A/N: This chapter is short thanks to time constraints. I'm going out of town Monday and Tuesday, and I have a ton of projects to do. But I do hope you guys enjoy this chapter anyway. ^_^

Beatrice wasn't exactly sure how long she had stayed in the strange new world. The hours blended together in a haze of idle chatter, sleep, and Boris forcing pills down her throat. She had learned a little about this world, mostly about the various territories that surrounded the current territory they were staying at, and a bit about the residents. Apparently there were four territories and each of them were scattered out in this strange world. There was Clover Tower, Heart Castle, The Forest of Doors, and Hatter's Mansion. Boris was good friends with Tweedle Dee and Dum from Hatter's Mansion, and was welcomed to come at any time. Thus, by association, she was welcomed so long as he introduced her to the leader of the territory. That was all she managed to glean from him before the lights in the window changed once again, the world going from an inky night sky to a blazing sunset.

Beatrice hissed and grabbed her cast covered leg, dropping the rubik's cube she had been playing with. Boris looked up from the fishing lures he was organizing. "You okay?"

"I-I don't know." Her leg felt like it was being torn apart from the inside, all of the blood and bone being stabbed by rusted knives then blasted with fire. "It didn't hurt this much last time."

"Last time?" His eyebrows furrowed, before he nodded as if he understood something. "I guess you're not used to healing after a new time change. It's weird you didn't feel it 'til now."

"This is normal?" Another wave of pain sent her curling up on her side, her broken leg stretched out awkwardly in front of her.

"Yeah, it happens to everybody, it doesn't send them sprawling though." He tossed the mini fish into a blue bucket before getting up from his bed and picking Beatrice off the couch. His touch was gentle, every time she would whimper he was sure to adjust his hold to a more comfortable position. "Let's go see the doctor."

Beatrice didn't even bother trying to keep up with her childish persona. She was almost crying for joy when Boris opened up the door, and instead of being in the alley they were in the middle of the doctor's office. The old man was sitting on a stool and there was a lollipop in his mouth.

He jumped up immediately and wrung his hands together. "Mr. Airay, I didn't expect you back so soon with your charge. S-she didn't die, did she?"

Boris sat her on the stiff cot. "She's messed up, I think the time changes are messing with her leg."

The doctor hurried over and tapped at her cast, earning a hiss from Beatrice. He ignored it as he took out a knife and easily cut thick cast, the two halves dropping to the floor. Beatrice's entire leg was a nasty purple color that stood out from her dark skin, but other than that everything looked normal. "Her healing was tremendously advanced. I never knew foreigners were affected by it this way though, she seems stable and just needs medicine. Have her walk around town a bit so that she can keep her muscles strengthened, but it doesn't seem that she needs the cast or crutches anymore."

The man went back to his stool and stood on it, getting down a bottle of something in a bright red container. He tossed it to Boris, who caught it without looking at it. His gaze was fixed on Beatrice with a toothy grin on his lips. "Let's see how long you're gonna fight this time."

After a fight for the sake of her persona, Beatrice drank down the bitter medicine and was given a strawberry lollipop. It had taken her a few minutes, but eventually the pain had gone down and she was able to stand up, and even walk out the door. She twirled her treat around with her tongue while she followed closely behind Boris. The city was crowded with people on the cobble stone streets, with trees and colorful buildings flanking them on the sides. Even in the streets she could smell over bearing perfumes, sizzling meat, fresh bread, and something acidic and smokey that reminded her of Boris.

"Hey, you hungry?"

"Huh-ah!" She nearly stumbled into his back, but was quick to right herself again. Peering behind his back to see why he stopped, she saw that they had stopped in front of a food cart. A girl with pale blonde hair was frying fish, and there was thick slices of bread set in a pan to toast. Her stomach gurgled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten anything since she was dropped in this world. "I can eat fish?"

"Don't tell me you don't like fish."

Actually, Beatrice wasn't fond of fried food. She also hated anything that was soggy, bitter, had onions in it, or was too spicy. All in all she was an incredibly picky eater, and she didn't need to pretend to be a kid for that. However, Boris seemed to almost seem skeptical about her question. Clearly fish was something he really liked, and it almost felt like she would be insulting him if she denied the food. Sucking up her little bit of pride she gave a wide smile. "I want to try some, Big Brother! Can I have pickles on mine? I really like those. Oh! And mayonnaise?"

The blonde set two more fish into her vat of oil. "I didn't know you had a sister, Boris. She doesn't look like you at all, I've never even seen skin that dark."

"She's a foreigner" Boris said. "I found her in the woods three time changes ago, and I guess I'm stuck with her now."

"Guess you're a step ahead in this round."

"She's a kid though."

"True." The blonde took the fish off the vat and put them on the bread. She then slid them in a white paper bag and handed the food to Boris. "But love knows no age!"

"Right."

Beatrice eagerly took her food and followed Boris as they walked off,biting into the fatty food, and savored the smooth mayo. She wondered how the laws regarding sex and relationships worked in this world. It was clear from Boris' reaction that he was personally uncomfortable with the idea of 'loving' someone much younger than him, but it was obvious from the lady's words that it was acceptable. Though what concerned her more was that she had used the term 'round'. Did Boris only want to help her for an ulterior motive? She needed to find a way to slip away from him and ask about his history, personality, and the like.

"How's your fish?"

Beatrice swallowed a bite. "It's good, thank you."

She needed to find an excuse and quickly. As much as she appreciated all the time he dumped into taking care of her, there was no point in getting involved with a person that could eventually harm her. She finished up her sandwich and balled up the paper wrapping with one hand, eyes glancing around and looking for a trashcan. Eventually she found one, sitting right outside a dress store. She stared down at her old clothes, she was merely wearing a skirt and a sweater, but somehow it hadn't gotten any dirtier than when she fist left her office the afternoon she was dragged in Wonderland. Being a 'little girl' wouldn't it be appropriate for her to crave pretty dresses? She wouldn't ask him to but them, but begging to try them on wouldn't be so wrong.

She reached out and grabbed Boris' arm and stopped him, pointing at the bright blue shop. "Hey, look at the dresses!"

Boris looked from her to the dresses, and then did it again. "You want to look at them?"

"Do you want to?" She asked. "Boys don't like dresses very much."

"Actually, you need new clothes, right?" He took her hand and dragged her over to the shop. "Last thing I need is Alice complaining about how I've been taking care of you."

She opened her mouth to ask who Alice was, but stopped when they entered the store. It had several racks and mannequins set up with old fashioned dresses that looked like they belonged in a museum. A large young woman hurried over to them, a smile spread over her nondescript face. "Welcome to Evangeline's! How may I help you both today?"

"She needs a new dress." Boris pushed Beatrice forward.

The woman knelt down, a hand taking up a piece of her thick curly hair. "Such a unique and adorable look to you! I'm sure we have something that is befitting a lovely girl of your position."

Before she had time to blink, she was whisked off, the woman chatting her ear off about lace and satin.

It had taken half an hour, but the woman had eventually found several dresses for Beatrice to try on. All of them were longer than her skirt, and were lovely pastel colors that would put a baby nursery to shame. She fingered through them until she managed to find one of the few she actually liked, a pale pink one with a high laced collar, and long sleeves. Getting into the garment proved to be a problem, but when she was finally in it she put on the white boots. All together she looked like a Victorian doll, ready to be set on someone's shelf. She opened up the door to peek out, but a loud bang sounded and a feminine yelp.

Beatrice yanked the door back, but it was ripped from her fingers, and a shadow loomed over her. "You must either be a fool or desiring death to be so bold as to attack Us." A click and something cold pressing against her forehead made her heart stop. "Your indiscretion will cost you your life."

"Ah-!"

She flinched as another click was heard. "The Queen of Hearts shooting a foreigner? You've gotta be the Idiot wearing drag." Beatrice opened her eyes and saw a flurry of fuchsia behind a thin and lithe figure swathed in black. "Beatrice, back up."

She did as she was told, and started to shut the door, but the woman grabbed it. She seemed completely okay with the fact there was a gun to her head as she looked her up and down. "You're the new one that the Caterpillar brought?"

"Um...Yes, Ma'am?"

The woman raised her hand and the gun disappeared in a display of sparkles. "You may may put away your gun, Cheshire Cat. We shall not harm a foreigner."

Boris slowly took the gun off the woman's temple, but did not put the gun away. The woman stared down her nose, as if waiting for something. After a few moments she rolled her eyes and gestured to her. "You are certainly the most impertinent person We have ever met. Introduce yourself to the Queen."

Well that explained plenty. Her uppity attitude, her use of the majestic plural, and the confidence that oozed out of her every pore. Beatrice took her dress in hand and curtsied low, careful to keep her head down and eyes downcast. "Hello, your majesty. My name's Beatrice, I-"

"Good," The woman was quick to cut her off, and ignored Beatrice's choking sound. "you will make up your grievous mistakes by joining Us for tea in two time changes at Heart Castle. If you do not, then We will have your head." She turned on her heel, her voice suddenly becoming relaxed. "As for you, We will be happy to have you as well. Cats are adorable, and We will provide the best kitty food."

"Ah, no thanks."

"But We insist!"

"No!"

Beatrice watched the two bicker, letting her dress fall naturally into place. The people of this world were insane.

Review Responses:

Angelic Trinity: Ah, thanks. I'm glad I followed my instinct/hate and rewrote the entire story. You'll have to read to find out the whole story between those three. ;)

Nekohana: Well, if you like Wonderful Wonderful Science, yes I stalked your profile, you're gonna like this then. Beatrice is a very different character than Aria, but the dramatic and interesting story elements are there. I'm sorry, I sound like I'm bragging...