.

Aaron's reflection gazed back at me with a shocked expression.

"AHHH!"

"Aaron-sama! Is everything alright?" Ah, the maid had come back in, directing her gaze to me with worried face. Probably was wondering where that screaming sound came from, although it was indeed mine. Maybe if it wasn't for her interruption, I might of smashed the glass to bits with one punch, most likely injuring my hand in the process.

"U-uh, I... a spider!" I stammered, quickly thinking of a way to explain myself.

"Is that so? Are you sure it's nothing else?"

"Yes, yes." I just wanted her to go away. "I already got rid of it."

"Good to know." I could breathe a little easier when she left again, but I was still in shock to the reflection I had seen.

I walked over to the mirror again, and still, that face was there; black hair, silver eyes. No glasses, no bangs to cover my eyes.

. . .

No bangs to cover my eyes. I know that's true, I can't feel hair dangling in my face, but then...why can't I see the lights? Not that I miss them, I mean, I don't like seeing them, but, they're really gone.

"What the hell is going on around here?" I whispered to my opposite reflection.

I don't have any clue as to the reason behind these strange events. I can hear my own voice, the same as always, but maybe, that person heard me differently. Perhaps, because I see myself differently in the mirror, that is also what I am being seen as.

If so, that would mean I...I'm being seen as Aaron Chapman? Am I presently him?

"Oh, no... no!" I backed away from the mirror. "That can't be right!"

I went back to the bed and flopped back down onto it, clearly looking up at the ceiling without feeling my messy hair in my face, or without those lights surrounding me for that mater. All these thoughts and questions are getting tangled up together, overwhelming my brain and giving me a headache.

Shifting my gaze to the floor...Oh, what's down there? A book? Yes, there is a book there lying on the floor, within arm's reach too. I desperately need something to at least distract me from these confusing things.

I easily lean over the edge of the bed and reach out for it, then drawing it back to me, opening it and starting to read after adjusting my position.

'Just like old times.' I thought to myself.

This felt really nice actually, just sitting here up against some pillows reading a book so early in the morning. It reminded me of when I used to live in the House of Fianna, how I would spend countless hours sitting in the library and just reading away through several books.

However, it wasn't long before...

"Hey," Now that brought back memories, snapping me out of my own world just like Elliot had managed to do so when we first met.

'Who's there? Maybe the maid has come back?'

"Gah! You're not Sophie."

Yup, just like that time, kind of. "Ugh, can't you just leave? I'm-"

The second my eyes shifted position, my attention was instantly pulled form the book.

A girl stood there, not far away and looking at me with curious and glistening blue eyes. She wore a maroon dress with black accents on it, the white cream gloves on her hands contrasting it. Her hair was nicely done, long hair pulled back slightly, and it was that lovely shade of beige that reminded me of my dear Carrie.

"Eh? Who are you?" She asked carefully, her voice slightly familiar.

"Maybe I should be asking you the same." I replied, setting the book down. Something about this girl was oddly familiar.

"Okay, but before that, give me your name first." She smiled sweetly and approached the bed.

"Fine. I'm Le-" I cut myself off when I almost said my real name.

"Hmm? Couldn't hear."

That's right, I am definitely 'Leo Baskerville', but at this moment, I am... "My name is Aaron Chapman."

"I see. Very unique, you're the first person I've met who's named that." The girl extended her hand to me. "My name is Anastasia Mouchette."

'Anastasia?' That's why she looks so familiar!

I cough suddenly, probably because I've realized who she is. She takes note of this. "What's with you?"

"Nothing." I look back up at her. "N-nice to meet you."

We shake hands, but I still can't believe it. This girl, the one holding my hand, she is Anastasia; Carrie representing the reincarnation.

"Hmm. I wonder... are you Chapman-sama's son?" She ponders, letting go of my hand.

"I...yes, I am." It feels strange, announcing myself as 'Aaron'.

"Well then, it does explain some things." Anastasia said with a laugh. "I didn't really think that the Chapman family had a son. Guess I was wrong on that account."

"If I may, who exactly are you looking for?"

"No one in particular, just my friend, Sophie. She's a maid here." At that moment, my stomach growled rather loudly and she giggled at this, while I sat there, a tad bit flustered. "You sound hungry."

"I am actually. The maid said she'd bring me something soon."

And, as if on cue... "Aaron-sama, breakfast is ready for yo- Oh, Anastasia-sama!"

Anastasia turned around, a big smile on her face. "Sophie!"

At this point, it was apparent that upon opening the door to this room, the maid, Sophie, had found Anastasia here. That also meant that her small quest was over and done with.

"Oh, I see you found Aaron-sama." She said, glancing over at me.

"Yes, you could say that." Looking back at me, she smiled ever so sweetly, just like Carrie would.

"Anyways, I have breakfast ready for you, Aaron-sama."

"Good." I replied.

Sophie came over to my bed and gently sat a tray down in front of me. I looked over the food carefully then started to eat. It was very well prepared, much to my surprise. For the moment, so long as I am in this place, everything is kicking back into place, so, in short, I must eat to keep my energy up, even if this is some crazed delusion.

'I suppose this will hold me for a while.' True, very true. I didn't eat much, but I had too, right?

"Aaron, you should open the curtains in here." Anastasia suggested. "It's so dreary in this room!"

"Ah! Allow me to do that, Anastasia-sama." Sophie interrupted. No surprise, she only wants to fulfill her job as a maid.

"Okay then." She shrugged at the other, then proceeding to sit at the foot of my bed.

"By the way, what brings you here, Anastasia-sama?"

"Oh, father just had something to discuss with Chapman-sama, and he ended up dragging me along." She paused to stretch her arms before continuing. "A shame though, I was having the most pleasant conversation with Glen-sama."

I froze, a piece of food half dangling from my mouth. 'Glen?'

"You were with the Baskervilles?"

"Quite. Glen-sama is feeling down, so I decided to pay him a visit." She laughed like it was a joke. "Father had to hunt me down before we came here!"

Anastasia knew about Glen, but I only assumed it was because Jack, who was friends with her, had told her about him. I would never had guess she had an actual connection with him.

Suddenly I've lost my appetite. "I'm done."

"Eh?" Sophie walked over to me and looked at the tray. "But, Aaron-sama, are you sure?"

"I am certain." My voice was growing tense again.

"Huh? What's wrong now?" Now it was Anastasia questioning me. "You've gotta eat you know."

"I assure you, I don't need anymore. This will last me for now."

"Anastasia-sama, you'll have to forgive Aaron-sama, he just recovered from his illness not too long ago." Sophie interrupted before the other could blow off more steam. "He still might not be able to eat a whole lot. He was very sick after all."

'So this body is weak, just like my own.' I concluded, having listened to her whole explanation. I didn't feel sick though, so this body must of recovered from whatever had happened before.

"There's no need to worry about me. I'm perfectly alright." I reassured them.

"If your done with your breakfast then, I'll that tray back now." I watched her as she took the tray from me. "And after you get dressed, Master wishes to talk to you."

"His father." Anastasia interjected.

"Yes." Sophie turned her attention to the other girl. "I have work to do, Anastasia-sama, so I must be going now."

"See you later then."

That was probably the last I would see of Sophie for a while, seeing as she does have other duties to attend to as a maid. Anastasia stayed in this room however, even after Sophie had left.

'Curious. But, since we are alone now...'

"So," Anastasia started again. "I guess you want me to leave now."

"Not quite yet." I said, adjusting the pillows behind me so I could lay up against them. "I'd like to ask you a few things first."

"Like what?"

"First off, what is your connection to Glen Baskerville?"

"Eh? Him? A friend of mine, Jack Vessalius-sama, introduced me to him on our way out to meet a someone."

"I see." That sounded accurate, and I needed information about the girl. I don't know how long I'm stuck here, but I can at least try and understand some of these things. "Okay, next question. Do you know much about us at all, the Chapmans?"

She scoffed in response. "Of course, not a whole lot though."

"But that's the same as saying what I had previously stated."

"Well, I do know that, like my family, yours is a third rate noble house. As I said earlier though, I had no idea you were their son. Sophie never even mentioned a word about you."

"Good. Last question." I straightened up and it felt weird to me how she was looking at my eyes. "May I call you by a shorter name?"

Anastasia seemed confused at first. "Um, sure. What do you have in mind?"

I didn't want to use such a long name with her, and, actually, I know of one, the same one that was used by Aaron.

"How about 'Anna'?"

She smiled, accepting it. "Okay, I can go with that!"

"Then it's settled. From now on, I shall refer to you as 'Anna'." I then thought back to what Sophie had said, and it's about time I got out of bed anyway. "If you would then Anna, please leave so I can get dressed."

"Got it." She replied cheerfully, getting up from the bed and bounding over to the door.

'At least I've gotten some useful information.' I thought as the door closed behind her when she left. 'I better get dressed then.'

Upon getting out of bed and going over to the tall wardrobe, I found many articles of clothing inside. I sifted through all the ones one the racks before finally settling one one outfit; a white shirt covered by a vest and a pair of dress pants. There was also a white neck tie (rather a ribbon) to go with it.

As I changed out of my pajamas and into my selected outfit, I began to wonder why I'm seeing these things, living them. This is not the life I had been living in, and all I know is that all this changed on that cold winter day. I have no clue as to why I'm here, but, is it possible that I... might be seeing events form my past life? 'Aaron' was who I was then, I had been told that much, but I still don't understand this situation I've been placed in.

'What if, these things, are more like memories and I'm...living them?'

"No. That's impossible, isn't it?" I murmured, trying to correct my previous thought.

Anyways, I should get going. If I'm going to be stuck here for who knows how long, I need to gather information about my past life, and not just from Anasta- I mean, Anna herself. To gain information, you need to understand your surroundings of the situation; that's just a common fact. If my 'father' wishes to see me, this is also another chance to understand this place more.

Anna did hold traces of Carrie, but to see the girl herself was just proving that the two were linked, Carrie becoming Anna's reincarnation. She'll definitely be a valuable source of information later on, especially with her connections to Jack Vessalius and Glen Baskerville.

Carrie. I wonder what she's doing right now, how she is. I could imagine that after the incident with the illegal contractor, she must of been worrying about me. Now that wouldn't be impossible, knowing her anyway. What's she up to outside of this dream world?

'Carrie, I do wonder, how are you right now?'

Another chapter done. Next chapter will focus off Leo for a while, but we'll get back to him later. Besides, what he's seeing right now is important to the story. In the meantime, feel free to leave a reveiw.