Chapter Three: It's Time

Vivaldi hugged her stuffed bear tightly as she watched Alice sip her tea. "We are so glad you came to visit us."

Alice nodded slightly, feeling a bit guilty for not really wanting to come.

The Queen stroked her bear's head. "We were feeling a bit down after a awful visit from the Ace of Spades."

"Ace of Spades?" She bit her lip.

Peter White said not to mention the Ace... but certainly it was all right since Vivaldi had mentioned him first.

The Queen nodded. "We do not like him."

Not really surprising. Alice thought.

"Is there a reason why?" she asked.

Vivaldi pursed her lips. Perhaps I should tell her... No, it is not for a foreigner to know these things. But... if Spades plans something against her.

"Spades... he is much different," Vivaldi hesitated. "He is much different than before we and the others first became role-holders."

Alice cocked her head.

"There is... much we need to tell you about him and... and some other things."

"Other things?"

Vivaldi set her bear aside then grasped Alice's hands tightly and held them in her lap. "It's time you knew more about Wonderland."

Flashback (Vivaldi)

"Vivaldi! Vivaldiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiii!"

Vivaldi looked up and smiled at her younger brother running toward her.

"Vivi!" Blood panted heavily as he flopped down beside his sister.

"You're late."

Blood gave her an apologetic grin. "Sorry. I got delayed by Kadin and Keary."

If she had eyes, Blood could swear they had lit up just then.

"I see... I suppose I could forgive just this once."

Blood grinned. "Keary wanted me to give you this."

He held out a red rose to his blushing sister.

"That was... sweet of him," his sister replied as she accepted the flower.

*Clickety clack, click click clack*

Vivaldi suddenly sat up. "Was Mother having visitors today?"

Blood cocked his head. "Not that I remember. But, Vivi, none of Mother's friends have carriages."

Vivaldi pursed her lips slightly.

Carriages? Could it be?

"Wait here, Blood."

"But-"

Vivaldi gave her brother a reassuring smile. "I'll be right back. I promise."

But she was not able to keep that promise. For on that day, she became the queen of hearts and had to leave the life she once knew behind. She had a new life to live in this game.

She was now different from her brother and friends. She was no longer allowed to associate herself with them. Unless...unless they too became role-holders.

End Flashback (Vivaldi)

Vivaldi sighed softly.

That was when everything and everyone slowly started to change.

But now, it was almost as if Alice had come to change all that.

The Queen glanced over at the sleeping outsider. A small smile appeared on her lips.

Alice had slowly made everyone change again, but this time for the better.

The smile widened on Vivaldi's face.

Yes, Alice was here to change Wonderland into a better place.

(A few hours later...)

Alice sat up quickly. "Vivaldi!"

She blushed in embarrassment when she realized she was in bed.

When did I come here and fall asleep?

She furrowed her brows. The last thing she remembered was something about a Kadin and a Keary? She shook her head. Vivaldi was telling her something about the past, but poor Alice had fallen asleep.

Alice rubbed her eyes. The re-adjusting to Wonderland time was definitely the reason she was sleepy. She just hoped Vivaldi would not be angry at her for falling asleep.

She yawned. Perhaps she'd stay at the castle a little longer as an apology to the Queen.

"Queen Vivaldi." Peter White shifted nervously. "Are you sure it is wise to tell Alice about er... about all this?"

Vivaldi sent a warning glare to her Prime Minister. "Of course, we are sure. We would not do it if we thought it was unwise."

Peter sighed. "I don't think it would be good for Alice."

"Silence!" the Queen commanded. "We only wish the best for Alice. She deserves to know about this."

Peter frowned slightly. He would trust her... for now. But if any of this hurt Alice in any way, Vivaldi would pay dearly for it, Queen or not.

*Creak!*

The doors to the Royal Hall opened.

Vivaldi's eyebrow twitched. "We really must get someone to fix that door..." She gave an angered look at Peter.

"Yes, Your Highness," the rabbit sighed and quickly slipped out the side door of the hall.

Two card servants bowed as the entered the hall. "Alice is here to see you, Your Highness."

Vivaldi waved her scepter at them. "Let her in."

The servants bowed again and escorted Alice in.

"Good morning, Vivaldi."

The Queen smiled at her guest. "Good morning, Alice. Did you sleep well?"

Alice blushed slightly. "Yes, and I apologize for falling asleep during our conversation last night."

"It is all right. We knew you must have been exhausted after dealing with Peter White. We feel the same when having to deal with him all the time."

Alice bit back a smirk. She thought it would be rather interesting to see the rabbit and Queen stuck together for an entire day, just the two of them. She shook her head. Then again, maybe not. Things could get very ugly if the two were left alone.

"Are you about to leave? We can have one of our servants escort you back to the Clock Tower."

Alice shook her head. "I was going to stay a little longer. I still have some time before returning to Julius."

The Queen brightened. "Wonderful! We are glad you are staying longer. Shall we take a walk through the gardens?"

Alice nodded. "That would be nice."

Lost yet again.

Ace sighed and scratched the back of his head.

How did he end up getting lost in the castle's gardens? Of all places, he should know the Castle of Hearts best! But no, he got lost just as easily as anywhere else. He was just lucky that he never accidentally wandered off and got lost in one of the other countries.

It usually didn't bother him that much, but today was different. Spades had his mind preoccupied.

Spades, his older brother and closest friend.

Ace sighed again. At least that what he use to be to me.

He sank down onto the soft grass and looked up into the bright sky. The Queen probably didn't need him so he'd just stay here awhile. If he was needed, a card servant would stumble upon him sooner or later.

He yawned and stretched. No need to hurry. His duties would call for him eventually.

"These roses are lovely. Your gardeners keep them very well."

Ace sat up quickly. Alice?

He peeked around the hedge he was sitting behind.

Sure enough there was Alice along with Queen Vivaldi walking toward him.

Ace was on his feet and behind the next hedge over instantly.

"Thank you, dear Alice. We make sure they tend to them very well."

"They smell wonderful too. Are they the same as the ones at Blood's mansion?" Alice asked.

Ace shifted uneasily behind his new hiding place.

"Yes, we had him give us some for our gardens."

"That was... nice of him."

*Tmp. Tmp. Tmp*

"Um, Your Highness?"

Ace cocked his head slightly. A servant? Messenger maybe?

"What is it?" the Queen asked sharply.

"W-Well um. It's about the doors. Sir Peter White says you are needed."

Ace chuckled to himself. It was about time those old doors got fixed.

Vivaldi sighed. "We will be there shortly."

Ace heard the soft rustle of Vivaldi's dress turning.

"Will you be all right by yourself, Alice?"

"I'll be fine, Vivaldi."

"Do be careful, dear Alice. We don't want you harmed in any way. Shall we send for a servant to escort you?"

"No... It's all right, Vivaldi. I can go alone."

The Queen sighed. "All right then."

*Rustle rustle*

Ace leaned closer to the edge of the hedge. The Queen was leaving. So now, just to wait for Alice to-

"Ace?"

Ace felt his heart jump. "A-Alice!"

She cocked her head slightly. "What are you doing here?"

Ace quickly pasted a smile on his face and chuckled. "Getting lost, of course."

Alice sighed. "I should have guessed."

"What brings you to the castle?"

"Brought. I'm leaving now."

Ace huffed. "What brought you to the castle then?"

"You got me lost last evening so Peter took me to stay here for the night."

"Of course... The rabbit. Slipped my mind."

"If you'll excuse me, I must be heading back to Julius."

Ace blocked her way. "So soon? I've barely gotten a chance to see you since last night."

"And I would rather have it stay that way, Kadin," she retorted.

Ace blinked. "Kadin?"

Alice gasped and covered her mouth. Why had she blurted that name out? Vivaldi did mention that the two boys she spoke of were now role-holders, but Alice did not recall who those names had belonged to.

The knight narrowed his red eyes at her. "Who told you that name?"

Alice wished she could just disappear. "Uh... um."

Ace took a step closer to her. "Who... told... you?"

Alice shivered in spite of herself. "I-I..."

Ace grabbed her shoulders. "Who?!"

Alice's breath hitched. "V-V..."

Ace suddenly released her, causing her to stumble back.

"The Queen, eh?" The knight frowned. "What else did she tell you?"

"N-nothing," Alice managed to whisper.

The knight took a step toward her.

"Nothing! I promise!" she gasped out.

Ace's frown deepened. "This is just the beginning..."

Alice bit her lip. "The beginning of what?"

Ace glanced at her. "It's not time for you to know yet."

"But-"

Alice blinked in surprised.. The knight was already gone.

Flashback (Spades-Keary)

"It's not fair. Why did they pick her to be the next Queen of Hearts? Why Vivaldi?" Blood demanded.

Blood's friends shrugged.

"It is a game after all."

"Easy for you to say, Keary," Blood snapped. "You still have your siblings."

Keary pursed his lips. "We can change that."

Kadin and Blood glanced up at the dark-haired boy.

"What do you mean?"

Keary smirked slightly. "We could all become role-holders too."

Kadin cocked his head. "But how?"

Keary tossed his head proudly. "Easy. Here's how you do it. You make them notice you."

Blood pursed his lips. "And how do you suppose we do that?"

"By getting rid of the ones that are role-holders now."

"Y-Y-You aren't serious, right?" Blood stuttered.

Keary laughed. "Of course I am. But," his face darkened slightly. "that would be the only way unless we got lucky like Vivaldi."

"You... you aren't planning on killing anybody, are you?" Kadin asked timidly.

Keary snorted. "Of course not! I'd be the one dead not the role-holder.

Kadin sighed in relief. "Good..."

End Flashback (Spades-Keary)

Spades snorted softly to himself. Hearts had been too much of a softy before he became an Ace. Ah well, at least he was slowly losing that softness.

"Thinking of old days?"

Spades stiffened and frowned deeply. "Nightmare."

Nightmare chuckled. "Yesss. It's me."

"Shouldn't you be doing paperwork or something?"

"That wouldn't be any of your concern now, would it? Besides I've got Gray handling things."

Spades rolled his eyes. "You just decided to pop in because you heard I was here."

"Perhaps," Nightmare replied coyly.

"Well I'm sorry to say I don't have time to be chatting with caterpillars."

"Oy!"

Spades smirked. "Your paperwork is calling, little caterpillar."

"It is not! I told you Gray is taking care of things!"

"The Country of Clover is calling you back to work," Spades sang.

"It is not! What would you know anyways?!"

"I know Gray well enough to know that he'll be dragging you back to your paperwork at any moment."

"Gray wouldn't! He knows this is more important!"

"Sure, sure," the Ace scoffed.

Nightmare broke into a coughing fit.

*Hack, hack! Cough, HACK!*

"You little *cough* I'm leaving you only this time. But when I return, *cough, hack!* I won't go easy on you! You can't go around the Country of Hearts like you once did. *cough, cough, hack*"

Spades rolled his eyes again.

It didn't matter what Nightmare said. Spades could enter the Country of Hearts at any time he wished. There wasn't a rule against it.

Yet. A rule against it yet, his conscience reminded him.

Spades frowned. That rule will never be made, not until I finish what I need to do here. I need to put that little outsider in her place and get my stupid brother thinking right. But first, I need to make a nice visit to the Hatter Mansion.

The knight smirked evilly. The Mad Hatter would be his last visit in the Country of Hearts for now. He would return later for his true purpose.

Flashback (Blood)

"Master Dupre, welcome to your new home."

Blood looked up at the Hatter Mansion in front of him. He gulped nervously. This was to be his home? This scary place?

"I... I want to go back."

The faceless butler gave Blood an eerie grin. "But you can't, young master. You have a role to play."

"I don't want this role! I just want Vivi back!"

Blood turned away from the butler and ran. He didn't care where. Just somewhere away from the creepy mansion and away from his new role.

"B-Blood?"

Blood gasped and turned around, fists ready.

"Kadin! Don't scare me like that!" he scolded.

Kadin gave Blood a small sheepish grin. "Sorry."

"Wait! You! You! You have eyes!"

"So do you!"

The two boys stared at each other in wonder.

"That means..."

"You're a role-holder too!" they both yelled.

Blood nodded sadly. "I'm suppose to be the Mad Hatter."

"Oh..."

"You?"

"I'm the Ace of Hearts."

Blood's eyes light up. "Then you get to see Vivaldi!"

Kadin nodded. "Yeah... but it's not the same."

"What do you mean?"

Kadin wrinkled his nose. "She talks different. She's always calling herself 'we' and stuff. She's really mean too."

Blood frowned. "Vivi is not mean!"

Kadin sighed. "So what are you doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be at the Hatter Mansion?"

Blood snorted. "Shouldn't you be at the Castle of Hearts?"

Kadin rolled his eyes. "I ran away."

"Why?"

"Because!"

"If you tell me why, I'll tell you why I'm here and not at the mansion."

Kadin sighed through his nose. "Fine." He took a deep breath. "I don't want to be a role-holder."

Blood gasped softly. "You too?"

Kadin nodded. "I just want things to go back to how they were before."

"Is... Keary a role-holder too?"

Kadin nodded again, but sadly this time. "Yeah... he's... different now. Even more than Vivaldi."

"How so?"

"KADIN!"

Kadin and Blood winced.

"You'll see now."

*Slash! Crack! Slash, slash!*

"Kadin!" Keary frowned at his younger brother as he pushed some broken brush out of his way.

Kadin kicked at the dirt. "Hi, Keary."

"It's Spades now, Kadin. S, p, a, d, e, s, Spades."

"Sorry... Spades."

Blood frowned at Keary. "What's up with your outfit and the sword?"

Keary glanced at Blood. "Oh, it's you. The new Mad Hatter, correct?"

"News travels fast."

"Because it has to these days."

"So lemme guess, you're an Ace too?"

Keary nodded proudly. "And you better watch your back."

Blood scowled. "What's that suppose to mean?"

"As of now, you and I are enemies." Keary's black eyes glinted evilly. "I won't hesitate to kill you if needed."

"K-Keary... I mean Spades!" Kadin stood in front of his friend.

Keary narrowed his eyes at his brother. "Kadin, you know that goes for you as well."

Kadin gulped nervously.

"Although, I admit I would be slightly hesitant."

Blood glared at Keary. "What's wrong with you, Keary?"

"Nothing's wrong with me. Something's wrong with you now. Rules are different now that we're role-holders."

"Keary!"

"It's Spades now, Blood. I'm no longer your friend."

"Keary..."

"Come on, Kadin." Keary grabbed his younger brother away from Blood. "You're needed back at the Castle of Hearts."

"Keary!" Blood cried out.

The young knight glanced back at Blood. "This is good-bye, Blood."

"But Keary!" Blood cried out again. "Is this what you wanted?"

The knight turned his face away and continued to drag his brother away from the new Hatter. "It doesn't matter if I wanted it or not. I'm just trying to survive."

"But what about Kadin and Kineta? Do they want this?"

The knight ignored Blood and disappeared into the brush with his brother.

"Keary!"

End Flashback (Blood)

Blood rubbed his temples hard.

What in Wonderland had caused him to remember that?

"Mister Blood? Are you all right?"

Blood glanced at the card servant standing beside him. "I'm all right. Is this all Pat needed me to look at?"

The servant nodded. "The Queen requested that you stop by the Castle of Diamonds if you can spare the time, Mister Blood."

Blood pursed his lips. The question was not could he spare the time, but rather did he want to spare the time. Oh it wasn't like he did not like the Queen of Diamonds. She was tolerable and did good business with him. There was not anything to dislike about her. Why he hesitated? Well, he had that on his mind and the Queen was sure to sense it. Oh bother the Queen! As a new role-holder, she was too curious about the past. Blood snorted softly to himself. All the inhabitants of the Country of Diamonds were too curious for their own good.

"I'm afraid I cannot spare the time. Please give the Queen my regrets."

The servant bowed low. "Yes, Mister Blood."

Blood glanced as the card servant hurried away.

"Tsk, tsk. Not visiting the Queen? Something must be upsetting you, my friend."

Blood sighed through his nose. "Perceptive as always, Pat."

Pat gave the hatter a dog-like grin. "But of course."

"Here are the papers you requested." Blood held the papers out to Pat.

Pat cocked one of his wolf-like ears. "Oh yes. Thank you."

"I hope we can have this deal finished by the end of the week?"

Pat nodded. "Of course, of course." He cocked his ear once again. "Blood?"

"Yes?"

Pat frowned, twitching his wolf-like tail. "Something is really bothering you."

"It's nothing to worry about," the hatter quickly replied.

Pat's frowned deepened.

"Blooooooood!"

Blood and Pat winced.

"BLOOD!"

Blood gave an annoyed look to the hare that was now beside him. "What is it, Elliot?"

The hare panted heavily. "Blood!"

Pat's ear twitched angrily. "You don't have to keep yelling his name. He can hear you quite well. If you keep yelling, he will end up going deaf and I will have to call out the Ace of Diamonds to deal with you."

Elliot glared at Pat then turned back to Blood. "Blood, you really need to return."

Blood raised an eyebrow. "Is it our dear Mary Gowland at it again?"

The hare shook his head hard as Pat bit back a chuckle. "No, it's worse than that."

Blood frowned. "Worse?"

"It's the Ace of Spades. I heard he's coming toward your mansion."

Blood's frown deepened. "How long until he arrives?"

Elliot paused to think a moment. "Um... fifteen minutes?"

Blood nodded at his assistant then turned back to Pat. "I'm afraid I must take my leave now."

"I understand. We can always continue this at a later time."

Blood nodded once again before turning away to head back to his home, the Country of Hearts.

He set his lip in a firm line as he lightly tapped his cane against his side. Why is he here? And why now?

Elliot walked silently beside him, ears twitching nervously.

Blood tapped his cane harder against his side. Of all times, why now? I thought I had finally forgotten him. Everything was turning out so well. Alice had kept my mind nicely preoccupied and then he shows up.

"Um, Blood?"

"What?" the hatter snapped.

Elliot's ears stiffened. "Sorry... I was just um wondering what was on your mind."

"Shouldn't you check up on the Bloody Twins?" Blood asked sharply.

Elliot's ears drooped slightly. "Yes, Blood. Right away..."

Blood sighed as Elliot start to leave. "I'll be fine, Elliot."

Elliot turned slightly and cracked a small grin. "Don't hesitate to call me if that Spades gives you any trouble."

Blood smiled slightly. "I will."

His smile faded as Elliot hurried on ahead of him and soon disappeared.

He was alone... until the Ace of Spades showed up.

He gripped his cane tightly. Calm down... Just calm yourself, Blood. Act cool. You've dealt with Spades before and you can do it again. Spades isn't anything to worry about.

He took in a few deep breaths before arriving at the front of his mansion.

*Rustle, rustle*

"Ah, so the Mad Hatter has finally arrived. Blood Dupre, it's been awhile."

Blood turned to glare at the knight who was now standing behind him. "Why are you here?"

"To see you of course." The knight smirked.

Blood raised an eyebrow. "And why do I deserve such an honor?"

"Deserve?" Spades snorted. "You don't deserve anything."

Blood felt his heart throb.

-You don't deserve anything.-

That... That was the reason Alice could not be his, wasn't it? He didn't deserve her.

He let a cold smile appear on his lips. "And neither do you, Spades."

The knight smirked again. "You haven't changed a bit since you became the Mad Hatter." Spades laughed. "Mad Hatter. How well your role's name suits you."

Blood's eyebrow twitched sightly. "And sadly, you haven't changed either. What do you want here?"

"Oh nothing really," Spades assured.

The hatter raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Spades grinned evilly. "Just some information. I'm sure you can give me that."

Blood's frowned deepened. "Shouldn't you be returning to the Country of Spades?"

"Oh, I have plenty of time. My queen doesn't mind people being late. She's not as violent as a certain queen we both know."

Blood shot another glare at Spades. "What information do you want?"

Spades' grin widened. "The whereabouts of your dear outsider." The ace's eye glittered mischievously. "Alice."

Blood felt his heart throb once more. "And why would you need to know that? She is no business of yours."

Spades fingers brushed casually against his sword. "Oh, but she is. Yessss, everyone's dear dear Alice is now very much my business."

Blood's grip tightened around his cane.

Spades smirked once more. "Are you ready, Blood? It's time to play."

Blood's cane changed into a gun. "I am always ready to play."

Spades laughed. "We'll see who wins this round, won't we?"

*Bang!*

Alice covered her ears.

What in Wonderland could that have been?!

*Bang! Piiiiing! Bang! Bang!*

Oh bother! It was probably just another fight. She still hadn't gotten use to the "normal" activities of Wonderland.

She had just recovered from her little "conversation" with Ace. Now to have to remember the little fights and wars going around. She sighed deeply. Would that ever change? Would there ever be a moment where she could walk peacefully through all the territories of the Country of Hearts? She wished it would change.

"Oh-le? Isn't it Alice onee-san?"

Alice blink and looked up to see the Bloody Twins in the trees above her.

"Dee and Dum!"

"Onee-san!" the twins yelled happily as they jumped down from their perches.

They glomped her. "Alice onee-san!"

"Hi," was her muffled reply.

"Did you come to see us? Or did the Boss invite you? Please say you'll stay!" the twins begged.

Alice managed to push the twins aside. "I was on my way back to the Clock Tower."

"Aww," the twins pouted. "You haven't visited us since you came back."

Dee and Dum gave Alice sad frowns.

She sighed. "I suppose a short visit will be all right."

"YAY!" the twins yelled happily.

Alice tried to smile. Here we go... Off to see Blood.

Author's Note: Phew! I got a long chapter done this time! :D So proud of myself haha. I hope you guys enjoy it. X3

Special thanks to Koo Kid for acting as my editor. ;) I don't know what I'd do without him.

And for clarification just in case- Kadin is the now Ace of Hearts and Keary is the now Ace of Spades. Hope that helps you. ^^"

Just a note that Pat is based of a real Alice in Wonderland character except he has wolf-like ears and a wolf-like tail. ^^;; Couldn't help giving him those teehee. Aaaand I'm sorry guys but I can't tell you who Kineta is yet. But trust me it'll be soon.

Aaaand lastly, the title was inspired by the song "Humanoids" by TVXQ. X3

Author's Response to Reviews:

TwixTheTwit- I love this story so far, like how you added the Ace of Spades and that the Ace we all know and him are brothers.

Thanks! I'm glad you like it. :D I thought it'd be interesting for Ace (Hearts) to have a sibling.

FallenAngelVamp- 2 chapters all already and I fell in love. I lyk hw yu did wit a clover and a heart Ace. Please update soon and this is da story that caught my sight in this fanfic. ;3

Aw thank you! I'm glad you're liking it. I hope you enjoy this update.