I'm going to refer to England/UK as England when I use his country name because I never know whether to call him England or UK, so I figure it will just be easier to use what most people call him.

I came up with another pairing idea:

Ace x Julius (I think their relationship is a bit cute at times, and Julius is the only one besides Alice that Ace concerns himself with.)

I forgot to put Spamano as one of the pairings in the last chapter.

This chapter will contain a bit of an OOC Russia and Ukraine. Also, sorry if the description of the inside of the clock tower is not accurate, but I have only seen a bit of it in the Manga.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia: Axis Powers or Joker/Clover/Heart no Kuni no Alice, those rights belong to Hidekaz Himaruya and Quin Rose respectively.

Belarus is pulling his arm so hard that he feels like it is going to be ripped right out of its socket if she doesn't let up soon.

"Belarus, let go! You're going to pull my arm right out of its socket if you don't slow down!" Arthur yells, startling Belarus.

"What...?" Belarus stops, looking at the tight grip she has on Arthur's arm. Her eyes widen and she drops his arm immediately.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pull your arm so hard, I was just lost in my thoughts."

Arthurs eyes widen, never expecting that she would apologize, but then again he never expected her to hug him either, but she did. What exactly happened to her in this world? Her personality seems more tame than the Belarus he remembers.

"Oh...err...it's okay, we all get lost in our thoughts..." Arthur says awkwardly, not really knowing how to respond to this seemingly new Belarus, but then again, he never really knows how to respond to Belarus in general, different or not.

"Right...well anyways, it looks like we made it to the clock tower while I was lost in my thoughts." Belarus says, turning to the right and looking at something.

Arthur turns as well to see what she is looking at. The sight before him is a tall, cylindrical tower with numbered pillars and a village surrounding it. It is quite impressive, but being as old as he is, he has seen better.

"Welcome to the clock tower. We should head inside and see if Julius is home, which he most likely is. I know you must have questions, but wait until we get inside to ask." Belarus says, muttering what sounds like 'workaholic' under her breath and dragging him into the tower.

Arthur Kirkland. The name has a nice ring to it, and the person himself is not bad looking either. Pale skin, short, messy blonde hair and beautiful green eyes. He would probably look even better if he got rid of those bushy eyebrows. But it is not his looks that interest him. No. It is the mysteriousness surrounding his appearance. He shows up out of nowhere and he happens to know Alice, then it was revealed that her real name is Natalia and that she has re-gained her memories. There is also something about this Arthur character that seems intriguing. He would like to get to know him better.

"I wonder if Nightmare knows of this new development. He seems to know everything that goes on, so he must. Still, I think I should make sure he does. I may need his help for certain...things."

"And what are these certain things?" Nightmare. He must have been spying again.

Indeed as Blood turns to look behind him, he see's Nightmare along with his Gray Ringmarc, who is almost always found by Nightmare's side.

"Nightmare, I should have known you were spying on me, but I'm glad you're here. I need your help again."

"Let me guess, you found out Alice has been trying to go home again, so you want me to help you keep her here." Nightmare says, a knowing look on his face.

"I'm not surprised you know that Alice was trying to leave, but yes, that is what I need your help with. Also, I wanted to tell you that something interesting happened today." Blood says, trying to read Nightmare as he says this, but his calm facial expression is giving nothing away.

"Oh, what happened?"

"Another foreigner appeared in Wonderland today, a guy who knows 'Alice.'" Blood says, making sure to put emphasis on 'Alice.'

He may not of got a reaction out of Nightmare before, but he did now. Nightmare is staring at him with wide eyes while Gray looks confused, looking at Nightmare with a bit of concern. He probably thinks Nightmare is going to puke blood or faint with how pale he is right now.

"A foreigner that knows Alice? Did he tell you his name?" Nightmare asks, trying not to look frantic, but failing.

"He said his name is Arthur Kirkland."

Nightmare pales even further.

"This is not good."

Blood frowns. "What do you mean? Do you know him?"

Nightmare nods. "I do. I met him some years ago."

"Wait, then does that mean he has been to Wonderland before?"

"No, this is his first time visiting Wonderland."

"Then how did you meet him?" Blood asks, thinking about what Nightmare told him. He has met this Arthur Kirkland before, but not in Wonderland. If that is the case, then that would mean he had to have met Arthur in his world, which is plausible since Nightmare is the only one in Wonderland that can travel to other worlds like Alice's.

"That's correct. I met him in his world." Nightmare says, reading his mind.

"You know, it's really annoying when you do that."

Nightmare just waves a dismissing hand at him, looking more calm now than he had before, which brings him to another question.

"Why were you so panicky earlier?"

"Oh, that. Well, I had a feeling you were going to tell me that the foreigner is Arthur. Also, the way you said Alice's name suggests that she has her real memories back." Nightmare says, looking nervous.

"Now that you mention it, she did say that you did something to her memories and confessed that her real name is Natalia."

"So it's just as I feared." Nightmare says, looking as if someone just told him he has to go to the hospital.

"What is?"

"I gave Natalia fake memories when Peter brought her to Wonderland. I'm sure she has told you that I made her think she was a girl named Alice and that her sister is dead."

"Yeah, why did you do that anyway?"

"I have my reasons. As I was saying, I had a feeling that when you brought her back to Wonderland, she re-gained her memories. From what you have told me, it looks like I was right. I must say though, she did a pretty good job of hiding it."

"Hiding what, her secret?"

"Partially, yes."

"What do you mean partially?"

"You'll see." Nightmare says mysteriously as he walks out of Blood's office, a confused Gray following him.

Blood sighs, wondering what Nightmare meant by that. More importantly though, Nightmare never said whether or not he would help him keep Alice in Wonderland.

Germany sighs, walking into the room where the world meeting is being held to see a sight that he is not in the least bit surprised by: nations fighting. Like usual, America is yelling something about creating a giant superhero to save the world from global warming. Japan agrees with him, which has Switzerland yelling at him to state his own opinion. China is offering everyone snacks, Prussia, who must have snuck into the meeting again, is yelling about how awesome he is, Canada is being invisible (he almost didn't notice him), France is being perverted, Norway is choking Denmark with his tie while trying to get Iceland to call him big brother, Finland is nervously watching everyone argue with Sweden sitting next to him quietly, Spain is trying to hug Romano, who pushes him away, and Italy is talking about pasta. As for the other nations, they, like Finland, are watching the other nations argue, except for Greece, who like usual, is sleeping.

However, he can't help but feel like something is different, but what could it be? He gets his answer as he looks to where the three Baltic states are staring at Russia. Now this is not unusual, but normally they stare at him in fear, not concern. Looking at Russia, Germany is shocked to see that he is not smiling his usual innocent smile and he is not scaring people. In fact, if he didn't know any better, it looks like Russia is...worried? But that can't be, Russia doesn't worry about anything. Another thing he noticed is that while France is being his usual perverted self, he is looking around the room as if he is searching for something.

Come to think of it, Germany doesn't see England (who would be arguing with France by now) anywhere, which is weird since England is always on time to meetings.

First things first, if he wants answers, he will have to get everyone under control.

Slamming his hands on the table, Germany yells. "Everyone shut up!"

Like usual, it works as every nation stops fighting and turns their attention to him.

"Germany!" Italy yells, waving to him excitedly.

"Hey Italy." Germany says, trying not to blush. He turns his attention to the other nations. "Does anyone know where England is?"

The other nations minus France, who noticed his usual arguing partner is missing, and Russia, who perks up a bit at the mention of England, look around the room as if just noticing England is missing.

"Hey, wait a minute, where is Iggy?" America says loudly, now looking worried.

"It is not like him to be late." Japan comments. Germany can tell he is worried despite his usual blank face.

"Yes, usually he's on time. Does anyone know where he is?" Germany asks, looking around at all the nations.

"No."

"How would I know where he is, potato bastard."

"Nope."

"This is weird. Where could he be?"

"What if he is in trouble!? Don't worry Iggy, your hero will save you!" America shouts over everyone.

America can imagine it now. He will rush in and defeat the bad guy holding his Iggy captive. England will be so grateful and swoon at how manly and heroic he is.

"...to see him?" Germany's voice brings him out of his daydream.

"Huh, what'd ya say?" America asks, confused. The other nations sigh, knowing America spacing out is a normal thing, especially when it concerns his former caretaker.

"I said, who was the last person to see England?" Germany repeats.

"I don't Know."

"It wasn't me."

"Or me."

"I haven't seen him since the last world meeting."

"I saw him recently." Everyone's heads whip around to look at Russia.

America is the first to react.

"WHAT DID YOU DO WITH HIM!?" America yells, grabbing Russia by the collar. The nations back away from the two superpowers. Only America is stupid enough to pick a fight with the scary Russian. With his strength and Russia's pipe, things could get ugly.

So it's surprising when all Russia does is pry America's hands off his collar and calmly says. "Calm down comrade. All I did was ask for his help with something."

Hearing this calms America down a little, but he still looks ready to hit Russia should he say something he doesn't like.

"What did you need his help for?" France asks the taller nation with caution.

The nations are shocked when Russia stiffens, turning away from them. "That is my business."

America glares at him. "Listen, this is no time for secrets! England might be in trouble, so whatever information you can give us might be helpful!"

"I hate to say it, but the idiot is right." France says, causing America to yell "Hey!" at him.

The nations watch as Russia slowly turns towards them, a shocking look on his face: Worry. None of them had ever seen the scary nation look so worried and anxious, which means that whatever is making him worried, it must be very serious.

"Brother...What's wrong?" Russia's older sister, Ukraine, steps forward, wrapping a comforting arm around his shoulder. Russia gives his sister a sad smile.

"It's about Belarus."

"Oh." Ukraine says, suddenly quiet.

Everyone looks at the siblings confused.

"What about Belarus, aru?" China asks softly.

Ukraine looks at them. "She has been missing for a few months now. I was reading to her, but she got bored and fell asleep. When she woke up, we decided to play cards, so I went in the house to get the deck, but when I came back out she was gone. We don't know where she went, and she hasn't contacted us."

The nations eyes widen. One of their own is missing? Sure, most of them may not like Belarus because she is a bit psychotic (A bit? Okay, very psychotic), but that doesn't mean they aren't concerned for her. The nations may have wars and disputes with one another, but they still have to stick together. If Russia and Ukraine were to hear their thoughts right now, they would scoff and say 'yeah right, like you care about her.'

"Why didn't you tell us this sooner?" Germany demands. He is usually the leader in situations like this.

Russia's smile darkens, causing the nations to back away in fear. Germany tries not to show how scared he is when Russia turns his gaze on him.

"Would you really have believed us, da?"

"What is that supposed to mean!?" America asks, annoyed. Just what is Russia implying?

"I know you're an idiot comrade, so I will explain. It's as simple as this: we nations never really concern ourselves with each other's problems unless it's an immediate concern. Also, we have a bad habit of brushing off what we say to each other as nothing, so again, would you really have believed us if we told you?"

Everyone seems a bit shocked (some a bit insulted, but they know it's true) at this statement, however, nothing is more shocking to them than what the usually nice Ukraine says next.

"Plus, would you really have helped us search for her? We know you are afraid of both her and Russia, and think she is psychotic and that I am a cry-baby who over-exaggerates. We saw no need to inform you as we knew it was pointless. You all wouldn't have been bothered to help us, even if we are fellow nations. The only ones who would have helped us are Hungary and Liechtenstein because they are my friends, but I didn't want to trouble them."

An awkward silence settles in the room, everyone minus Russia, Hungary and Liechtenstein gaping at Ukraine (they have all seen this side of her). Never once in all the years that they have known Ukraine have they ever heard her say something so harsh. They want to be insulted by what she said, but they look away, knowing it to be true.

"I thought so." Ukraine says, her eyes dark. No one says anything, just goes back to their seats for one of the most silent world meetings the nations ever had.

"Julius, I'm back and I brought a friend!" Belarus yells, the sound echoing throughout the spacious clock tower.

Arthur glances around at the inside of the clock tower. To his left is a large winding staircase that goes further up the clock tower. To the right is a hallway that looks like it leads to various bedrooms and other rooms. In front of him is a lone doorway, but he can't see what it leads to as there is a tall man standing in it, blocking whatever is behind him from sight. He has long dark blue hair, some of it tied back by a golden ribbon, dark blue eyes covered by a pair of glasses, somewhat pale skin, and is wearing a long black coat with gold trimmings and a gold vest underneath, a clock tie and a clock earring, and black pants and shoes.

"That's nothing unusual. Either everyone shows up here looking for you or you bring them. Which one is it this time?" The man says. This must be Julius. He glances at me, looking a bit surprised.

"Who is this?" He asks suspiciously.

"This is Arthur Kirkland. He's an acquaintance from my world." Julius' eyes widen.

"Does that mean he is the new player?"

"No!" Belarus shouts, startling both Julius and I.

"Are you okay?" Arthur asks, a bit concerned at her sudden exclamation. Come to think of it, she was also this defensive when that Blood guy and those twins asked if I am the 'new player.' What do they mean by 'player'?

"I'm fine." Belarus says. "I just...I don't want you to get caught up in this world like I did."

I see a twinge of hurt in Julius' eyes before he masks it and turns to me. "It's nice to meet you, I am Julius Monrey."

"I know" Arthur says. "Natalia told me that you and her are the only residents in the clock tower, so when I saw you, I figured you must be Julius."

Julius looks confused. "Who is Natalia?"

Arthur points to Belarus. "She is Natalia. That's part of the reason we came here. She said she would answer my questions and that the clock tower is the best place to hide from prying eyes."

"Most prying eyes." Belarus mutters. A knowing look crosses Julius' face. Arthur decides not to question it.

"Okay, mind if I join in on the explanation then? I'm a bit confused myself." Julius says.

"That was the plan." Belarus says, smiling at Julius, which once again shocks Arthur. "It would be easier to explain to both of you at the same time, so ask away."

"Why did he call you Natalia?" Julius asks.

"Natalia is my real name. Alice Liddell was just a fake identity given to me by Nightmare. He gave me fake memories and made me think my sister was dead, but in reality, she is alive and well." Belarus explains. Julius looks shocked.

"Why would Nightmare do that?"

"I don't know. The next time I see him, I'll ask him."

To Belarus and Julius' surprise, Arthur stays silent. They would have thought for sure that he would ask who Nightmare is, but it looks not. This is a bit suspicious to Belarus and Julius, but they decide to leave it alone for now. They have more important matters to discuss.

"I hope this won't change the way you act around me. I may not be Alice, but I am still somewhat the person you have gotten to know." Belarus says to Julius.

"What do you mean by somewhat?"

"I'm a different person when I'm around fellow acquaintances from my world. Just ask Arthur." Belarus says, grinning a little. "I have only shown you, my family and the other residents of Wonderland the other side of myself. Well, now that I think of it, I have now also shown Arthur this side of myself."

So that is why she is different. Arthur thinks. She was hiding a part of herself from everyone but her siblings.

"That grinning tells me I really don't want to know the other side of you." Julius says warily.

"Smart man." Arthur says, chuckling.

"Your turn to question me Arthur." Belarus says.

"Alright. The only thing I want to know is how you ended up here and what is this about a game?"

"I was reading with my sister, but I got bored and fell asleep. When I woke up she asked me if I wanted to do something more fun like play cards, which I agreed, so she went into the house to get the deck. While she was gone, I saw a rabbit with clothes and a pocket watch. He wanted me to follow him, but I refused. That's when he turned into a man with bunny ears and a tail, kind of like Elliot, picked me up, and threw me into a large hole in the ground. I ended up here in Wonderland. The rabbit guy turned out to be Peter White, one of the most dangerous residents of Wonderland. He stalks me a lot, declaring he loves me. Now I know how brother feels. As for the game, when outsiders like us enter Wonderland, they are almost always forced to participate in a game. Games are like the cornerstone of Wonderland. Everyone, especially the role-holders, participate in some type of game. For outsiders, the game is usually drinking a vial of liquid that keeps them in Wonderland. The only way they can go home is if they explore Wonderland and meet people to fill the vial back up. Peter White was the one who forced me to drink the vial, and I had played the game and went home, but then that jerk Blood Dupre brought me back."

"Is that why you're so defensive of me?" Arthur asks, a little stunned at Belarus' story, but not too surprised. Something about Wonderland and the name Peter White seems familiar to him, but he doesn't know why. He is sure he's never been here before.

"Yes. As I said earlier, I don't want to see you stuck in the same situation as me. So far, it looks like you haven't drunk out of the vial necessary to keep you here, so you're not part of the game. At least not yet. Blood wasn't kidding when he said outsiders are always drawn into the game somehow."

"I wouldn't worry about me Natalia. You know I have my ways of getting out of things." Belarus knows Arthur is talking about his magic. She is one of few nations who knows he really does have magic. The others think Arthur is just loony, yet the fact that he is here is proof enough.

"I know, but I still want you to be careful while you're here. There are some shady residents like Peter White and Blood Dupre that might try something with you. No one in this world thinks twice about shooting someone because life is not important here since all of the residents hearts are replaced with clocks that can be easily fixed and made into a new person."

"It's true. I'm the one who fixes the clocks." Julius says.

"Hmm...is that so? Nothing we haven't seen before, but it sounds more intense to me." Arthur says. Of course they know, they are nations. People being merciless and killing others is nothing new to them, but they had the reason of war to back them up whereas from what Belarus says, these Wonderland residents seem to shoot others merely as a game or if that person is in the way.

Belarus nods. "Do you have anymore questions?"

"Not right now, but I'm sure I'll have some later as I explore more of Wonderland."

"Oh you definitely will. This place is weird and crazy, though you are used to crazy."

"Too true."

Belarus turns to Julius. "I'm sure you want to get back to work, so I'll show Arthur around Wonderland. I want to make sure nothing surprises him to much like it did me."

Julius nods. "That would probably be a good idea. I'll see you later then." He turns around, walking back into the room that Arthur has yet to see. Once he is out of the doorway, Arthur gets a slight glance of what looks to be an office with many clocks hanging on the walls before he is pulled outside by Belarus.

"Time to show you around this crazy world. I hope you're ready it!"

"So he's here you say?"

"That's correct."

"What should we do then? He's dangerous. He could bring Belarus back to her world at any time."

"I don't think he's aware that he can yet, so I think we should take advantage of this."

"How?"

"By making sure he becomes a part of the game."

Sorry if Julius seemed OOC, though I don't think he was too much. Anyway, who do you think the people are talking at the end of this chapter?