A/N – This was a bitch to write finally. I know I owe everyone an explanation. I recently went through three computers. One got fried by a virus. The second was shorted out by a power surge. The third was ruined by my friend dropping her glass of soda on it. I had rewritten this six times. Once on the first, three times on the second because the file kept disappearing, once on a flash drive that I ended up losing, and one more time just now. MY PATIENCE ARE THIN AT THE MOMENT. Please accept my most humble apologies for how long this took to get out, and understand that I am the king of misfortune, at least when it comes to electronics. (Seriously. I also went through seven phones and four music players in the past six months. And don't get me started on my flash drive issues.)

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW. When I get hardly any reviews I want to quit the story and I then delete it without finishing. It gives me the incentive to continue! So if you like it, just review! I'm not asking for you to review an essay to me, even saying something like "update soon," makes me feel better because then I know someone wants to see more!

Now I will stop talking and get on with the story. Again. Please forgive the lateness of this chapter and keep reading.

Matthew's head hung low as he sat on the large bed, palms holding it from falling into his lap. His elbows were digging into his knee caps but he hardly noticed. The words of the Clock King, Roderich Edelstein, seemed to echo in his head. It echoed and repeated enough to make him want to throw up. How could this have happened to him? Why couldn't he continue living his life in the shadows of his sister, doomed to be mediocre for the rest of his days?

Well now that he thought of it, that didn't sound too nice either.

The little blonde heaved another sigh and closed his eyes, visualizing the elegant Clock King's speech in his head for the millionth time.

Roderich pushed his glasses a little higher on the bridge of his nose, letting a small sigh escape his lips. "You cannot go home." He said firmly. Matthew's jaw went lax, mouth turning agape. The mysterious King continued, "Francis, since he made you drink the red wine you can no longer go home. Not until you win the game of Wonderland. The vial he made you drink from, do you have it with you?" He held out his hand expectantly. After Matthew handed it over he began to speak again, sounding slightly peeved.

"The goal of this game… Is to fill this vial once more. Do you see this?" He gestured a slender finger to the drop in the bottle, "By meeting and interacting with Wonderland's inhabitants, the vial fills more and more. By meeting me and my own, the Spade King and his own, and the Knight of Hearts you have begun to restore the contents of the vial."

"So I… Cannot go home until that is filled?" Matthew had asked, a lump forming in his throat.

Roderich frowned. "No. You will never escape Wonderland without filling this vial once more. The dream will never end."

It was easier said than done! Matthew stood up, groaning in discontent. He had never been one for socializing or meeting new people! It made him nervous. And what exactly did he have to do in order to "meet and interact with" these people from Wonderland? Would a simple "howdy-do" work or did he actually have to talk to them?

He tugged at the ends of his messy blonde hair and groaned again, this time louder, more distressed. He was so wrapped in his thoughts and worries that he nearly jumped out of his skins when he heard a knock at the door. It was light and gentle, but it was loud enough to break the silence, save for Matthew's fussing, and also enough to nearly give him a heart attack.

"C-Come in!" Matthew offered, plopping himself back onto the bed.

The double doors to the spare room slowly creaked open, revealing a small brunette woman in a pretty lace dress beneath the great mahogany archway. She stepped inside of the doors and smiled in a sort of motherly way that reminded Matthew of his old nurse; before his father had sent her away claiming that he was too old for a keeper any longer. In many ways, she had been more of a mother than his real mother ever was.

"Matthew…" She breathed, stepping inside to close the doors behind herself. "The Clock King ordered me to check on you. I am his Ace. My name is Elizaveta Héderváry. But you can call me Liza or Lizzy if you really want to…" She trailed off for a moment before striding across the room to sit by Matthew. "He said he could hear you groaning and pacing all the way in his work room."

"You mean that room he panicked and threw me out of…" Matthew muttered, temporarily at a loss. He was really too stressed out for idle conversation with Roderich's Ace.

Elizaveta smiled a little, reaching out to place a hand on Matthew's shoulder. "The King is just a little… Uh… Secretive. He doesn't like people to see him at work because of what his work is. I can hardly blame him. Not many people could do what he does, let alone want to." She laughed a little. "So he's used to working alone and biding his time in solitary activities."

Matthew sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I did get that 'Leave me alone' vibe off of him…" He said quietly before finally looking up at her. "Tell him that I'm sorry for disturbing his work… I didn't realize that I was being that loud. I was just having a hard time with… All this…" Matthew gestured with his hands to the space around them. "This… Wonderland…" He said, brushing a hand through his slightly curled hair. "Yesterday I was home, living my normal life… And next I am dragged down the rabbit's hole into this place."

Elizaveta shot him a sympathetic look. "I'm sure it must be weird… I can't begin to imagine being brought to some strange world against my will." She said, standing up from her place on the bed. "But if I were you… I'd go out there and start working on getting back." The brunette beamed. "Because, moping around this quiet place isn't going to get you back there."

Matthew knew she was right. He was wasting precious time, really. Like it or not, he had to get out there and work his hardest in order to get back home. That meant getting off of his sorry ass and meeting new people. He couldn't just hide in the shadows anymore.

The blonde slowly came to his feet, nodding a little to the woman beside him. "I know… I am sorry for causing so much ruckus… I'm a guest here and I am already imposing on your King…" He said, massaging his left arm out of nervousness.

"Oh don't worry about it!" Elizaveta laughed a little. "The Clock King just has abnormally piqued senses. I couldn't hear you and I was just down the hall. And he didn't seem terribly mad when he called me to come look on you. He's a strange man but he's not a very cruel man. Nothing like that Hatter fellow you met." She said, patting Matthew's back. "But if you are going to go, please be careful. The roads of Wonderland are not safe at all. Normally I would go with you, but I have a lot of work I need to get back to… Maybe you should wait until later today…"

"No, no!" Matthew said, grabbing Elizaveta's hands. "It's okay. I can make it I think. How far is the Castle of Hearts?" He asked her, smiling a little.

Elizaveta blinked as her hands were grabbed so readily. She paused, looking at their hands and then back to Matthew. "Well it's… It's probably about a thirty minute walk if you go straight there. But it really is dangerous… Maybe I should give you something to protect yourself with…" She said, beginning to rummage through her many pockets in her work apron. After a moment she pulled out a small handgun, extending it out towards Matthew.

"No! It's okay. I think I can make it there fine." Matthew said, waving his hands. "Besides, guns only lead to violence… The last thing this place needs is any more violence…"

Elizaveta, once more, looked confused and shocked. "Everyone carries guns around here, it's like an unwritten law…" She explained, trying to hand over the gun again. "You could get really hurt if you do not carry one."

"Back where I come from, we do not carry guns at all. I don't want to start now…" Matthew insisted, shaking his head vigorously. "Please, keep it."

Elizaveta reluctantly placed the gun back in her apron, giving Matthew a feigned smile. "Alright… I'll keep it. But please be very careful, and stay away from the Hatters." She insisted. "And when you get to the Castle of Hearts, be careful to never cross the King there. He's got a temper and power to boot. Constantly sending people to lose their heads." She held her hand to her neck and made a chopping noise as she swiped it. "I nearly lost my head there once, but I escaped."

Matthew swallowed hard. "I see…"

"Before you leave… The Clock King wanted you to be properly dressed. You are in sleeping wear, aren't you? It's not some weird Outsider fashion statement, right?" Elizaveta tilted her head.

"Oh no! T-They are my pajamas… But I couldn't ask him for that much. He's already done so much for me…" Matthew insisted.

"He's already had an outfit made for you. He's really very good at guessing sizes; he did it with me too when I was first brought here. He told me that he'd have more made for you for your stay here but for now, you can wear the one he had made." Elizaveta explained. "You should go take a bath while I fetch your clothes. I'm sure it would do your nerves good…"

Matthew blushed a little. His pajamas were feeling a little stiff from sweat and he was sure he didn't smell like roses. He nodded. "Yes… I think a bath would be good…" He admitted shyly. "Could you show me to the bathroom?"

Elizaveta extended an arm towards a door off of the room. "There's a bath right through there. I will go get your new clothes and I'll be right back." She said, excusing herself from the room and shutting the doors once more behind herself.

Matthew sighed, beginning to unbutton his shirt. He let it slip off of his shoulders and onto the floor, revealing his pale, taut skin. He slid out of his pants next, baring himself to the cool room. He groaned a little, walking to the bathroom and placing a hand on the cool silver knob. He was about the turn it when he heard a light knock and then someone entering the room. Matthew whirled around, face turning bright red. He tried to cover himself quickly, to no avail.

Roderich's face went bright red as he saw the naked Outsider in entirety. He stammered for a very brief moment before turning around quickly, covering his mouth. "O-Oh dear… I came to drop off your clothes, I-I had no idea you would be… In the nude…" He held out the clothing behind his back, keeping his eyes adverted from the blonde male.

Matthew rushed over, taking the clothes and hurrying over into the bathroom. He got inside and peeked around the door at Roderich, who still had his back to him. "T-Thank you for bringing these to me…" Ha said quietly. "Y-You didn't see… Everything, did you?"

Roderich swallowed hard. He had, in fact, seen everything, but he really didn't want to tell Matthew that. "No… I did not really see anything…" He lied, trying to calm himself. "I turned around too fast to see anything." He assured, though he was really only trying to convince himself not only that he hadn't seen the Outsider naked, but also that he didn't enjoy it one bit. Not one bit.

Matthew sighed in relief. "Good… For a second I thought you had…" He said, obviously believing the Clockmaker. "I-I'm going to go take a quick bath… Then I'll be off for a little while, okay? I need to get working if I ever want to get out of here." Matthew said before shutting the bathroom door.

Roderich left the room, swallowing hard. What was it about the Outsider… That made him feel so exhilarated.

Matthew left the Clock Tower feeling indebted to Roderich. These clothes were really too much. He was used to wearing more expensive clothing because he came from a wealthy family, but the clothes Roderich had made felt as though they were woven from silk or maybe satin. For too expensive for a stranger. Not to mention the beautiful designs on the cuffs and hems of the suit. There were tiny clocks inside of the swirling embroidery.

Matthew heaved a sigh. Why did Roderich have to do all of this?

He paused in his step, looking around. "Oh great…" He muttered. "I never asked for directions… Now I'll have to go back…" He muttered to himself. Matthew was about to turn back when he heard a rustling in the bushes. He looked at it, freezing. "W-Who's there?" He asked, feeling fear rise in him again.

A tuft of blonde hair poked out of the bush, and then a head and a torso. "Hello!" The man grinned.

Matthew, startled, stepped backwards quickly, tripping. He shrieked, fumbling to try to catch himself, arms whirling around, grabbing for something to hold onto.

The stranger blinked, reaching out to grab Matthew's arms, saving him from falling. He pulled him tightly against his chest, looking down at the Outsider. "I'm sorry! Did I scare you?" He asked. "I didn't mean to, are you okay?" He looked Matthew over, a concerned look in his eyes. "I hope I didn't hurt you."

Matthew panted for a brief second, still scared out of his mind. Finally he answered, "I-I'm okay… You just startled me… I wasn't expecting a man to just… Pop up out of the bushes…" Matthew said, blushing a little out of embarrassment. The other must think he's a total wimp for screaming and tripping like he did.

"Oh, I'm glad… Um…" The blonde looked around. "You wouldn't happen to know where the Clock Tower is, would you? I'm a little lost right now and I'm supposed to meet with Roderich in a little bit…"

Matthew smiled a little, wiggling out of his embrace. "I just came out of the Clock Tower. It's just down that road…" Matthew gestured.

The stranger laughed. "I guess I wasn't too far off this time! Thanks… I'm Alfred, the Ace of the Heart Kingdom." He extended a friendly hand. "What's your name?" He asked as Matthew shook his hand gingerly.

"I'm Matthew Williams… I'm a little lost too, can you please point me to the Heart Kingdom? Since you are an Ace for the King there you must know the way, right?" He asked, tilting his head a little.

"Oh yeah! I can show you the way if you want!" Alfred offered with a huge grin. "I know a great short cut! We'll be there in no time!"

"T-That's really nice of you, but don't you have an appointment with Roderich?" Matthew asked, not wishing to impose on the stranger.

"Oh it's no big deal! I have lots of time beforehand. I can show you to Heart Castle and be back with ten minutes to spare easily, trust me!" Alfred laughed a little, patting Matthew's back gently. "I promise I can get you there really fast."

Matthew smiled wide. "If you're absolutely sure, alright." He answered, nodding vigorously. "Yes please."

Alfred grinned. "Cool! Follow me, Mattie!" Alfred waved for him to follow as he began walking.

It was not long at all before they came upon a building, though Matthew remembered the Hershey's kissed tops and glittering stained glass from the day before. He panicked inwardly when he heard the all too familiar shout of the albino man who had nearly shot him dead not too long before. He whirled around, a terrified look on his face.

"Hey! What are you doing here again! He shouted towards Matthew. He looked at Alfred and glared. "And you! Why do you keep popping up to harass me!"

Alfred feigned a hurt look. "But Gilly, I can't help it if I get lost a lot! Is it so bad though? You always help me out…"

Gilbert growled, winging out his pistol and aiming it for Alfred's head. "Shut up you bastard! I don't help you because it's you! I helped you once and that's only because I was showing off how awesome I can be! But even the awesome me runs out of patience, and I'll tell you something, you're wearing me awful thin…!"

Matthew yelped as the gun fired, but saw Alfred lean out of the way just in time for it to pass.

"Go hide in the trees, okay Mattie?" Alfred warned, a grin adorning his features.

Matthew had no choice but to comply, hurrying into the trees would be his only chance of not getting filled full of holes like Swiss cheese. He hid behind a thick old tree and peeked around to watch Alfred draw some kind of sword. "Oh jeez…" He breathed out. "Someone is going to get seriously hurt…!"

"I see you are causing trouble again, Gilbert~" A deep voice purred. "Didn't I tell you not to bother the Outsider? It would be a waste for him to die by your hands…" The Russian male walked up from behind the albino, placing a large, and no doubt strong, hand on his shoulder. "Put that thing away before you shoot your eye out."

Matthew frowned, stepping out from behind the tree to be next to Alfred.

"I am sorry, again, for his trigger-happy ways." Ivan smiled wide. "I hope no one got hurt…"

Alfred smiled. "It's fine. I'm not mad or anything."

Ivan chuckled. "So I see that you got lost while traveling to the Castle of Hearts… Again?" He asked. Upon receiving a nod, Ivan gestured. "Follow this road…" He pointed to a road to their left, "And you should be there in fifteen minutes… There are signs on the road, da?" Ivan raised an eyebrow. "Didn't the Queen put them up all over to help guide you?"

"You know how much he hates being called a Queen, Hatter." Alfred's gaze hardened. "I'm playing nice with you as it is… Don't think for a second that I actually like you, Spade King."

Ivan chuckled. "Oh, I apologize… It's just after I saw him in that gown I got confused."

Alfred grit his teeth. "He was drink and you know it."

Ivan smiled and put his hands on his hips. "Well now I think you had best to be on your way… We have places that we must be going as well, Ace of Hearts." He said smartly, beginning down the opposite trail that Alfred and Matthew were to travel.

Matthew breathed out a sigh of relief just as Alfred spoke. "I really hate that guy…" He muttered before taking Matthew's hand. "Let's hurry and get to the Castle." He said, pulling Matthew along like a rag doll.

Matthew followed, laughing a little. "Alright, alright, I'm coming…!"