Again, your reviews motivated me, people :'D Thank you so much!

Now, I won't make you wait any longer, people~ *jumps into box*

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Pandora Hearts or any of its characters. All of it belongs to Jun Mochizuki.

VI. Mixed Emotions

[3rd Person P.O.V.]

In the Rainsworth mansion, Alice was thinking hard to answer Oz's question.

"Does the name 'Lacie' seem familiar to you?"

And after a long time of silence, Alice blurted out her honest answer.

"No. Wait, what does that name have to do with anything? Does it mean anything at all?" Alice asked continuously, a curious look on her face.

Oz nodded a bit. "You may not understand it immediately… but it means a lot, Alice. I mean it," Oz stated in a calm, gentle tone. He knew Alice wouldn't understand it at first glance; he also knew that when one talks to a curious Alice, one should expect questions from time to time.

"Really?" Alice asked, a bit amazed, "Then tell me about it! Tell me, Oz! Speak up!"

"A-A-Alice… it isn't as simple as it seems. Are you really sure you want me to continue?"

"Oz," Alice said firmly. Oz sighed at the mention of his name. He took that as a yes. "Okay then, Alice," Oz replied, taking a deep breath, "The Will of the Abyss is your… twin, isn't it?"

Alice looked down. "Y-yes… why?"

"Meaning to say, she is your sister, right?" Oz asked. It was silent for a moment before Alice finally responded with a "yes".

"Alice… do you know who your mother is?"

"M-Mother?" Alice repeated, suddenly looking up to face Oz. That thought hadn't hit her before in any way at all. "N-No, I don't think so, Oz.."

"Now, Alice… stay calm," Oz said, silently hoping that Alice wouldn't make a big fuss, "What if I told you... that Lacie is your mother?"

Outside the Rainsworth mansion, the sun was shining, its rays striking the roof. And it seemed as though the sky had forgotten about all the things that had happened the day before.

On the outside, it may seem peaceful, happy, or rather, simply tranquil. But as soon as one normal being enters the mansion, it can be quickly sensed that there was a tense atmosphere in the air; Pandora members walking here and there, talking about the nightmare called yesterday, rumors spreading (or rather, facts) about Rufus Barma's seemingly shocking betrayal, and a whole lot of various things.

But still, there were some people who weren't so naïve to be shocked about this so-called betrayal, and one of them was Xerxes Break. Surprised, yes, but it wasn't enough to make him badmouth the ahoge duke every step of the way during that day. Also, along with Sharon, he didn't want to think about that now. What bothered him now, aside from Duchess Sheryl Rainsworth's condition (which bothered Sharon), was the contents of Arthur Barma's diary that had a connection to Jack Vessalius.

At the same time, as all of these events were happening, Gilbert can be seen sulking the whole time. He hadn't done nor eaten anything decent yet. And this was simply because he can't get over the things he had discovered about his past the day before.

[Gilbert's P.O.V.]

I simply sat on an easy chair that day, not wanting to get off. I also wasn't in the mood to light a cigarette, something I usually did. But on top of it all, there's absolutely no way in hell that I'd cry because of the situation, even more because God knows that I already cried my heart out yesterday. Not now. Not when my master might've been suffering something heavier than what I'm carrying right now.

Wait a minute. Speaking of Master Oz, I hadn't seen him around this morning. He also seemed to be silent ever since yesterday. And one more thing… I caught him staring at the stupid rabbit last night. But for some reason, while he was doing that… his eyes seemed to be full of sorrow. He seemed to be regretting something… something that I knew nothing about.

Crap… I hope he's not carrying something heavy again. Otherwise, I'd really blame myself for it.

It's done! DONE! *kicked out of the box*

I hope you all liked it!

Reviews/Comments/Criticisms/Suggestions?