ALISON

by TemperanceTales

So many people wait around for a new story to be written, for a better one to be told. They wish and dream, hoping that one day that this can been their own story. I feel this is foolishness; Only you can make your story. So get out there and do it. My name is Alison Kinsleigh and this is my story.

71. Season 3: When you wish upon a star

TemperanceTales: I do not own once upon a time and I give full credit to the creators. I have forgotten how long these chapters take me. This chapter is over 50 pages long so as you can imagine, writing and editing takes me a hot minute. But here is the chapter! Tell me what you think!

Chapter Seventy-One: When you wish upon a star.

Alison heard the whispering again.

She found herself standing in the misty woods, the world around her feeling oddly familiar. However, something inside her could not place the name of it. She felt a breeze blow her ankles as she looked around. The whispers were nothing she could definitively make out, but she couldn't help but feel as it pulled her deeper into the forest. Her feet had begun to move, even though she hadn't the faintest idea where she was going.

The forest got thicker as little spirit lights began to appear. The whispering got louder, but the language felt out of place for her. She couldn't understand what they were saying. The path before became narrower and harder to walk until she found herself reaching a wall of plants. She stopped, staring at the plant life for a moment before she heard one of the whispering voices say her name.

"Hello?" Alison asked, moving branches out of her way. She made her way through the thicket of the forest, the whispers now echoing voices. Alison could see light coming through the branches, propelling her forward. The air got warmer and warmer as the light became brighter. Pushing the branches more fervently, she found herself stumbling into a clearing. The grass was soft underneath her feet, ticking the sides of her legs. No one was with her as she shouted, "Hello? Who are you? And what do you want from me?"

The voices stopped, leaving her in silence for a moment. Alison looked around as she suddenly felt the wind pick up. The mist swirled into dark red clouds that thundered around her. She stared up in fear as the laughter echoed through the air. Tears filled her eyes as she yelled, "Please! Please, leave me alone!"

The wind pulled her, forcing her towards some of the clouds. She tried to struggle back, only for a gloved hand to reach out. Red Death appeared before her, his mask covering his face but not his mouth. He was frowning as he hissed, "Don't you dare plead to me! Only her death will set you free!"

He threw her back into the clouds on his last words, the storms swallowing her whole and whipping her around violently. Alison couldn't help but scream as the thunder exploded in her ears.

"Alison?! ALISON!"

Alison yelped, waking up with a start. She nearly jumped out of her skin as Henry reared back. It was the early hours of the morning and she was sleeping in the bedroom in her father's house. He looked at her alarmed as Alison tried to catch her breath. He had caught her shoulders as she fell forward and whispered soothingly, "It's okay! Just breathe, you're safe."

"Henry," Alison gulped, leaning against his shoulder, "What-Why are you here?"

"I was… trying to do some writing," Henry admitted, "Vespera told me you were breathing funny in your bed and when I can up it was almost like you were having a fit. Did you have another nightmare again?"

"When don't I?" Alison asked miserably. She sat up but rubbed the bridge of her nose. Henry looked at her, his worry never ceasing. Swallowing, Henry whispered as she let out slower breaths, "You really should lay back down. You haven't been able to get sleep for over a week now."

"What use is sleep if it's just going to haunt me with nightmares?" Alison asked, grumpily.

"Please," Henry pleaded, "Even if you don't sleep, just rest. Do you want me to get you something? Water maybe?"

"I have some," Alison muttered, waving her hand towards her nightstand, "Can you add a pinch of poppy powder in the top drawer over by the window?"

"Sure," Henry said, taking the cup and walking over to the dresser. He put it down as he opened the top drawer. He shuffled through the drawer and found a drawstring bag. He stared at it for a moment before he heard Alison let out a small whine. Henry opened it hastily, taking a pinch of powder and adding it to the water. He swirled the cup around gently before tossing the pouch back into the drawer.

Turning back to Alison, he took a few strides over to her holding out the cup. He sat down on the bed as she leaned back against the pillows. Henry looked towards the empty side of her bed as he said, "I guess Gretel didn't stay here?"

"No, she did," Alison said wearily, "She went to go check on her Dad at the hospital."

"How is he?" Henry asked.

"He's still in a coma," Alison murmured, "Emma and Regina could heal all his injuries, but he still didn't wake up. I tried doing what I did with Kathryn, but his mind is completely blank. There's nothing."

"Maybe because he didn't do the same thing?" Henry suggested, "I mean, he physically beat him. He didn't do that to Kathryn."

"True," Alison said, lowly, "I wish he'd pop up again, I'd like to do nothing more than to repay the favor."

Alison took some large gulps of water, making a face as she did so. She put the cup back down on the nightstand. Henry looked uncomfortable as he watched her. Biting his lip, Henry said, "I don't like this."

"Who would?"

"No, not just phantom," Henry said, "I'm talking about you. You haven't been sleeping, you've stopped eating, and your temper is way short-!"

"And what, Henry, I'm supposed to be happy go lucky?" Alison snapped.

"No, but I'd like it if you would at least try to make things better," Henry argued gently, "There's only so much we all can watch before having to say something."

Alison gave him a surly glare as she said heatedly, "I do try, Henry. Sorry that I can't forget that Granny died or that Kathryn was tortured or that our friends' father is sitting in the hospital beaten because they helped me!"

Silence reigned through the air. As quickly as anger had entered her, regret sunk in. He hung his head in defeat as he said, "We all just trying to help. I don't get why you have to keep being such a jerk about it."

"Henry-!" Alison's voice became panicky as he stood up to leave. She immediately grabbed his wrist, pleading, "I'm sorry. I didn't-!"

"I'm just going downstairs," Henry sighed, "Get some sleep. We can't talk about this until then."

Henry left her, shutting the door with a snap. Alison groaned, falling backwards onto the bed. She stared at the ceiling, frowning as she felt heaviness slowly creep in. Rubbing her eyes, Alison murmured, "I just can't keep my big mouth shut…"

The sleepiness hit her like a bang, her eyes closing and her body slowly going limp. The water on her bedside sparkled as the sun crept over the horizon. There was a small chuckle in the air as someone whispered, "Time to have some fun."

---

"Mummy can you tell me another story?"

The woman smiled as she looked down at her little girl laying in the bed. They were in a nursery that was decorated with children's paintings of a boy in green clothes. The man sitting on the other side of the bed, shook his head as he said, "Now, now. She's told you two already. I think that's enough for one night."

"But please, Daddy. I want to hear more about Peter Pan," she pleaded, staring up at her father with doefull eyes. The woman laughed as she saw her husband's resolve begin to crumble as she said, "Don't worry, Harry. Go to get yourself ready for bed and I will come in after one more."

"Alright," Harry said, leaning down to kiss his daughter's forehead. "Good night, Margaret."

"Goodnight, Daddy."

He walked around the bed, kissing the top of Jane's head whispering, "I'll be waiting, Jane."

Jane smiled at him, watching as he left the room. The door closed as Jane looked back with a playful smile in her eyes.

"So," Jane said, scooting so she was next to her daughter, "Have I told you the story about Peter and the lost slipper?"

"Yes," Margaret said grinning.

"Alright, what about the one where he saves the lost boys from the Mermaid King?" Jane asked, staring around thoughtfully.

"You told that one yesterday!"

"Oh my goodness, we have gone through so many," Jane said, cheekily, "What about the one where he loses Tinker Bell in the Sea of Stars?"

"No!" Margaret squeaked excitedly, "You didn't tell me that one!"

"Alright, then I have our story," Jane said, smiling.

There was a loud thump. Jane looked towards the hallway, surprised. Margaret leaned up, looking at the door confused.

"What was that, Mummy?"

"I'm not sure," Jane said, "Let me go check."

Jane left the bedroom to find herself in a darkened hallway. She looked down the hall, seeing a shadow on the floor. Walking down the hallway, Jane called out, "Harry? Harry are you alright?"

The shadow became clearer as she got closer, a sinking feeling sitting in her stomach. She bent down, pulling on his shoulder as she said confused, "Harry?"

Harry was now facing up, his chest bleeding out. Jane screamed in shock, covering her mouth. Margaret's screams from the nursery was the only thing to get her off the floor. Jane race back to the room to see a familiar pirate holding onto Margaret.

"Well, hello Jane Darling," Captain Hook grinned maliciously, "Did you miss us?"

Jane didn't have a chance to respond as something slammed hard into the back of her head. Someone caught her as she fell, the world around her turning to darkness as she heard her daughter screaming for her.

---

"So pretty lady, are you available this evening?"

Red smiled, hearing August's playful voice. She looked over to see August leaning on the counter. She closed the inventory book saying, "Would you have it, for once I am. Robert is closing up tonight and he offered to finish up the rest of the inventory."

"Good man Robert!" August said, grinning, "Would you like to come have dinner with Papa and I? He's cooking chili."

"Mmmm, food that I don't have to cook and a night with my guy," Red said, her eyes full of play. She leaned over to kiss him sweetly and said, "Sounds perfect."

"Hopefully you will have time to visit with an old friend?"

The light voice made both of them jump up, looking towards the door. There she stood; a modern winter cape draped around her. The dress she was wearing underneath was yellow, her heeled boots sand colored. Her curly hair was down and her eyes sparkling with happiness. Red practically jumped the counter, squealing, "Belle! You're back!"

Red pounced on her friend, hugging her tight. August followed behind, smiling warmly as Belle laughed saying, "Red! There is a thing called breathing?"

"I'm sorry!" Red exclaimed pulling away, "But I've missed you so much! Gods, you have no idea how happy we are to see you!"

"I think I can see that!" Belle said, beaming at her friend. Belle looked around hopefully as she said, "I just got back from the library. I see that someone hired another librarian."

"Alison," Red said apologetically, "Arielle was in need of work and people missed having the library open. I'm sure now that you're back-!"

"Oh, don't worry about it!" Belle said cheerfully, "It will be nice to have someone else around who loves books as much as me! Speaking of that, I was hoping to find Alison. I thought she might have been here with Granny since she wasn't at home."

The joy was sucked from Red instantly. August froze as Red's face fell. She stepped back unconsciously, tears welling back up in her eyes. Belle's happiness disappeared as well as Red said, sadly, "You… You didn't get any of Alison's messages, did you?"

"No," Belle's voice was afraid now, her blues eyes flickering from August and Red, "No, we haven't heard anything the entire time we were there. Did something happen?"

Red inhaled sharply, turning away from her friend as she felt a sob escape out of her. Belle, whose facial expression now filled with fear, swallowed as a lump began to form in her throat. Belle stared at August who in turn put a hand on her shoulder.

"I think we should go to the Inn to talk," August said bitterly, "A lot of things happened."

---

A frustrated growl filled the air as another crumpled paper went flying across the room.

Henry sat in the Author's office, leaning back in the chair. There were dozens of pieces of papers around him, some crumpled and some not. The desk was in disarray, much like Henry's mind currently. The pen wasn't working for him. Or at least, not in the way he wanted it too. No mattered how he tried to write, it gave him meaningless pages of detail. Nothing that could help with their current problem. Why? What was the use of this power if he couldn't not even see what was happening before him?

"Master Henry?"

Vespera's voice rang out as he stared at the ceiling. He sighed as he said, "Vespera, why is this so hard?"

"Why is what so hard, Master Henry?"

"Why is this so hard, Vespera!" Henry sat up, waving impatiently at the mess, "Why won't the pen do what I ask?! Did Baelfire have this much problems trying to use it?!"

"I was not there at the beginning when Baelfire first received the pen." Vespera said calmly, "Baelfire created me three years after receiving the Moving House. However, I do know there were times when he struggled with being the Author. It often occurred when he had a lot on his mind or when stressful situations arose that would prevent his focus."

"Great," Henry muttered, leaning back in the office chair again, "As if things weren't bad enough with my friends' dad being in the hospital and my best friend on a downward spiral! Now I can't even get info on the psycho that is causing it!"

"Perhaps clearing you mind and taking a step back will help you regain your focus?"

"How can I do that with everything going on!" Henry exclaimed, "Every time I turn around, someone is getting hurt! More than half the time, it's Alison!"

Henry rubbed his face, his own exhaustion showing on his face. Vespera didn't reply to that, which Henry didn't really care about in that moment. He couldn't help but think of everything that was hidden in the book on the pedestal, heavily guarded. Her life had already been filled with sacrifice, death, and deception. Why couldn't she for once just have peace?

Why couldn't he do anything to help?

"Henry?"

Henry sat up straight in the chair to see Grace standing there. She had a sympathetic look on her face before looking over her shoulder saying, "Dad! Henry is in here."

Henry slumped back a bit in his chair as Grace came over to him. Jefferson appeared in the doorway, glancing around the room before looking at Henry.

"Are Alison and Gretel here?"

"Gretel went to go see her Dad," Henry said, unhappily, "Alison is upstairs resting."

"Did she sleep at all?" Jefferson asked.

"Not much. I put a pinch of poppy powder in her water so hopefully she'll get some." Henry said.

Henry put his head down in his arms on the desk. Grace gave her father a pointed look. Jefferson backed out of the room saying, "I will go check on Alison."

He disappeared, leaving Grace and Henry alone. She leaned against the desk, reaching out to rub his shoulder gently. Henry turned his head to look at her as she said, "I take it your writing isn't turning out to be helpful?"

"No," Henry said bitterly, "It's all either vague or useless. It doesn't matter how hard I try, it doesn't work!"

"Maybe you're trying too hard, Henry," Grace pondered aloud, "Overthinking it."

"What?" Henry straightened up as he stared at her with furrowed brows.

"I mean, writing isn't just magic," Grace said, "It's a skill and an art. You have to be open minded to many different ideas than just focusing on just one. Maybe it's not working because you're only trying to focus on this one thing."

"HENRY! GRACE!"

Jefferson's voice boomed, echoing down the stairs. Both jumped, pausing for only a moment before racing up the stairs. Grace got there first as she saw her father sitting on the bed, holding the glass of water in his hand. It was sparkling unnaturally in the sunlight. Alison was sleeping soundly, more soundly than they had ever seen her. Henry stopped short behind her, looking confused. Jefferson's hard stare found Henry as he asked, "What did you put in this glass?"

"I-The poppy powder," Henry said, "She-She said it was in the top drawer-!"

Jefferson stood up so sharply he dropped the cup to the floor. The cup spilled all the water to the floor, the shimmer dying away as the water magically evaporated. Henry and Grace looked alarmed as Jefferson madly through the top drawer. He pulled out the pouch and opened it. Swearing foreign words under his breath, he turned sharply holding up the draw string bag.

"This?!" Jefferson's voice came out like a bark, "Is this what you gave her?!"

"Papa, don't scream at him!" Grace stepped forward. "Why does it matter? Alison has used poppy powder to sleep before!"

"Because this isn't poppy powder!" Jefferson said, madly, "This is the left-over dust from the Sandman!"

Henry paled, worry and guilt entering his expression. Grace looked alarmed as she said, "Does that really matter? I mean wouldn't that help her sleep better."

"This dust is magic induced sleep. That could send someone's soul on any type of journey and she won't wake up until it's complete." Jefferson said, putting the pouch back in the drawer and slamming it shut.

"So then she just sleeps it off, this is a safe place," Grace said, "She's not in any danger, is she?"

"There is no telling, there are dangerous places even in Dream Worlds." Jefferson said, "Not only that, Gold and Belle have just returned. We can't have them finding this place while looking for her. We will have to move her."

Jefferson looked at Grace with fierce eyes, ones that only showed up on occasions with her. Swallowing, Grace watched him as he said, "Both of you, go find a phone. Once you do, call Chess. We have to move her as soon as we can."

"Okay," Grace said, turning and catching Henry by the elbow, "Come on Henry, let's go!"

Henry stumbled out of the room with Grace, leaving Jefferson alone with Alison. His fierceness turned to worry as he grasped her hand saying roughly, "Where? Where has your mind gone, little laddie?"

---

Jane sat in the cell in the pirate ship, cradling her daughter. She had her daughter wrapped in a blanket, the only blanket they had. Margaret was shivering against her as she whispered, "I'm cold mommy."

"I know, baby," Jane whispered, "Just stay close to me and I will keep you warm."

Margaret nestled into her mother as she asked, "Why hasn't Peter come save us Mommy?"

Jane swallowed as she said, "I don't think Peter Pan knows we are here."

"Oh he does."

Jane's eyes flew to the stairwell that led up to the upper decks of the ship. Hook descended the stairs, staring with a cold smile as he said, "He knows. We sent him word that we have his precious Darlings. He doesn't care. He would rather hold onto the treasure that Peter and your mother stole from us."

"Of course not!" Jane said, angrily, "That 'treasure' is a weapon. One that would allow you to go after all the ships you want and burn them after you've taken what's not yours. He wouldn't let you go kill hundreds of other people."

"Regardless," Hook mocked, walking back towards the stairwell, "That is my ultimatum. And until I get what I want, you and your daughter will rot here."

---

Alison gasped, waking up with a start. Scrambling to sit up, she felt grass and dirt shift underneath her. Smells of a forest filled her nose as she took in her surroundings. The trees were tall, the leaves a beautiful deep green. There were colorful flowers and plants in the brush, catching her attention. Staggering to her feet, she looked around in confusion. Was this another dream? It wasn't like anything she had seen before. The birds in the air were twittering in the trees happily as she gazed upwards. The sky was painted with purples and dark blues.

Where was she?

Something flashed in the sky. Her mouth fell open as she watched through the trees shooting stars cut across the sky. Alison followed them, wandering into the forest until she came across a small cliffside.

The scene before her was enchanting.

The stars were racing across the sky towards a tall shadowy mountain in the distance. Forests and valleys layered the floor of the Island. Speckled lights could be seeing throughout the whole island, almost like fireflies flickering in the night. The beautiful evening sky reflected into the sea sitting peacefully on the horizon. It was truly a sight to behold.

"Where am I?" Alison asked softly, feeling a soft breeze blow against her back.

"I thought that would have been obvious."

Alison froze, recognizing the voice instantly. Looking back, she saw him standing there leaning against a tree. His grin was as infuriating and arrogant as she remembered it. He wore his usual green, dirtied from him roaming the forest.

"Well hello, Lassie. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" he said with a grin.

"Pan?" Alison groaned as she stared up at the sky in dismay. "No…No, I'm not-."

"Oh you are," Peter Pan said, his glee ever so apparent, "Welcome to Neverland, Alison Kinsleigh."

---

"Captain."

Hook stood on his ship, staring at a pendant with strange symbols carved into it. He had one leg propped up on a crate, leaning against his knee. He stared over to see Cora standing there, looking patiently at him. He gave her a sour expression as he said, "Well, if it isn't your Majesty."

"Why the hostility, Captain?" Cora asked, her voice oddly calm and patient.

"Why the hostility?" Captain Hook asked, almost sneering at her, "Well let's see, our plans have gone up in smoke, I have people out on boats faster than the devil searching for my ship, and I'm no closer to getting my revenge than I was before!"

"Calm yourself," Cora ordered, her voice steel for a moment. Hook clenched his jaw shut as Cora continued, her back to being regal, "Our plans have not gone up in smoke. In fact, I come bearing good news."

"And what good news is that?" Hook grumbled.

"Alison is in a deep sleep." Cora said, as Hook gave her a shrewd look. "A certain magically induced one. Which is very good news for you."

"And how is that good news for me?"

"Because," Cora said, pulling out a small rolled up piece of parchment, "One of my little birds sent me this message."

Hook snatched it from her, unrolling the scroll with one hand as Cora watched with a heartless smile. Hook's expression went from irritated to doubtful as he asked, "Is this for certain?"

"Yes," Cora said, "I confirmed it. The looking glass in your cabin will take you there. Take only a few men. The rest of your crew will remain here to guard the prisoner. You may just get your revenge."

Hook's smirk was filled with malice. Crushing the scroll in his hand, Hook took steps towards Cora before giving her a flourishing bow. Cora nodded briefly at him, looking appreciative of his appreciation. He stood up as he said, "It seems I finally will. I will return, your Majesty, with the head of a certain Mage."

Hook went past her briskly shouting, "Murphy! Mullins! Get your sorry bums in gear and get down to the cabin! We are paying a visit to Neverland!"

"Right away, Captain!" Mullins followed obediently, while Murphy scowled. He tossed the rope he hand been working on before slowly making his way towards the Cabin. Cora held up her hand, stopping him in his tracks.

"Remember what we discussed?" Cora said, her voice still calm.

Murphy glanced around at the other working men before whispering, "I do. And I'm still willin'. So long as you keep your end of the bargain."

"You kill the Captain and you get the ship." Cora smiled knowingly as Murphy nodded, "That is still the deal."

Murphy went to leave only to have Cora stop him again. Her eyes became steel as she said firmly, "But if you fail. And he returns here, you are going to have wished you had never been born."

"Don't worry, Majesty. I won't." Murphy said darkly, "I'll come back with his hook in me hand."

---

"I bet right now your wishin' you had never met Peter Pan."

Jane was sitting on the floor, stroking her daughter's hair. Margaret was asleep, her face pale and looking more gaunt. Jane didn't look much better, her hair a mess and her clothes filthy. The pirate, Vex she thought his name was, was sitting on a stool, watching her with his creepy pirate smirk as he said, "But then again, you're probably as daft as the other Lost Ones. Well look where it's gotten yah."

"I still prefer my odds," Jane sneered, "After all, I could have joined Captain Hook and then would have ended up sounding as dumb as you."

"Watch yourself!" the cell doors banged as Vex hit them. Jane guarded Margaret, watching him warily. He glared through them as he said, "Or I'll come in there to teach you a lesson."

"That won't be necessary."

A female voice rang out. Vex turned to see a curly dark haired woman descending the stairs. She gave Vex a seductive smile as she said, "After all, I could think of more fun things to do than tormenting a prisoner."

She leaned up and kissed him, making Jane make a disgusted face. The woman pulled away, pushing Vex towards the stairs saying, "Head on up. Killian is out busying himself with that boy again and I just want to pay a little visit to our… guest."

Vex snorted before taking his leave. The woman looked back at her with a cold smile as she said, "Sorry about him. He's a nice thing to look at but his personality is garbage. Then again, the men on this ship constantly act like they have never seen a woman before."

"You're Milah," Jane said, "The Pirate Queen…"

"Ahh, so your mother told you about me," Milah smiled wickedly, sitting down gracefully, "I never got to meet you when you visited Neverland."

"I thought you were Hook's one true love," Jane said sarcastically.

"When he's not getting all bothered by an irritating boy in green clothes," Milah said rolling her eyes, "I'm my own person. Commitment is not my thing."

Margaret shifted in her sleep, but didn't not waken. Milah's eyes flickered to her briefly before saying, "Cute little thing. What's her name?"

"Why do you care?" Jane responded swiftly, "We've been here for months and you've never bothered to ask her name."

"Ohhh, feisty," Milah said, smiling, "I like you. It's too bad we didn't meet under better circumstances. We would have had a lot of fun together."

Jane gave her a disbelieving look as Milah sighed lightly saying, "Hook didn't want me to come down here because he thought me seeing a child and her mother imprisoned would bother me."

"Why would it?" Jane asked, staring at her suspiciously.

Milah's eyes flickered back to Margaret as she said, "Probably because I was a mother once."

"You," Jane said, incredulously, "You and Hook."

"Oh no!" Milah said, "Not Hook. It was long before I even met him."

Jane looked at Milah with slight curiosity as she asked, "What happened?"

"Simple," Milah said, smiling vivaciously, "I chose my happiness over obligation. Freedom over the shackles my previous life had put me in."

"Oh," Jane said, almost mockingly, "So you're one of those people.."

Milah blinked as she asked, "One of what people?"

"One of those people who are so selfish that they can't see the most precious things that are in front of them," Jane said, fearlessly, "Who lives fulfilling their every desire not caring who they are hurting along the way."

"If taking care of what I want is considered selfish," Milah said waving her hands carefree, "Then yes. I am one of those people."

Milah stood up as she looked into the cell with a malicious smile. Jane stared her down unafraid as Milah said, her voice full of mockery, "Maybe if you had been one of those people, you and your baby wouldn't be trapped inside this cell. And your husband wouldn't have been impaled on the other end of my blade."

Hatred entered Jane's features, the only thing stopping her from lunging at the woman before her was the child next to her and the bars that separated them. Milah laughed backing away as she made her way up the stairs saying, "If you ever feel like becoming one of those people, call for me. I'm sure we can work something out."

Jane stared after her hatefully before looking down at Margaret miserably. She stroked her hair gently, sniffling as tears fell down into her lap.

"Poor wee thing."

Jane nearly jumped out her skin, looking over towards a shadowy corner. She saw a man with golden scaly skin and crimped hair. He was wearing a silk shirt and vest with leather pants and boots. He was staring at Margaret with a bitter look on his face saying, "She'll never see her father again. All because of that wicked woman."

"Who are you?" Jane asked, getting up after carefully moving Margaret's head. "A pirate."

"A pirate!?" the man shrilled, "I am not a pirate, you silly woman. I am your salvation to this mess of a situation."

Jane walked right up to the cell as he came out of the shadows. He had an impish smile as he stared at her with sharp eyes. He did a flourishing bow as he said, "Rumpelstiltskin is my name, otherwise known as the-!"

"Dark one," Jane said looking at him in curiosity.

"So you've heard of me?" he said with a mad grin.

"Peter mentioned you," Jane said, examining him up and down, "He said you were a great lizard."

"Well that's rich coming from him," Rumpelstiltskin said, "The prancing boy in tights."

"Funny," Jane said, smiling at him weakly, "I called him something similar when I first met him."

Rumpel giggled madly as Jane's smile disappeared as she said, "But what do you want with me?"

"Well isn't it obvious?!" he said, "I want to help you and your wee one escape!"

"Why?" Jane asked, watching him carefully.

"What do you mean why, dearie," he said, "Do you not want my help?"

"I want to know why the Dark One would help a young mother he's never met before."

Rumpel's eyes flashed over to Margaret briefly before looking back at her. He turned around and walked away saying, "I don't like Hook and his flippant lover very much. It would delight me to no end to watch their whole plan unravel!"

Jane swallowed, hope daring to enter her eyes as she said, "Can you open the lock?"

Rumpelstiltskin inhaled sharply as he said, "Unfortunately, no. This lock cannot simply be picked or opened with just any magic. It needs Neverland's special brand of magic. Unfortunately my magic and that magic don't mix very well."

He suddenly turned very sharply as he said, "But you! You on the other hand can."

"Me?" Jane said, baffled.

"Yes you!" Rumpel giggled, "You came to this world a disbelieving child. But because of that, you can see the beauty of this place in a way that no one else can. You can access the magic. I can teach you. If you let me."

"What's your price," Jane asked, raising her brows, "No one offers something without expecting something."

"Normally that would be true," Rumpel stated bluntly. He walked back over to her, looking at Margaret. For a moment he looked less like an imp and more like a man. Jane tilted her head as he said, "But this time, no. I don't want anything except for you to save that little girl. She's seen enough pain already."

Jane looked at him as he seemed to get lost. He finally looked back at her as he said, "So. Do we have a deal?"

Jane looked at Margaret before looking back at the imp saying, "You have a deal."

---

The floorboards in his shop creaked softly under him.

Everything in the shop seemed as it had been. The shields were in place, the inventory checked out, nothing was out of place. But he very well knew that had not been the case. Staring out into the main floor of the shop, he waved his hand into the air. Golden dust played about in the air, trying to take shape. He needed to know what happened.

"Show me," Gold said, his voice low.

The dust took forms as sounds played through the air. He saw three people forming, one cloaked and holding a blade against a curly haired girls' neck and a girl he knew well trying to hold her ground. He could hear Alison's snarls, the intruder's taunts as the scene played out before him. He watched as vines restrained the attacker, long enough for the girls to run into the back of the shop. The vines did not last long as he hummed a low vibrating hum and the vines turned to ash. He fled after them, Gold following carefully behind. He watched Ava manage to escape but the Phantom preventing Alison from doing so. His blood boiled as he watched Phantom attack her. The dust exploded into the air as Alison's power blasted away from her.

The scene faded into nothing, leaving him clenching his fist as he processed what he had just seen before him. How had he gotten into the shop in the first place? Why had she been in his shop with her friend at all?

Gold took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. His magic seeped from him, searching every corner of the shop with it. Everything seemed normal and fine, up until he felt a twinge of something foreign. His brown eyes glared towards the desk. Walking over to it, Gold picked up an envelope. It wasn't marked with a return address and only had his shop's address on it. Grabbing it, he ripped it open and found a card with a spell painting onto it with blood. Gritting his teeth, he watched the card burst into flames, disappearing into ash. The ash turned to smoke, the nasty stench of destroyed magic in the air.

"Well that's not helpful."

Gold turned to see Charming standing there. He was standing there in the doorway, pushing the curtain behind him. Gold glowered at him as he said, "It seems when I bought that closed sign, I was just throwing my money away."

"Looks like it," Charming said, his voice short.

"What are you doing here?" Gold asked pointedly.

"One of Snow's birds told me you were back," Charming said, "I came to one, see if that was true; two, fill you in on the past 3 months you've been gone. But judging how you fried that little spell, I think you already know."

"I have my own set of birds thank you very much," Gold said, coldly, "And yes, I am aware. Aware of all."

There was a finality to his tone as he made his way to his chair. Charming looked at him with narrowed eyes as he said, "Aware of what exactly?"

"Aware that your little Charming clan was supposed to be protecting Alison, Mr. Mayor," Gold snapped, "Not the other way around."

"Well that phantom...thing," Charming said, feeling his temper already stirring inside him, "made that extremely difficult. Especially since we didn't have a Mage to come help us with magical solutions."

"You had Emma Swan," Gold said, almost taunting, "And Regina."

"Both of which tried," Charming said, stepping towards his desk, "But considering how close Phantom seems to like getting to Alison, they were constantly having to play defense instead of figuring out who or what he is."

Gold's nostrils almost seemed to flare as he exhaled quite angrily. Charming opened his mouth to instantly put him in his place but he thought better of it. Charming sighed as he said, "Look, I didn't come to fight. I came to get your help."

"My help," Gold scoffed.

"Yes, your help!" Charming snapped, his patience threatening to vanish, "Not only do we have another dangerous enemy lurking about, but the town is slowly disappearing too!"

Gold made a sudden movement, his jaw tightening as he closed his eyes. His expression was one of reluctance as he said, "The town has begun to disappear… When did that start?"

"Right after you left," Charming said, exasperated, "Apparently the anti-magic doesn't like us being here."

"Of course not," Gold said, heavily. He sunk into his chair as he looked at Charming with a serious aura. "We don't belong here. Not with the curse broken and the shadows cemented back under our old land. It was only a matter of time before we faced the consequences of those actions. I was just hoping we had more time…"

"Yeah, well, we don't," Charming said, "And we don't have much left if it keeps going like this."

"Regardless," Gold said, "We will have to find this core and set this right before this whole town disappears."

"Do you have any ideas how to go about finding something like that?" Charming asked.

"I might," Gold said, going through his other paperwork on his desk, "But the thing that concerns me most right now is finding out who this Phantom is and crushing him from existence."

"We might have a way," Charming said, "Alison said that anti-magic seemed to hurt him."

Gold's jaw tensed, shooting David a sharp look before going back to his task saying, "So I've heard."

"Look, she did her best to keep out of things," David said heatedly, "She kept herself from using magic right up until Phantom crippled Kathryn and that was because an Elemental User was the only one who could use that spell."

"And what? Did all the functioning adults just suddenly disappear in this town?" Gold said, sardonically, "Why is it that people keep coming to my eleven-year-old granddaughter for help!?"

"She's not just some eleven-year-old kid. She is a Mage with lots of magical know how! I don't like it any more than you do, but it's the truth!" Charming snapped, "And just because you made her promise not to do magic anymore doesn't mean that she had to stop helping people who needed it!"

Gold glowered at him as he said darkly, "We will see about that."

"Yeah, we'll see how far that gets you." Charming's stared burned into him as his anger bubbled over. "In the meantime, I want you to go help stop by the hospital. There is someone in need of healing after getting attacked by this phantom."

"And since when do you get to tell me what to do," Gold said, his voice dangerous, "Because a council elected you mayor?"

"Because there are plenty of people that would be more than happy to take your head," Charming said, "And right now, Snow, Emma, and I are the only ones standing in the way of them doing that. Maybe if you weren't so difficult to work with, people wouldn't be constantly trying to get Alison to help."

Silence fell upon them instantly. The two stared at each other hatefully before Charming left, shoving the curtain out of his way. Gold's temper was boiling, his eyes fumed as he thought of a million curses he could cast on him. He almost barely heard the side door to his office open and someone walking in. Normally he would have been admonishing whoever it was for using the side entrance. But he knew that aura, that sweet gentle aura. She rested her hands on his shoulders, rubbing them comfortingly. His temper eased a bit as he asked bitterly, "How much of that did you hear?"

"Most of it," Belle said quietly, "I'm sorry."

"It's nothing you should be sorry for," Gold said miserably, "It's ultimately my past that is putting us in this position."

"I won't lie and say that it's not," Belle said carefully, "But I don't like him coming in here and making you feel like you're wrong for trying to keep her out of things. She ours and we have every right to protect her."

"Much protecting I've done for her," Gold muttered, rubbing his temples, "Look at what she's just been through. Look at how long we left her for!"

Belle winced, her own eyes filled with sadness as she reached down. She tilted his face up towards her as she said soothingly, "Then let us help make that right. Go to the hospital and help the one who was attacked. I heard from Red that it was the twins' father."

"The twins?" Gold asked, looking up with furrowed brows, "You mean Hansel and Gretel?"

"Yes," Belle said softly, "Apparently, Phantom went after him after Gretel saved Alison from him."

Gold sighed as he reached to grab her hand and bring it to his lips. Kissing it firmly, Gold murmured, "Then that sounds like the place to start."

---

"This can't be happening!"

Peter rolled his eyes as he watched Alison pace back and forth, looking rather bothered and distressed. They were still standing on the cliff, overlooking Neverland. She ran her hands through her hair, tossing it back as she said, "I don't understand. The last thing I remember I was falling asleep in my bed. How is it that I ended up here?"

"Because you're what we would call a Dreamer," Peter said, lazily.

"A what?" Alison said, casting him only a glance before resuming her pace.

"A Dreamer," Peter said, "Someone who comes here in their dreams. We get quite a few of them."

"I thought you and your lost boys brought people here through flying?"

"We do sometimes, not all the time," Peter said, "Flying through the Seas of Stars is tricky. So most of the time, children come here through their dreams."

"So how in the world do I wake up or get back or whatever it is!?" Alison asked impatiently.

Peter sighed, as if almost irritated. He walked towards her as he said, "You came here for a reason. Everyone always does, even if they can't remember."

Peter was quick. Her grabbed her hand and pulled down her sleeve. Alison tried to snatch it away, only to be stopped by something on the inside of her arm. There, as if painted on her skin with shimmering green, were three little leaves connected by thin vines. Alison looked at them curiously before asking Peter, "What is this?"

"A mark that Dreamers appear with," Peter said, holding her arm gingerly as he watched her examine it, "Each leaf represents a reason. A reason you came here."

"But I don't…" Alison's voice trailed away as she watched a rather large shooting star fall beyond the distant mountain. It was as if a light flicked on, awakening a thought in her head. She pulled her arm away from Peter, letting it fall to her side as she said, "Piece of a fallen star…"

"Fallen star?" Peter inquired, staring at her confused.

"I needed a piece of a fallen star for a potion we need to finish," Alison said, looking back at him determined, "A potion we need to help everyone in the Enchanted Forest get back home."

"I smell an adventure coming on," Peter said, his grin returning. Alison stepped back towards him as she said, "Is it possible to get a piece of the stars here?"

"Of course! Pieces always fall down here," Peter said. He pointed beyond the mountain as he said, "Usually just beyond that mountain."

"Good, then I think that's where we need to start," Alison said.

"We?" Peter mocked as Alison glared at him pointedly, "Who said I was helping? After all, this is your journey not mine."

"Well that's fine by me," Alison mocked right back, "I'll just go find my Dad. And you can go find your little gang of lost boys to play with."

Alison went to walk by him, her head held high. Peter narrowed his eyes and grabbed her hand just before she was out of arm's reach. He yanked her back, glowering the entire time as he said, "Don't you go bother him. It took me months to get him to stop acting like a grown up and I don't need you giving him a reason to be."

"Then help me," Alison said, flashing her eyes up at him, "and I will be one leaf closer to getting out of your hair. If not, I'll be off to find my parents and get their very adult-like help."

Peter smirked as he said, "This sounds like blackmail. Very unlady like."

"Call it what you like," Alison said, standing her ground, "So? What will it be, Peter Pan?"

Peter's smirk didn't not vanish as he released her arm. Straightening himself up, Peter said, mischievously, "I think we have a fallen star to go find."

The breeze blew around them, sending leaves high up into the air. They flew away from them as the wind rushed through Neverland, almost like a whisper. It swooped through the valleys and climbed the mountain. The wind rushed through the stone pavilion, catching the owner's attention. Jane's head whipped around from the maps they were looking at and staring off into the horizon.

"Hmm?" Baelfire looked up at her concerned, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Jane said, distracted as she walked towards the edge of the pavilion, "We have a new adventurer."

"Oh? Just one." Jane nodded absentmindedly. "That's odd. We've been getting so many groups that we haven't had just one in a while. Did Peter find him already?"

"He did," Jane said, frowning, "But it's not a he."

"Huh?" Baelfire looked confused, "Not a he?"

"No," Jane said, a slow smile coming over her face. He looked over her shoulder and said, "It's a she."

---

There was a tingle that went up her nose.

Ava found herself trying to open her eyes. Her body was exhausted and felt like she was weighed down by a ton of bricks. She had come to the hospital as soon as she was able. Nick was over at a friend's house, trying to catch up on sleep. She hadn't realized that she had fallen asleep. Sitting up in her seat, she rubbed her bleary eyes only to see that she was not alone in the room with her father.

There stood Rumpelstiltskin, waving his hand over her father with a magical barrier surrounding him.

"What are you doing?!"

Ava couldn't help but almost jump out of her seat. Gold glanced up at her, waving his other hand impatiently, forcing her to sit back down. She struggled in the seat for a minute while glaring at him over the barrier. Gold almost rolled his eyes as he said, "Settle down. I'm just checking to see what is wrong with him."

"And how do I know you're not him?!" Ava snapped, "And this isn't some trick?"

Gold scoffed, waving his hand, as the shield lessened its golden glow. "Would I have really left you alive if I was phantom?"

Ava made a face but didn't argue. Instead, she crossed her arms in the chair she was now stuck to as she asked, bluntly, "Where have you been?"

Gold gave her a hard stare as she said, "You can look at me like that all you want. But my friend has had a target on her back ever since you left, and no one knows what in the world you've been doing to be gone four months."

"That's not your business," Gold said shortly, "But I can assure you, your father is going to be fine."

He flicked his fingers and the shield disappeared. Ava looked at her still father in the hospital bed before looking at Gold suspiciously.

"So why is he still out cold?"

"Just because his internal injuries have been healed does not mean his mind is ready to catch up. He needs time to rest."

"You can't just wake him up?"

Her voice had a hint of hysteria and desperation which made Gold sigh. He gave her a stern look as he said, "Not unless you want him to never be the same again. Magic is powerful but it does not fix all."

The finality of his tone made the girl tense her jaw before looking at her father. Her eyes were glassy as she watched the man in the bed lay there. Gold sighed, seeing that she looked defeated. Gold walked over to her as he put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him warily as he said gently, "He will wake up. Just give him time."

The girl looked at him curiously, as if she wasn't sure what to make of his kind gesture. It did not last long, as he removed his hand from her shoulder as he asked, in his business tone, "Perhaps you know. Where is Alison? She wasn't at the diner or at home."

"She-She had a sleepover," Ava said, slowly, "At Jefferson's. That's where I saw her last."

"Hm," Gold said, obviously displeased, "Of course she would be there. Thank you."

Gold left her there promptly, leaving Ava alone. Panic surged through her as she raced over to the door. She glanced to make sure he had left before racing over to her back. She picked up a phone and texted a messaged to Grace.

"Grace, Gold is coming. You all need to get to Jefferson's house NOW."

There was a pause before a little noise indicated that Grace texted back.

"We already are. And we have a major problem."

She narrowed her eyes before pressing the call button. Putting it to her ear, Ava waited a few moments before exclaiming, "What do you mean we have a major problem?! What happened now?!"

---

Jane twitched her fingers trying once again to pull the magic from the Neverland air. She had been trying all night, as she did every night in hopes that she could escape. She hadn't been successful so far, but she wasn't going to give up. Margaret was getting worse and she couldn't bear the thought of losing her. Margaret watched her sleepily as she said, hoarsely, "Mummy. Is that man coming back again?"

"Hmm?" Jane said as the gold sparkles started to form again. "No baby. Rumpelstiltskin won't be able to come back for a while."

"Oh," Margaret said, a little sad as she coughed deeply, "I miss him. He makes me laugh."

Jane smiled weakly as she said, "Yes. Yes he does."

The golden magic weaved it's way into the lock, sinking in deeper and deeper. This was always the part that got her. One click, two click, three click…

Four.

"Gotcha," Jane said with a grin.

There was a burst of magic that went forward rushing beyond the room and over the ship. Margaret's eyes went wide, watching as the door swung open. Jane gasped in delight, tears filling her eyes as Margaret said happily, "Mummy, you did it."

"Yes," Jane said, turning urgently and scooping up her daughter, "Now, shh! We must go quickly."

Jane hurried up the stairs with her, and up onto the main deck. Sure enough all the pirates had fallen asleep. Jane made her way across the deck, heading over to the spare boat. She put Margaret in the boat. Margaret looked around in fear and confusion as she whispered, "Why are they all asleep?"

"Rumpelstiltskin put a spell on the door," Jane said, grabbing the rope so she could lower them down, "So that whenever I got it open it would put everyone on deck to sleep for a short while. So we could get away."

"Clever imp."

Jane nearly jumped as a bullet nearly hit her. Jane spun around as she saw Milah holding out a pistol. She glared at Jane as she showed a crystal with her free hand saying, "But not clever enough to make sure I didn't have protection against magic like that."

Jane looked around, looking for something to use against her. She spotted a large crate held up in the air, hovering dangerously over them. Jane looked back at Milah who was walking forward, pointing the gun at them.

"I've been stuck on this stupid realm for years!" Milah hissed, glaring at her, "And I am not going to let you ruin our escape from it."

Jane looked at Milah, with a knowing smile as she said, "Well, sorry to burst your bubble. But I'm about to be one of those people and wreck your day!"

Jane snapped her fingers and the crate dropped. Milah shrieked, darting backwards as Jane leaped into the boat. She snapped her fingers, the boat dropping into the water as the crate crashed. The ropes slipped away. The waves seemed to be favoring them as the boat floated further and further away. When the ship was out of sight, Jane held Margaret, crying in relief.

---

"Tag your it!"

"No way, Slightly! That doesn't count!"

"Of course it counts, Curly! I got you fair and square!"

"You knocked me out of a tree!"

"I still got you!"

The lost boys were in a clearing by the old Hangman's tree. Nibs, who glanced back to see the other boys bickering, rolled his eyes before looking back at the drawing he was making in the dirt. It wasn't fancy by any means, but it was the best he could do to remember his friend with the long curly blonde hair. He sighed, pulling at a cord around his neck. Tied to it was a small arrowhead made of smooth stone. He frowned sadly as he said, "I wish you'd come back…"

"Daydreaming of your girlfriend again?"

Nibs yelped as the drawing was kicked away, dirt flying in his face. Sputtering, Nibs felt his eyes sting and water as the other boys around him laughed. Nibs was finally able to open his eyes to glare up at the culprit: Slightly. His hat had fox ears and his clothes were as dirty as Nibs. His face was not malicious but there was mischief in his eyes.

"She's not my girlfriend!" Nib jumped to his feet, puffing up his chest, "And I'm not daydreaming! I'm trying to remember so if she comes back, I'll recognize her."

Slightly rolled his eyes, shaking his head. The twins were swinging in the tree laughing madly, their racoon hats almost falling off their heads.

"What's the point in rememberin'?" one said, hanging like a monkey.

"Yeah, she ain't ever comin' back!" the other said, swinging his legs back and forth, "She's a grown up!"

"She's a lost one!" Nibs retorted, "And don't tell me they can't come back because then we wouldn't have Jane or Bae!"

"They are different! They are stuck here," the twins retorted, "Unlike your girlfriend!"

"She's not-!" Nib snapped, jolting forward towards them.

"Enough!" Slightly interrupted, grabbing Nib's shoulder and shoving them back. "Curly! Take the twins and go look for Peter! He said he was looking for the new adventurer that came."

"Why do I got to do it?"

"Because it's time to play you lazy bums!" Slightly hollered over his shoulder, "Now go before I sling my slingshot at you all!"

The boys scampered into the forest, leaving Slightly and Nibs alone. Nibs stared in retaliation as Slightly said firmly, "You need to get her out of your head. You said it yourself. She has a kid. Parents don't come back to Neverland. Bad things happen when they do."

"But Bae-!"

"Exactly! Look how miserable he is without his kid!" Slightly scowled, "Look at him. Look at Jane or Wendy. They don't come back, Nibs. It's better to forget."

Nibs let out an angry sigh but didn't say anything more. Slightly patted his shoulder and said, "Get over it, Mate. And go get the flag from the top of the tree! Peter wanted to play the game the next time we got a new one!"

"Why do I have to get it?" Nibs protested as Slightly turned and started to walk away into the forest.

"Because you need something to do than draw in the dirt!"

Nibs stared after him resentfully before turning around and stalking towards the tree. He looked up to see the flag tied to one of the middle branches. Climbing up the side of the tree, Nibs slowly made his way. He muttered and grumbled about how he hated being the one who always had to get things and how he would make them pay for putting it up so high. Finally reaching the branch, Nibs reached as far as he could and grabbed the flimsy fabric.

The branch creaked and Nibs yelped. The air rushed about him as he found himself falling to the ground. He groaned, rubbing his head with his free hand saying, "I quit. I quit everything."

There was a rustle of leaves.

Nibs almost bolted upright, staring towards the forest warily. He watched the tree line worried as he said, "Slightly? Is that you?"

There was no response as he looked around. The air suddenly became extremely quiet, the only sound being the birds chirping in the distance. He was about to pull out his small dagger when something struck the back of his eyes. His vision spotted immediately and the world almost seemed to be spinning away from him. But he then heard a voice, one that made him scared.

"Hook," Nibs managed to say as his world spun violently.

Hooks eyes glittered darkly as he smirked saying, "Well it seems I've caught me a wee little fish. Lets see if I can't use you as bait for the large prize. Mullins! Murphy! Grab him!"

"Where are we going Captain?"

Nibs consciousness faded away as the words Hooks said next were garbled. He whispered softly before blacking out, "Peter."

It may not have seen like much, but names in Neverland had power. The forest leaves rushed about, spinning fast in hopes to find the person in which the name belonged to.

---

"You know, you navigate a forest well for a girl."

Alison and Peter were walking along the brush of the forest, the trees covering the sky above. Alison pushed a fallen branch out of her way as she said, "It's not the first time I've made my way through a forest before. I used to have to walk through one to get back and forth everyday."

"So I take it I won't have to worry about you getting scared over tiny things," Peter mocked behind her. Alison gave him an annoyed look as they continued making their way through the forest. Alison glanced up to see through an open spot in the trees. She saw a star streak across the sky in the direction they were walking. Alison sighed softly, making her way over an old fallen tree trunk.

"If you keep sighing like that, you're going to run out of air."

"Are you just trying to annoy me with what you think are witty remarks?" Alison scowled, "If so, please go bother one of your lost boys."

Peter smirked as he followed her lazily. He watched her with intrigue as he said, "But it is so much more fun watching you be stubborn and walk when we could be soaring through the sky!"

"I thought we were trying to avoid detection, Peter."

"Who said that?"

"You did," Alison said, rolling her eyes as she purposefully pushed a branch out of her way. She didn't bother to hold it for Peter, who managed to avoid it with ease. "When you said you wanted to avoid running into my Dad."

"I didn't say avoid detection," Peter whined, "I just said I didn't want you bothering him and making him act all grown up."

"Which is best done by avoiding detection!" Alison said, pushing through some bushes until she managed to make her way to clearer ground, "So unless you want my Dad to come, quit your whining!"

Peter scowled, following her as he made his way across the forest, muttering, "It almost would have been better off if I had gone to play with the Lost Boys."

The breeze picked up again, blowing through the trees as if a whisper was washing over them. Alison was completely oblivious to what was happening but Peter stopped short. He stared up at the sky with a stricken expression before looking back to her. She hadn't noticed he had stopped until she had turned around to see him staring at her intently.

"Peter? What are you doing?" Alison asked with a frown. Peter's eyes snapped to her, a look of determination coming over his face. She was shocked when she heard him say in a serious tone, "Run."

"What?"

"Run, Kinsleigh," he barked, "Keep running straight and don't stop! Go!"

Alison flight or fight instincts kicked in. She practically flew away, racing through the forest without stopping. She hadn't felt it before, but now that she was fully paying attention, she could feel another's presence. She couldn't make out who they were, but her sense told her they were coming in quick. She stopped short at a clearing, looking around as she heard the rustling and fast paced crunching of leaves. Where could she hide?

Trees. The branches were definitely low enough for her to climb and hide in the greenery. Scaling her way up the tree, Alison hid herself the best she could, keeping as still as she could. The wind in the trees blew around her, the sounds of soft singing filled the air. The presence seemed to have disappeared, even though Alison had an uneasy feeling about her.

Alison shrieked as she felt someone grab her around the waist. Alison instinctively jerked her elbow back hard, knocking square into the person's stomach. In her scramble, Alison shrieked as she fell out of the tree. She tumbled to the ground, hitting the ground flat. Alison groaned, rubbing her head as she felt the world spin a bit. The voice above finally spoke, sounding very boyish.

"Ow! Geez you hit hard for a girl!"

Alison jumped up, grabbing the weapon he had dropped in the struggle. She held it firm as she got a good look at her assailant.

It was a boy, dressed in dirty clothes and a fox hat on his head. He was currently rubbing his stomach, doubled over on the ground. Alison narrowed her eyes as she stood her ground and demanded, "Who are you!? What do you want?!"

"Geez, girls are loud," grumbled the boy as he stood up, "I was just playin' around. Peter and us lost boys always do that with new children."

He finally looked her in the eyes, shock entering his features. Alison stared at him, feeling confused as he looked at her as if he had seen a ghost. Regardless of her threatening stance, he came closer stammering, "Wendy?! How-?"

"I'm not Wendy!" Alison said crossly, "My name is Alison! Alison Kinsleigh!"

"Oh! Sorry," he said sheepishly, "You looked so much like her though. I thought Pan was having a joke when he told us that. Don't worry! I'm not a pirate. I'm one of the lost boys!"

Alison sized him up as she said, "If you're one of Peter's lost boys, why did he tell me to run?"

"Oh, that's because he was just playin'!" he said, waving carelessly, "We always do this."

"Of course you do!" Alison said, rolling her eyes, "God forbid we just do what we set out to do!"

"What's the fun in that?" he grinned, "We're in Neverland! We always play games here."

"Well if you would excuse me," Alison said, sourly, "I will be on my way."

"Why the rush?" he asked, stepping in her way before she could walk away.

"I need to get a piece of a fallen star," Alison said, "It's one of the reasons I appeared here."

"Oh excellent! Sounds like a wonderful adventure to Dead Man's peak!" he said grinning. He turned on his heels and called into the sky, "Lost boys!"

"What-No!" Alison said adamantly. But it was too late. The trees rustled with laughter as boys began to jump down. Two boys with racoon hats bounced around them as another with a skunk. Another boy without a hat fell from the trees, scrambling up and hurrying to the others who had circled around her. And they all had the same comment.

"Wendy?! Wendy is that you?"

"How can you be so young!? Jane is so old now!"

"It's not Wendy!" scowled the boy in the fox hat, "It's Alison, Jane's and Baelfire's daughter."

"Whoa! It's like lookin' in one of those glassy things!"

"It's called a 'mirroar', Curly." The Twins argued.

"That's enough boys," he pointed each one of them respectively, "This is Curly, Tootles, and the Twins."

He stepped closer to Alison with a sly grin on his face. Alison couldn't help but smirk as he said confidently, "And I'm Slightly. Peter's top Lost Boy."

"You sound very proud of that," Alison said taunting.

"I am," Slightly said, "Now boys, while we wait for Nibs, we are going to Dead Man's Peak so Alison can get a piece of a fallen star."

"Why she need one of those?" Tootles asked, his big brown eyes staring at them innocently. He was quite easily the smallest of them all. Alison couldn't help but feel as though she had seen him somewhere before.

"I need it for a potion to help lots of people." Alison explained.

"Well then let's not dilly dally boys!" Slightly plucked the weapon from her hand and pointed it towards the direction the stars were falling in. The boys let out a yip before racing off into the forest. Slightly looked at her, his sly grin in place as he said, "Ladies first."

Alison rolled her eyes but continued on into the forest. Slightly watched after her with a curious expression as the wind blew gently in the air. Slightly looked up at the trees as he said, "I know, I know. It's a game of keep away. We don't need parents ruining a perfectly good adventure."

---

"Where is she, Peter?!"

Peter couldn't help but snort as he flew lazily in the air. That earned a rock being thrown from the angry man below, almost striking him in his back. Luckily, Peter twisted himself quickly, so the rock went whizzing by into a tree. Jane watched the two from her spot under a tree, arms crossed and looking amused. Peter snickered as he mocked, "And just who are you referring to?"

"You know who, you egocentric airhead!"

"Oh sure," Peter said, turning so he was facing Baelfire, "If that is what I am, then what are you?"

"The one that is going to give you a good thumping-!"

"Baelfire!" Jane finally left her spot, grabbing onto his arm as he looked at her in temper, "Throwing things at him isn't going to help us find her any faster!"

"You're not going to find her," Peter scowled, landing on the ground, "Neverland is not the place for parents to coddle their children. It's the place of wonder and adventure!"

"Who said anything about coddling!" Jane retorted, staring up at him with an offended look, "We as Mages have every right to participate in adventures! Especially with new ones."

"Please!" Peter said rolling his eyes, "I bet at first glance you get, you'll go right to motherin' Alison and he'll go lock her away somewhere."

Baelfire opened his mouth only to shut it again as Jane raised a hand, staring at him pointedly. She then looked back at Peter with a mischievous look in her eyes.

"Is that a challenge, Peter Pan?" Jane spurred her words purposefully, rising for him to take the bait.

He did, coming down to her level with a huge grin on his face and a rebellious look in his eyes. He didn't land but walked on the air as if it were the ground. He stopped a foot away as he said, "It is. What say we make a bet of it?"

"Fine," Jane said before Baelfire could intervene, "We let Alison have her adventure till the sun sets, and we don't interfere anymore than we would any other of the new ones. If we succeed, we get Alison for one night, no interference or steal from you or the lost boys."

"And if you don't succeed, you'll let her come with us lost boys," Peter said, "Let us have our own adventure, entirely on our own."

Baelfire moved forward, the clear protest on his face. Jane held up her hand though, stopping him once again. She smiled mockingly at the boy in front of her and said, "Deal. Now, go get Tink from Pixie Hollow. We have an adventure to go on."

Peter raised his brows as he questioned, "You aren't going to ask me where she's gone?"

"No," Jane said, childishly, "Where would the fun in that be?"

Peter grin almost spread from ear to ear as he took off to the sky laughing. Jane was only able to watch him for a moment before Baelfire seized her by her arm and yanked her close.

"What did you do that for!?" Baelfire seethed, his rage ever so apparent, "Why would you make that deal with him?!"

Jane flashed her innocent eyes at Baelfire and said, "To get a night alone with our daughter of course."

"And how are we supposed to do that?" Baelfire thundered, "We don't even know where she is!"

"Ahh, but you see," Jane leaned up and kissed his nose, "I do know."

"What?" Baelfire asked, sharply.

"I know exactly where she is going," grinned Jane, "And exactly why she's here."

"And how do you know that?" Baelfire demanded.

"Let's just say the Master had his own little missions and he may have left her a spell that requires a piece of a fallen star," Jane said, her voice giddy and victorious, "And the only place to get that-."

"Is at the top of Dead Man's Peak!" Baelfire smirked as he pulled her close around the waist, "You, my partner, are a genius."

"I know," beamed Jane as she leaned up to peck a kiss to his lips, "Now let's go for a climb up the mountain. I hear the star fall is a marvelous sight to behold."

---

"Belle, where would you like these donated books?"

Belle looked up from her own pile of books she was checking back in to see Arielle standing with a box. Absentmindedly scanning a book, Belle said, "Put them on the desk in the office. I'll have to go through them later."

"Okay," Arielle said, shifting the box in her hand, "Who knew one person could have so many heavy books?"

Belle grinned, her eyes sparkling as she said, "You should see my bookshelf then. You could probably knock someone out with some of the ones I have."

Arielle laughed as she passed the main desk saying, "I'll have to come see some of them then."

Belle watched her leave before turning her attention back to her task. Well, her partial attention back to her task. Glancing at the photo on the desk, she bit her lip in worry. Rumpelstiltskin hadn't returned with Alison yet and with everything that had happened while they were gone, that worried her. Had something happened? Was she okay? Belle turned her chair to grab her cell phone from her purse when she had heard a female voice ring out.

"So you're his new plaything."

Belle turned to see a woman standing not too far from her desk. She had certainly not been there moments before. Her hair was brown and wavy, framing her haughty face. She wore a black suit and boots. Around her neck, was a jeweled red heart, shining in the library lights. But it was her eyes that made Belle on guard. They were cold, darker like the night and full of power. Belle swallowed as she said, "Who are you?"

"You know, for a bookworm, you are fairly ignorant," she taunted, coming closer to the desk, "I would have never pegged Rumple to marry someone so… weak."

Belle felt a rush of heat fuel her anger as she said in a forced calm voice, "And just who are you to talk of anything."

"Oh my," the woman laughed mockingly, "Didn't your precious Rumple tell you anything? I am Cora, the Queen of Hearts."

Belle's blood ran cold as Cora smirked at the woman behind the desk. Cora scanned the desk before spotting a picture on the desk. Reaching down, Cora said coolly, "And it seems we have another little friend in common as well."

"Leave." Belle pushed the pictured face down on the desk to keep it out of reach. "Now. Before you see just how 'weak' I am."

"Oh don't bite off more than you can chew, little worm," Cora smiled dangerously, "I don't play with amateurs."

"I could almost say the same thing to you."

Cora's eyes glanced towards the doorway of the library. There stood in full temper was Rumpelstiltskin. That would have been enough to send fear into anyone. But not this one. Cora smiled as if she was greeting an old friend as she said, "Aw, the crocodile snaps at the little bird."

"How?" His voice was pure hatred, "How are you even alive?"

"Let's just say I made the acquaintance of a sea captain," Cora mocked, stepping closer towards him, "And let's leave it at that."

"What are you doing here?" he sneered dangerously. Belle shifted uncomfortably, knowing that this would not end well. She spotted Arielle hiding in the shadows of the office, looking out stricken. They exchanged silence looks before Belle looked back to see Cora get closer to him.

"Oooh," Cora clucked her tongue at him, "No, no, no. You have to guess Rumple. Where would be the fun in telling you?"

"If you are here to pick a fight," Rumpelstiltskin threatened, the air thick with magic, "I will only be too happy to oblige."

"Oh nonsense, Rumple," purred Cora, stepping into his personal space, "I wouldn't dream of it. I came for other reasons."

"And what reasons are those?" he challenged harshly.

"All in good time," Cora said coyly, "Now if you would excuse me, I have some business to attend to."

Cora brushed passed him, only to be stopped when Gold grabbed her arm menacingly. Cora glanced at him unfazed as he hissed, "You can play coy all you want, dearie. But I know you and I know you have something to do with this so-called Phantom. If you come after Alison or my wife again, I will gladly turn the tables and take your head."

"Look at you being all protective," Cora taunted darkly, "Over a girl you barely know."

Cora pulled herself free before making her way out of the library. Gold's rage was just barely contained, his glare watching the door she had just exited through. Belle got up and made her way over to him. She wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tight. Gold wrapped an arm around her waist to return that hug, still glaring after the woman he clearly despised so much.

"Was that her?" Belle asked, hesitantly.

"Yes," growled Gold, "The bloody queen of hearts."

"I thought you said she was dead," Belle whispered.

"Well apparently the old witch had another tricks up her sleeve." Gold tightened his grip around her waist. Belle looked up to see him look at her. The anger had ebbed away, replaced now with growing concern.

"Are you alright?" Gold asked, "She didn't do anything-?"

"Nothing except being rude," Belle said, reaching up to brush the hair out of his face, "Where is Alison? I thought you were going to get her."

"She's at that Mad Hatter's House," Gold grumbled, "I was on my way to get her when I felt-!"

"Don't worry about that right now," Belle said, firmly but there were still traces of fear in her eyes, "Just go get her please. I don't like that we've seen everyone but her."

"I'll go get her." Gold leaned down and kissed her gently, "And bring her home. So we can be a proper family again."

Belle couldn't help but smile happily at that. Gold gave her a warm smile before kissing her again disappearing into a cloud of smoke. Belle breathed in, still smelling his cologne. Resting her hand over her stomach, Belle whispered, "Hopefully…"

---

"Mummy…"

Jane was sitting in a small room with Margaret. They had been living in a small house on the side of the mountain for what felt like a couple of weeks. Margaret had been too weak to travel back to London and to be honest, Jane didn't really see the point. There was nothing for them back there. No family anymore to come home and greet them. So they stayed, and Jane did everything in her power to make her better. She was dabbing her forehead with a cloth as she said, "What Margaret?"

Margaret laid in the bed quietly, staring out the little window that she loved so much. She stared into the sky to see the stars falling. She watched them in wonder as she said, "Will you tell him something for me..."

"Tell who something, Margaret," Jane said gently.

"Rumpelstiltskin," Margaret said weakly, "will you tell that I say thank you? For saving us..."

"Of course I will," Jane said, "But that's silly because one day he will come back and you can tell him yourself."

Margaret didn't say anything to that. She just looked up at the stars and said, "Pretty… they are always so pretty… Neverland is too."

"Yes it is," Jane said, watching them for a few moments. She put down the cloth as she looked back at her daughter, "Yes it is."

Margaret was still staring, but something was wrong. Her eyes were completely motionless as was the rest of her. Jane's smile vanish as she said, "Margaret?"

She shook her arm gently, only to feel her completely limp. Panic surged through her as she said her daughters name again more forcefully, "Margaret? Margaret!"

The child didn't move, even as Jane felt her skin and moved her head as she repeated her name over and over again. Jane felt for any type of pulse or heartbeat, tears pouring down her face as she sobbed, "No, no no no no."

The child responded to nothing and nor would she ever again. Jane choked on her sobs as she let out a terrible scream, cradling Margeret to her.

"MARGARET!"

---

Nibs grimaced as he pricked his finger on the sharp rock again. He was tight up around his wrists and his ankles with thick rope. He was in the Dome of Skull Island, the rock making up the cavern bumpy and crusty from the sea. Hook was off towards the entrance staring at a cross mark on the wall. It was the mark of the dead, this one for a particular pirate queen. Hook gripped a pendant in his hand affectionately as he said, "It won't be long now, love. I will avenge you soon."

"Gemme that!" Nib yelped as Murphy swiped the little rock from his hand and struck him in the side of the face, "Nice try, Lost boy! You won't be escaping any time soon."

Nib stuck his tongue out as Hook turned his attention towards Nibs. He smirked, striding towards the boy as Murphy stalked away. Nibs glared up at Captain Hook as he said, "You won't get away with this. Peter will come for me and throw you back in the ocean."

"Why show that green fairy boy any loyalty?" Hook mocked, pacing around Nibs.

"Because," Nibs said, proudly, "I'm a lost boy. This is my home."

"What kind of home taunts and ridicules you about caring for someone?"

Nibs fell silent, anger and hurt coming over his eyes as Hook said, "Oh yes, we heard everything that happened between you and the other lost boys. I even say that drawing of the woman you were remembering. Emma, I believe you said her name was."

"That's none of your business," Nib rebutted.

"Oh but I understand," Hook said bending down, "You care about her and you miss her. We call that having feelings, little fish. What if I could tell you I know exactly where Emma is."

Nibs looked at Hook wildly, his eyes wide as he asked, "You know where Emma is? Liar!"

"But I do," Hook said, standing up again to pace around him, "Blonde curly hair, tall, the fiercest eyes of a Lost girl I've ever seen. And she is living in the world I just came from. I can take you to her. She can be your new family."

Hook swooped down, his cold blue eyes staring right into Nibs. Nibs couldn't help but tremble a bit under his frightening gaze. Hook reached out his hook of a hand, tapping it under Nibs chin. "All you have to do is help me. Join me. And I can get you what you want."

Nibs stared at him before spit hard in his face. Hook snarled in disgust, wiping his face as Nibs snapped, "I would never help you! Not even to see Emma again! She'd never forgive me for helping a dirty pirate like you."

Nibs yelped as Hook gave him a square kick in the ribs, glaring at him meanly.

"So be it," Hook sneered.

"Captain!"

Hook looked back to see Murphy at the mouth of the cave. He pointed out towards the tallest mountain, smoke coming from it. Murphy watched Hook carefully as he said, "That's Mullins signal. He found them."

"Good!" Hook said, smugly, "Throw that brat into Pirate's Pit! I'm going to go catch myself a little Mage."

---

"Curly! Get your foot out of my face!"

Alison, who was climbing up the steep slope, looked up to see the Twins pushing Curly forward. Curly scowled as he snapped, "Go around if you want to go faster so bad!"

"And let you fall asleep on the rocks? No way!"

Alison rolled her eyes before continuing to make her way up. Slightly, who was only a few feet in front of her, pushed Tootles forward saying, "Come on, Tootles. Scamper forward. We are almost to star fall."

Tootles scampered forward, quickly making his way up without fuss. Alison watched him a moment as she continued to make her way up.

"He seems really young to be here," Alison said, grasping the rocks and pushing her way up. Slightly glanced down at her before turning his attention back to his task saying, "Who? Tootles? He's almost been here as long as me and Peter."

"You and-?" Alison's foot slipped, causing her to slip a bit. Slightly's hand caught her arm and kept her steady while she regained her footing. He pulled her forward before continuing up the slope. Alison followed him as she said, "Did you come over with Peter?"

"I guess," Slightly said swiftly, "I don't know. I don't really think about it anymore."

Alison looked at him strangely, her brows furrowing as she followed him. They were getting closer to the top, the other boys squawking at each other as they tried to race up the mountain side. Alison found her mind wandering elsewhere, thinking about someone she loved very much. Someone who hated this place with all of his heart.

"Did you know Rumpelstiltskin?"

Slightly didn't answer at first. In fact, Alison was pretty sure he hadn't heard her as he continued to climb. He stayed very quiet, keep his gazing facing away from her. He yanked on some vines, propelling himself further along. She was about to ask again when Slightly jumped up so he stood on the flat top of the mountain. He looked down at her with a careless smile as he said, stretching his arms high, "As I said, I don't know. How am I supposed to remember that far back?"

Alison scowled, casting a dark look his way. She made her way up the vines as she muttered under her breath, "No wonder he hates all your stinking guts."

Alison was too busy climbing to notice the flash of hurt that crossed Slightly's face. By the time she had pulled herself up to where Slightly was, his grin was back upon his face as he extended his arm towards the surrounding plateau.

"Welcome to Star Fall on Dead Man's Peak!" grinned Slightly as Alison looked up to see a light streak across their heads. It fell onto the ground on the far side of the plateau. Alison's previous irritation was ebbed away by the wonder of the streaking lights.

"Here," Slightly held out a strange looking clam shell, "We use these to catch the pieces of star."

Alison took it as she looked around, starting to walk away. Slightly smirked as he said teasingly, "Girls. They always like looking at sparkling-."

"Where is Tootles?"

Her voice cut through the air, stopping him in mid-sentence. He stared at her as she turned about, searching. Her brows were furrowed again, and her steel expression was enough to unsettle him. Slightly looked around, noticing that Tootles was nowhere to be found.

"He may have just scampered off again," Slightly said. Alison ignored him, scavenging the area around them. Slightly followed her as he said, "Honestly, Alison. You're worse than a mother. He's fine!"

"Really?!" Alison swiped something off the ground and spun around. In her hand was Tootles hat, dirtied and crumpled, "Then does he usually stomp on and leave his hat around like this?"

"That- Alison!" Slightly shouted, suddenly reaching to grab his spear. However something whizzed past her head, striking Slightly square in the head. He crumbled, leaving Alison to catch him. She had no choice but to lower him to the ground as his sudden body weight was too much. Alison whirled her head around when she heard a sharp whistle. Two men stood there, dressed in pirate garb. One was holding Tootles tightly. The little boy had spirit has he tried to wiggle his way free but could not. But the other man she recognized immediately was the pirate that was holding a blade out, dangerously close to her.

"Well, well," Hook said smirking mockingly, "What a wee treasure we found, Mullins! A little witch."

"Well if it isn't Captain Codfish," Alison mocked right back, "Don't you have some monsoon to sink your ship in?"

"Careful lass," Hook warned, his eyes flashing dangerously, "Or I'll have Mullin toss that little lost boy over the cliff."

Alison twitched her hand up only for Hook to press the blade against her neck.

"No funny business," Hook warned, "Because even if you use magic to free him and yourself, there is no saving the lost boy we already have in our possession."

"And how do I know you're not just bluffing?"

"Because," Hook snickered, holding out his hook to show another rumpled hat, "We nicked him when Slightly here left him alone to sniffle his way up a tree."

"Nibs," Slightly grunted, moving to get up. He glared at Hook as he said, "You vile pirate."

Tootles squiggled against Mullins, squeaking against him. Alison glared at Hook as she said, "And how do I know he isn't dead already? Especially if he's with one of your band of loons."

Hook let out a barking laugh as he said, "You're as cheeky as I remember. Very spirited. However, I am also a man of my word. Nibs is still very much alive with Murphy. I believe you remember him?"

Alison gave him the dirtiest look but said nothing more. Hook smirked as he said, "Having him dead would not help me get what I want. Keeping him alive and taking you hostage would."

Slightly yipped loud, rushing up and landing a decent punch to Hook's face. It sent him reeling back, dropping his sword to the ground. Mullins screeched as Tootles bit him, earning him his escape. Slightly grabbed Alison's arm as he shouted, "RUN!"

Alison didn't need to be told twice. The three children ran towards the forest of the mountain, pushing tree branches and pushing against the brush. Alison could hear the pirates chasing after them, cursing at them and gaining on them. Alison tried to focus her magic to her hands only to realize she couldn't. She tried again, this time causing her to trip over a root. She felt someone pull her up and say incredulously, "What are you doing?!"

"Trying to use magic to slow them down!" Alison hissed.

"Don't bother! Dreamers can't use magic. Your real body is not actually here." Slightly pushed her forward, "Move!"

Alison did not need to be told twice. Both of them ran, Tootles far out of view at this point. Alison felt like she was almost flying through the forest. The pirates seemed to be getting farther and farther away, raising Alison's hopes that they might just escape.

Until a sicken crack filled the air.

Alison shrieked, feeling something swing about her body. It wrapped her up tight, causing her to fall to the ground. She struggled against the bonds as Slightly tried to free her as well.

But it was too late. The next thing Alison heard was a loud hooting call and she suddenly felt a blow to the back of her head. Reality faded from her quickly, leaving the sound of Slightly yelling echoing in her ears.

---

"Of all the days for this to happen!"

Henry winced as Ava paced around the room. Alison was laying in the bed she so often slept in, breathing deeply. Henry was sitting in an armchair in the corner, while Grace stood near him rubbing his shoulder comfortingly. Ava stood at the end of the bed, looking harassed. She ran her hair through her curly hair as she said, "Worst timing ever. How could you mess up poppy powder and the Sandman dust!? It's not even the same color!"

"Lay off him Ava!" Grace snapped, glaring over at her, "He made a mistake. He was just trying to help her."

"You don't think I don't know that!" Ava thundered back, "But Gold isn't dumb, he's going to wonder why she had this stuff from the Sandman to begin with. Which is going to make him question what she's hiding and you don't want him to start doing that!"

"Look, he can't question her if she is still asleep. We will just tell him she's not awake and to not wake her because she's not been sleeping well," Grace said getting up and walking over to one side of the bed.

"That's not going to work," Henry said dully, causing both girls to look at him. "This is Rumpelstiltskin we're talking about. He's going to realize she is in a magically induced sleep. Which is going to make him question us. He's going to know if we are lying and if we make him suspicious, he's going to investigate."

"What else can we do?" Grace said, looking from him to Ava. "Gold will be here any minute and there is nothing we can say or do that is going to stop him."

Ava stared hard at Alison's face, biting her lip while she pondered. Grace and Henry exchanged looks as Ava rocked back and forth on her heels. Jerking up, Ava said, "Alright, I got a plan. Henry, do you have anymore of the sandman dust?"

"Jefferson took it," Henry started to say, only for Ava to run out of the room. Grace and Henry watched after her confused. Grace walked around to the other side of the bed saying, "What is she up to?"

"I don't know," Henry said, looking just as puzzled. There was a yelp and a yell from Jefferson making them jump up. There was running sounds coming from across the house as Jefferson shouted after Ava. Ava came in, slamming the door shut and locking the lock. She spun around saying, "Okay, here is the plan. I'm going under to get her to wake up. You two need to stall."

"What?!" Both of them said at the same time.

"Yep," Ava said, getting on the bed next to Alison.

"You can't do that! How are we going to stall?!" Grace protested. Ava yanked on her arm saying, "This is all you need to tell Gold and trust me, he is not going to want to come up here."

Ava whispered something in Grace's ear, making her eyes go wide. She looked at Ava in horror as she exclaimed, "I can't tell him that!"

"Oh yes you can and you will!" Ava demanded, waving her finger at her, "That is the only way he will guarantee not come up here!"

There was a loud banging on the door, making them jump a little bit. Jefferson's voice boomed as he struggled with the door handle, "GRETEL, YOU HAD BETTER NOT DO WHAT I THINK YOU ARE DOING!"

"Yes, I am! So stitch your mouth shut, Hatter!" Ava snapped back, opening the little bag.

"Ava Zimmer!" Grace protested angrily, trying to grab the bag. Ava jerked her hand away, glaring at Grace as she said, "I'm waking her up. End of story."

"But you don't even know if you will end up in the same place!" Henry protested.

"A risk I'm willing to take!" Ava inhaled a pinch of powder and closed the bag. The door burst open as Ava fell back on the bed. Jefferson grabbed her, shaking her as he hissed, "Gretel! GRETEL! You reckless child!"

"Dad!" Grace grabbed his arm, "It's too late! She already did it and Gold is on his way!"

Jefferson swore repeatedly, running his hand through his hair as he asked angrily, "What plan could she possibly have come up with that was so important to put herself to sleep!"

Grace swallowed, her face going a little pale as she looked at her two now sleeping friends. "The only one we've got."

---

The stars streaked across the mountain top, lighting the way. Jane and Baelfire made their way up the slope, climbing up the rocks. Jane sighed as she shouted up to Baelfire, "You know, we could have just magically transported ourselves up here!"

"Where would be the fun in that?!" Baelfire shouted down to her, grinning infuriatingly. Jane scowled as she rebutted, "I think you're just avoiding using magic. AGAIN."

"Stop your whining. We could use the exercise!" Baelfire snickered as he heard Jane curse him under her breath, following behind him. Baelfire made it to the top of the cliff where they heard Curly and the Twins.

"Give it back you guys!"

"Why? So you can almost lose it again?!"

Baelfire stood up, brushing off the dirt from his clothes as Jane swiftly came up behind him. She swatted the back of his head shooting him a heated glare. He kept his infuriating grin until he heard Curly shout, "Baelfire! Jane! We've got a problem!"

"What? The Twins are teasing you again?"

"No!" Curly huffed, stalking over to him. He pointed towards the Twins as he said, "Look! Look what we found on the ground!"

The Twins waved a hat in the air, Baelfire narrowing his eyes quickly. Jane looked around, pacing about while staring at the ground. Baelfire crossed his arms and said, "What are you doing with Nibs hat?"

"We found it!" one of the Twin said.

"Just lyin' on the ground!" the other said defensively.

Baelfire snatched it as Jane bent over to examine the crumpled grass and broken branches. She looked alarmed, worry coming over her face. She looked over at them saying, "It looks like there was a struggle. What were you all doing up here?"

"We came with Slightly, Tootles, and the Wendy bird look-a-like," one of the twins said, "They were ahead of us on the slopes so by the time we got here they were already gone."

"We dunno how Nib's hat got here 'cause he was supposed to get the flag," the other twin said, "So we left him behind."

Baelfire's stomach tensed as he exchanged worried looks. Jane frowned and said, "We should go look for them. The path looks like they went down this way."

"Don't bother!"

All of them looked up at the sky to see Tink and Peter fly down. Tink got big in a bright glow of light while Peter landed dramatically on his two feet. Baelfire stared hardly at them as Tink said, "They've been taken. Nibs, Slightly, and Alison. We heard it from the whispers in the trees."

"Taken!?" Baelfire barked, his temper flaring as he stormed over to them, "By who?!"

Jane stared down the slope as the whispers of the trees reached her ears. Her fist tightened, her nails digging into her hand. Hatred filled her eyes and she hissed, "Hook."

The silence rang cold in the air. All of them looked towards Jane, who was still staring down the hill. When she finally turned to face them, the lost boys shivered from the frightening look on her face. "He's taken them to Skull Island."

"How is that possible?!" Baelfire snapped, glaring back at Tink. "The pixie's watch all those who enter by sea. How could they have gotten past without being seen?"

"They obviously didn't come by the Sea then," Tink replied hotly, "Let's not dwell on how he got here and focus on how to save Alison and the Lost boys."

"Easy!" Peter flew up into the air, a cocky look on his face, "We sneak in through the back tunnels and take them by surprise. I will handle Hook while the boys get the others out-!"

"No."

Jane's voice cut him off as Peter gave her an annoyed look. Baelfire looked at Jane, who was glaring at Peter. Peter mocked, "No? Is the Mage of Neverland interfering?"

"Interfering?" Jane's aura felt dangerous, making even Peter step backwards as she stepped closer to him. "The nerve of you to suggest that, little boy. We have the right to play your little game as much as anyone else."

Jane grabbed him by his collar, her magic freezing him in place with a golden glow. The lost boys gasped, looking at them nervously. Baelfire shifted, staring uncomfortably between the two as well. Peter's jaw set, glaring intensely at Jane as she towered over him, "We do this together Peter. Or I will tell Tink to take her precious pixie dust back to Pixie camp and leave you flightless."

Jane pushed him back, sending him stumbling back into the lost boys. Jane stared at him with a steel expression as she said, "But since you are so worried about me interfering with her adventure, you are going to go with the boys to get her and the other lost boys out of wherever Hook is holding them captive. Baelfire and I will distract him."

"Fine! I don't feel like dehanding a pirate today anyway," Peter huffed, flying into the air, "We'll get the hostages. Come on boys! We have a damsel in distress to save."

Baelfire snorted as Tink went small, twirling angrily around Peter's head. He scowled as he said, "Fine! FINE! I'll stop calling her damsel in distress! Tink, just get some pixie dust on the other lost boys so we can go save them!"

Tink did do as he asked, the other lost boys soaring in the air. They left Jane and Baelfire behind while whooping and howling in the air. Baelfire rolled his eyes as he said, "He's gonna get himself socked by Lisie. I'm surprised you threatened to take his pixie dust-."

"Let's go."

Jane's voice was colder than ice, something that made Baelfire look towards her uneasy. She threw a small closed bag his way before saying, "Hold that pixie dust tight, I'm magically transporting us to Skull Island."

"Wouldn't it be better to have a more discreet way of getting there?" Baelfire asked, tucking it away into his shirt.

"The better way is to get there quickly and get rid of Hook," snapped Jane, stepping into his space, "Before he does something to Alison."

"And we will!" Baelfire said, heatedly, "But charging in there guns ablazing isn't going to help!"

"Every second he has her is a risk we are taking to him hurting her!" Jane shouted, her eyes glassy and her temper flaring, "I will NOT let him be the reason I bury another child of mine!"

"And he won't," Baelfire said, cupping her cheeks and kissing her gently, "He won't."

"Yes," Jane grabbed his arm as they disappeared in a glimmery cloud, "Because I won't let him. Not this time."

---

Alison groaned, opening her eyes slowly. She smelled the deep stench of sea salt that was in the air and heard mumbling not too far away. She couldn't quite make out what they were saying, but she could tell they were bickering back and forth. Sitting up, Alison rubbed her head as she tried to focus on the scene around her.

They were in a makeshift cell in a cave. The bars were made of old metal and the floor was made of rock and sand. Huddled in the corner by the door of the cell was Slightly and another boy that she had not seen before. They were whispering heatedly back and forth, completely unaware that she had even woken up.

"I'm tellin' you Slightly, that won't work! I've already tried," the boy said, exasperated.

"Well then you obviously aren't doing it right, Nibs!" Slightly said crossly.

"I was too!" Nibs said, his voice miserable, "We wouldn't even be in this mess if you didn't leave me alone to get the flag!"

"This wouldn't have happened if you didn't have a dumb crush on that woman who came here!" Slightly snapped, messing with the lock on the other side.

"I don't have a crush!"

"Would you both stop it," Alison interrupted, getting to her feet, "Bickering isn't going to do anything."

Both of them looked at her, Slightly ears on his hat flopping slightly. Nibs looked at her with a cocked head and said, "Wendy?"

"No!" Alison said shortly, "Alison Kinsleigh."

"She's Jane's and Baelfire's daughter. Nice of you to wake up, Sleeping Beauty," Slightly said as she walked over to them. She glared at him before pushing them both out of the way as she reached around to the lock. She examined it the best she could, noticing the unusual shine to it. Alison scowled, letting it go as she said, "Using a pick won't do you any good. This is a Magic lock. It can only be opened with a special key."

"Huh," Nibs said a little worried, "The pirates don't usually use locks like that."

"That's because they locked me in here," Alison said, "They didn't want to risk me picking the lock."

"Why would they worry so much about that?" Nib said, confused, "This is just another game, right? They lock us up, we escape, we have a big fight and we go on our way!"

"This isn't a game," Alison said, turning around to face them, "Hook's been working with an enemy of mine in another world. It's not a coincidence that he came here the second I did."

"But why come here?" Nibs asked confused, "Why not go after you in the other world? You're only a dreamer here."

"Probably because he wants to use her as bait," Slightly said, rolling her eyes.

"Too right!"

The harsh voice rang out as all three of them looked down the cave to see a pirate coming out of the shadows. He smirked smugly at them as he said, "You're the perfect bait for what our Captain plan is."

"Plan for what, Pirate!" Nib asked bravely.

"That's Mullin's to you, boy!" Mullins growled, giving Nib's evil eye before looking at Alison to mock, "Plans for revenge on a certain Lost Boy turned Mage. One that will not fail and we will be able to go back to plunderin' the open sea!"

Alison glared at him as she asked, "Why does he want revenge on my Dad? Is he still sore Milah would rather throw herself off a cliff than spend eternity with her pirate idiot."

Mullin's smirk infuriated her as he looked towards Slightly saying, "Maybe you should ask him, Majesteria. You'll have plenty of time to discuss it being locked in here."

Mullins pulled out the key, dangling it in the air as he took a few steps back, "Don't bother tryin' to escape! This lock is unpickable."

"Well that's nice of yah!" snapped Nibs, "Come back over here and taunt us pirate, and see what happens!"

"Wait," Alison said, completely ignoring Nibs, "Hook let you come down here with that?"

"Murphy sent me down," taunted Mullins, "To make sure you runts didn't cause any trouble."

"Murphy sent you down," Alison said, her tone disbelieving, "With the key to the cell...that can only be accessed with a magical key that you're supposed to be hiding."

"Why does that matter?" Slightly asked, his eyes narrowing.

Mullins would have said something if something hadn't cracked into the back of his head. The three of them jumped, almost stumbling back into each other. Alison watched as Mullins fell to the ground and the person who attacked him came out of the shadows.

"Gods, these pirates rabble on and on!" Ava Zimmer said, grabbing the keys and stepping over him.

"Ava!" Alison watched as her friend unlocked the lock, "What are you doing here?!"

"What am I doing here?! Saving your butt is what I'm doing here!" Ava huffed, "Of all the days you decide to go dream yourself into Neverland, it had to be the day that Rumpelstiltskin came back!"

"Rumplestiltskin," Alison felt a conflicting feeling of relief and anxiety come over her, "He's back?"

"Yeah! And you need to wake up because if he finds out you have Sandman dust, he is gonna get really suspicious of what we are doing and we don't want that!"

"I can't just leave," Alison said panicked, holding up her arm with the magic leave markings, "I can't wake up until I do the three things I'm supposed to do while I'm here, one of them being getting the piece of a fallen star!"

"Can we take this elsewhere?" Slightly interrupted. "I don't want any of the other pirates on Hook's ship to come down here and find us."

"They aren't here," Ava said, abruptly, "The only ones here are Hook and one other pirate. Their ship is nowhere in sight."

"That's weird," Nibs said as Alison got a deep pondering look on her face, "Why would a pirate come without his ship?"

Alison groaned, rubbing her head as she said, "When the shipmates are trying to get rid of the captain. Or more specifically, a Queen."

"Why would a Queen be trying to get rid of him?" Slightly asked, sharply.

"Because that's what the Queen of Heart's does!" Alison said, "Whenever an ally turns into a loose end, she finds a way to get rid of them without getting her hands dirty. And since Murphy sent Mullins down here, he must be the one who is going to be getting rid of him."

"Why would Murphy betray Hook?"

"Mutiny," Alison said, "You heard what Mullins said about getting back to 'plundering the open sea.' They are probably sick of Hook's obsession with getting revenge."

"Okay, he kills Hook," Slightly asked, slightly exasperated, "Why does that matter? Hook is the bad guy!"

"Hook is also the only one who knows what the Queen of Hearts is up to!" Alison said, "We lose him, we lose a piece of the puzzle!"

There was a rooster noise.

"Oh no," Ava said, her face falling, "Please no. Not him."

"Peter!" Nibs said excitedly, rushing up the cave's passageway. Slightly grinned as Ava groaned, shaking her head. Slightly looked at Alison as he said, "I take it she's met Peter before."

"How'd you guess," Alison said, sarcastically before running up the passageway after Nibs. The two followed her, Ava grumbling under her breath as they found themselves in an open cavern. Peter landed down by Nibs with the other lost boys. The lost boys tackled Nibs, nugging him and playfully scolding him for getting caught. Peter strutted over to Alison with a wicked grin as he said, "You just had to go get yourself caught by pirates."

"Well I certainly didn't need your help escaping, did I?" Alison taunted.

"No, you just needed my help," Ava said, rolling her eyes.

"Well if it isn't the sidekick," Peter said, a mischievous glint in his eye, "Hope growing up is treating you horribly."

"Come over here and see how-!" Ava started towards him, only to stop when Alison held up her hand. Pete looked at Alison curious as she looked at Peter seriously.

"Oh, there is that look," Peter groaned, rubbing his head as he paced in a circle, "That can't be good."

"It's really not," Slightly said, "Like, we might have to go save a Pirate kind of not good."

"What?!" Peter scowled, "Why would we save one of them?"

"Because I need him to stop a wicked Queen in my world!" Alison said, "And Hook is the only one who knows what she's up to."

"Oh, so we're not saving him, we're taking him prisoner!" Peter said, carelessly, "We will just capture him and get Jane and Baelfire to-!"

Peter froze in mid step as Slightly grimaced. Alison and Ava looked between them as the lost boys looked at them confused.

"Peter, what's the matter?" Nibs asked, nervously.

"Peter." Slightly's voice sounded worried, causing Alison to look at him solely. He was shifting and his cheeky persona had gone completely. "Jane's not gonna-."

"I know," Peter said, "I know."

"Know what?" Ava asked, "Come on, someone spit it out!"

"Jane and Baelfire went after Hook," Peter said, turning around to look at Alison guiltily, "While we came to save you."

Alison looked mortified as she said, "We have to get up there. NOW!"

"Alison, calm down," Ava said, resting her hand on her friend's shoulder, "Your parents are not defenseless. They can handle Hook."

"I know," Alison said, looking at Ava, "But Hook may not be able to handle them, especially if Murphy wants him dead."

"Why?" Ava asked, confused.

"Because Hook's the reason Jane lost her daughter Margaret," One of the twins whispered. Ava looked at Alison mortified as Alison nodded somberly. Peter looked at Alison, almost with pity as he said, "Are you sure you want to do this? Jane's not gonna be happy about it."

"We have to," Alison said, determination entering her eyes, "We can't let him or the Queen of Hearts get away with everything they have done or are about to do."

"There's the spitfire I know you to be," Peter's grin returned, "Come on boys! Let's go get us a Pirate Captain!"

The boys took off into the air, whooping as Peter led the way. Ava looked at Alison nervously as Tink floated closer. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"We have to be," Alison said, her determination vanishing, "We can't let Mom kill him, even if he deserves it."

Alison looked back up at Tink and said, "Pixie Dust, Tink. We have a pirate to capture."

---

Tootles wriggled against his bindings, but found himself no more successful than he had minutes previous. Murphy was sitting against a rock, sharpening his knife. Captain Hook paced back and forth, looking impatient as he said, "I was sure that Mommy and Daddy dearest would come running for their baby girl. Or at least one of their lost boys."

"I'm sure they will," Murphy said, sliding the knife on the stone swiftly, "Maybe they're just comin' up with a plan with that boy Pan."

"That rotten arrogant rat," Hook scoffed, "I should have fed him to the sharks when I had the chance. Where is Mullins?"

"He's keepin' watch at the backend," Murphy said, smoothly, "To make sure there are no surprises."

Tootles blinked as Hook huffed, walking along the edge of the water. Why did Murphy lie? Murphy had sent Mullins down to check on the cell ages ago. He hadn't come back since. But why not just tell that to Hook? Murphy looked darkly at Hook a moment, gripping his blade tightly before continuing sharpening the blade. Tootles squirmed again, this time out of fear of what might happen. Murphy glared at him, growling, "Keep still, little skunk. You don't wanna be skinned."

There was a loud splash, causing both Hook and Murphy to look around the higher ups of the cavern Hook narrowed his eyes as he said, "What was that?"

"Not sure," Murphy grunted getting up.

"Thanks a lot, Fairy boy! We almost got caught!" Ava hissed, glaring at Peter from the rock she was hiding behind. Peter glared at her as he hissed back, "I'm not the slowpoke that took nearly a decade getting here. Maybe if you had kept up, I wouldn't have been distracted."

"Well maybe if you hadn't been too busy showing off, we could have had a little more discretion." Ava sneered.

"This coming from the girl who likes to run her mouth!"

"That's rich coming from you, rooster boy."

"I take it those two don't get along?" Slightly asked Alison as Ava and Peter continued to quietly bicker.

"Not in the slightest," Alison said, scanning down below, "I don't see my Dad, or Jane."

"That's because Peter sent Tink and the other lost boys to distract them," Nibs whispered quietly, "Give us time to deal with Hook. Not much but some."

"That's actually a solid plan," Alison said.

"Peter has them occasionally," Slightly said, "But how are we going to pull this off?"

"We need to get him distracted and away from Murphy," Alison said, "That way someone can get Tootles and we-!"

Two gun shots went off, a little scream short to follow.

All eyes went downward to see Tootles squirming while Hook managed to reload his pistol. He glared around before pointing it at Tootles again saying, "Those were warning shots. Whoever is hiding, come out before I shoot for real!"

"He wouldn't," hissed Slightly.

"That's against the rules!" Nibs whispered mollified.

"That vile pirate-!" Peter hissed.

"Fine!"

All of them stared down and saw Alison come out from behind a set of rocks with her hands up in the air mockingly. Hook stared at her, surprise and irritation entering his features. Slightly looked wildly around as he said, "How did she-?"

"Dude, it's better not to ask," Ava said, looking down annoyed, "Right now we need to come up with a plan!"

Slightly scanned the area, spotting the loose chains down by the water edge. He got a sly smile as he said, "I might have an idea."

"How are you out and about?!" Hook said darkly, "I locked that lock with a magical lock."

"Umm hello," Alison said, extending her arms as she made her way closer to, "I am a thief. I am known for getting into and out of things. Besides, your little henchman over there sent Mullins down with the key. You know you can't do that with me."

Hook glanced over to see Murphy freeze up a bit, holding his knife in his hand tightly. "And why would he do that?"

"For the same reason Cora sent him here with you," Alison said rolling her eyes, "Did you really think after everything that she would actually let you get your revenge? No, you are a loose end. One that she could easily get rid of with a clever mutiny and not have to worry about outing her."

"She's lyin' captain," Murphy growled, "I sent Mullins down there to make sure the rats didn't pull any funny business."

"Drop your two faced charmers act, Alice," Hook said, his eyes flaring dangerously as he pointed his pistol at her chest. Alison tried her hardest to repress her shiver as he stepped closer to her, "You're just stalling. So I won't kill you father for taking away my love."

"Please, you're never going to get to with or without me stalling," Alison said, "Because he's counting on my mom to kill you. And if she doesn't, Murphy's going to do it himself."

"Shut your mouth, girl," Hook hissed as he pressed the barrel of the gun into her chest.

"Go ahead then," Alison said, "Shoot me! Get your revenge and make my father suffer for something your dumn lover did. You won't even be able to to pull the trigger before Murphy stabs you in the back because we both know Cora well enough that she won't let anyone else kill me except her."

"OI!"

Hook's eyes flashed up at Murphy's yell, only to be met with a boy in green clothes knocking him in the side. The gun went flying somewhere, clattering to the stone floor. Alison didn't have time to react as Ava was at her side in an instant, grabbing her arm saying, "Come on. We need those chains!"

Murphy charged towards Slightly, who had snuck behind Tootles to unbind him. Nibs charged at him, grabbing his arms from behind. Ava grabbed the chains, flying towards Murphy, swirling the chains around him. Between the two of them, they managed to chain Murphy's arm to his sides. Nibs pushed Murphy into a dip in the floor watching him flounder like a turtle.

"Maybe next time you will think twice before committing mutiny." Nibs mocked.

"But for real." Ava said.

Hook recovered, throwing Peter off and into the wall. Pete practically bounced off the wall, launching himself back at Hook with his trusty knife out.

"Rotten boy," Hook growled, pulling out his sword.

"Captain Codfish!" Peter yelled triumphantly. The two clashed again and again as Alison finally pulled the chain free. She twirled it around, lassoing it in the air. She was about to throw it towards Hook when it magically disappeared into the air. Alison blinked, staring around wildly when she heard someone's voice boom.

"ENOUGH!"

Everyone glowed gold, freezing just about everyone in place. Alison felt a familiar someone put his arm around her. Alison felt her body tremble as tears burned in her eyes as she heard him speak.

"Don't worry. Everyone is going to be fine."

"Dad," Alison whispered softly. He squeezed her, hugging her to him briefly before looking up in time to see Hook snarl, falling to the ground in a gold glow. Jane had her hand outstretched, her expression livid. She stared at Peter as she hissed, "And you accused me of interfering. You were supposed to get everyone out safely!"

"This is interfering!" Peter protested, waving his knife madly as the rest of him was frozen, "This right here-!"

A gun shot rang out, catching Peter in the stomach. He fell, crumpling to the ground. Baelfire shouted, letting her go and running to his side. He held a hand over his stomach, a glow appearing under his hand. Jane looked towards Hook wildly, who no longer had the glow around him. He threw an empty vial on the ground, letting it shatter. Hook grabbed Alison around the neck with his arm. Alison tried to pull his arm away from her but pointing the gun to her head. Baelfire almost leapt away from Peter, horror entering his eyes as he saw his worst nightmare playing out before his eyes. Peter gasp brought him back to reality, the horrible reality. Baelfire put his hand over his stomach again, looking at Jane pleadingly. One wrong move and she was dead. Jane's look went from livid to horrified.

"Squid ink," Hook mocked, "Nullifies any magic."

"Jane let us go!" Ava shouted, struggling against her magic.

"Let them go and I will shoot your beloved daughter in the head," Hook sneered, "Send them away. Now. Everyone except you, the boy wonder, and Baelfire."

Hatred entered Jane's features again. But she did as he asked. Waving her hand, the other lost boys and Ava disappeared. Alison swallowed, looking at Jane anxiously. She could slam her foot into his shins, but that would risk getting shot in the head. Jane didn't take her eyes off of them as she said, "They are away, Hook. Now let her go."

"Not a chance," Hook seethed, "I will get my revenge. No matter the cost."

Hook suddenly swung the gun towards Murphy, shooting him unmercifully. Murphy went limp instantly, his head hitting the floor with a thump. Alison squealed, struggling against him only for the gun to get pointed back to her head. Jane gritted her teeth, staring at Alison with glassy eyes. Alison watched as Jane's hand fell to her side, swirling and pointing at the ground. Alison watched as her shadow slowly crept across the floor. Alison looked over at her mother, who didn't look away. Not even for a moment.

"Finish healing that brat," Hook snapped, "I want you three alive for what happens next."

Baelfire wanted nothing more than to turn and beat Hook's face in with his own bare hands. But he didn't, he complied for the sake of his old friend right next time to him. The wound on Peter's stomach had mostly healed, but he was still pale and shaky. Peter stared at Baelfire, almost glaring at him as he jerked his head. Baelfire eyes hardened, nodding briefly before standing up. He glared at Hook as he growled, "This all for revenge? Over what?!"

"My love," Hook sneered, "Milah."

"Hook, she threw herself into the ocean, she killed herself!" Alison barked. Peter forced himself to sit up as Baelfire was quiet. Hook let out a barking cold laugh as he said, "You didn't tell your little one did you? What really happened that day?"

"Hook-!"

"You killed her!" bellowed Hook, the rage evident in his voice. Alison looked at her father confused, who looked as if he had been hollowed on the inside. Confusion entered her mind as she watched him stand there.

"She attacked me!" Peter snarled, glaring at Hook. "She tried to run me through when Baelfire refused to go with her and he knocked her away! It's her own fault she fell!"

"No, it is his fault she fell!" bellowed Hook, tightening his grip around Alison's neck, "Her own son murdered her! And now I will make you beg for her life. And just when you think I will show mercy, I will blow her head off so you will feel the pain I feel."

Baelfire snarled, a dark look over taking him as magic pooled around his hand. Peter swore obscene remarks, but ended up choking and doubling up in pain. Hook pushed the gun harder against her head, glaring at Baelfire evilly. Baelfire faltered, the magic dissipating as a broken look came onto his face. However, Baelfire didn't get to say anything for Jane's firm voice echoed in the cave.

"No."

Baelfire looked back at Jane, who was staring at Hook. She seemed unafraid and there wasn't an ounce of mercy in her.

"You're wrong, Hook," Jane said, coldly, "She didn't have a son. She gave that up when she ran off with your sorry excuse for a life. She gave up that title when she gave up him. So don't bother playing that card and expecting sympathy here!"

"She was unhappy!" Hook said.

"She was selfish!" Jane said coldly, "She only cared about herself. She didn't even care about you."

"Lies!" Hook snarled, "She loved me."

"Really?" Jane lifted her other hand, the water from the basin glowing. An orb appeared from the glowing basin, showing a scene that had played out far away and long ago. It showed Jane and a small girl imprisoned on a ship. A curly black haired woman stood on the other side of the bars, talking to another pirate. She leaned in and kissed him, sending him away. Hook watched it, a look of anger and denial over.

"No," Hook said, angrily, "This is a lie! A lie told by magic."

"This is a memory," Jane hissed, "My memory. And whether you decide to believe it is not my concern. But something you can't deny is that the both of you are the reason my baby died!"

Hook gasped suddenly, his body tensing up against his will. Alison felt his grip loosen and the gun slowly moving away from her head. The minute she could, she ran from him and into her father's arms. He grabbed her, holding her tight to him. He kissed her, again and again as Jane walked forward. She pushed her hand out, the shadows stretching up him. He glared at her as he sneered, "Go ahead then, finish the job. Get your revenge."

"Mom!" Alison whipped her head around as Hook choked. Alison wasn't bothered by that. She didn't even care about what he knew anymore, he deserved everything he was getting. All she cared about was the darkness forming in her mom's eyes. She didn't want to lose her to it. She pulled against Baelfire, who refused to let her go. She looked at him in terror as Baelfire whispered fiercely in her ear, "Trust her."

"I will never," Jane rumbled, tears running down her face, "NEVER sink down to your level. And I think it's a pity you wasted your life away over a woman who never really loved you."

Hook roared as Jane pushed him further into the shadows as Jane said, lowly, "The worst thing I could do is let you live and live knowing my pain!"

Jane grabbed his head, a glow appearing on his forehead. Hook roared in pain, howling. His eyes burned as they watered and tears fell down his face. Baelfire hid Alison's face into him, cradling her gently. Alison didn't fight him, zoning out to the screaming she heard. Jane's tears fell down her cheek as she said, "That is the pain I live with every day, the pain of losing one's child! Because of you and your supposed true love!"

Jane ripped her hand away, Hook slumping and gasping in pain. She stared at him hollowly as she said, "The Mage of Shadows will take you to her prison. You will be marked, unable to return to Neverland ever again. From there, you will be given back to the Mage of the Enchanted Realm. They will decide your punishment."

Hook didn't get a chance to say anything for the shadows pulled him away, leaving them alone. Alison finally turned, watching Jane stand there in silence. Baelfire gave his daughter one last kiss before letting her go. He turned to make his way over to Peter, helping him into an upright position. Alison made her way over to Jane as she whispered, "Mom?"

Jane turned on her heel, staring Alison in the face. Her eyes were glassy looking over the girl as she said, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, not hurt or anything," Alison said, shrugging weakly, "Are you okay?"

Jane reached out, grabbed her and pulled her into a bear tight hug. Alison sighed deeply, hugging her back with as much fierceness. "I will be, little one. I'm just glad you're okay."

A sparkling glow caught both of their attention, interrupting the moment. Alison looked down at her arm to see a leaf on her mark had disappeared.

"Oh," Alison said, "Well we know what one of the marks was for, I guess."

Jane snorted, hugging Alison to her again as she said, "I guess so."

"Jane," Baelfire said, "Not to interrupt this, but Peter needs more medical attention than I can give."

"I'm fine," Peter grumbled.

"Yeah, if 'fine' looked like the walking dead," Alison said, rolling her eyes.

"Oi! Look at the thanks I get for trying to give you the adventure of your life!" Peter scoffed, waving his arm arrogantly, "You both can keep her. She's too much like you both!"

Jane smiled weakly, refusing to let go of her little one. "Gladly."

Jane swirled a hand around, causing Baelfire and Peter to disappear. Alison kept holding onto her as Jane said, sounding a little more like herself, "Come on, goose. Let's go get that fallen star."

---

"Jefferson, open up!"

Jefferson winced as he heard Gold banging on the door. He was sitting in the kitchen, sipping his tea as he tried to read the paper in his hand. The banging continued but he remained in his seat. Perhaps if he pretended not to be home, the dark one would eventually go away…

"Dad!" Grace entered the kitchen, racing towards the window to look out, "Who is that?!"

"That's the former Dark One, looking for his spawn," Jefferson said flatly, "My plan is to ignore him and hope he believes no one is home and he will go away."

The banging stopped, only for the door to burst open. Grace gave her father an exasperated look as she said angrily, "Really? How did that go for you?"

"Rumpelstiltskin!" Jefferson threw his book down and slammed his tea cup on the table. It shattered from the sheer force as Jefferson stalked out to see Gold heading towards the stairs, "I do believe that is called breaking and entering!"

"Not when you have something that belongs to me," Gold growled.

"Wait, Mr. Gold!" Grace pushed passed her father, "Please, Alison hasn't been sleeping well and she's just fallen back asleep-!"

"Grace, all I'm going to do is magically transport her back to the house," Gold said, climbing the steps. "I've been without my child for too long."

"I know!" Grace babbled, "But Ava is up there too and she gets really grumpy if people wake her up-?"

"Ava?" Gold stopped, looking down at her with narrowed eyes, "How is that possible? She was at the hospital with her father."

Grace's face flushed at her mistake. Before she could say anything, Gold turned around and started back up the stairs saying, "I'm going to see for myself what is going on-!"

"W-Wait," Grace chased after him, but it was too late. Gold had made his way up the stairs and was heading down to the room he felt Alison's magic in. He opened the door as Grace said, "Please, she's-!"

"I wouldn't do that."

Gold stopped in mid motion, looking over to see Chess leaning against the wall with a mug of tea in his hand. Gold glared at him as he asked, "And why not, Cat?"

"There is a simple explanation," He sipped it lazily as he said, "Girls happen to get funny around this particular time of month. They are no exception."

Gold froze, his glare turned into an awkward glance into the room. Ava and Alison were indeed sleeping inside onto the bed. Grace blushed even more, turning away from the whole situation in embarrassment. Chess smiled brightly as he said, "But who am I to stand in your way of your reunion. Go on in, wake the poor things."

"That won't be necessary," Gold sighed, "Grace, can you have Alison come home when she wakes up?"

"Yeah, I'll tell her," Grace said, refusing to look him in the eye. Gold gave Alison one last sparing look before closing the door and disappearing on the spot. Grace groaned, hiding her face in her hands. Chess snickered as he said playfully, "You can't waffle on things. You just have to come out and say them."

"Well I'm sorry I didn't want to talk to Rumpelstiltskin about personal things, Chess!" Grace squeaked angrily, making Chess laugh, "Don't laugh! It's not funny!"

"Oh, but it is, love," Chess said as Grace stormed away to her room, "It very much is."

---

"Ahahaha, you can't catch me!"

"Twins! Stop takin' my stuff!"

"Try and stop us Curly!"

"I will!"

Ava rolled her eyes, standing with Alison under the star fall. They watched the horseplay of the Lost boys. Jane had gone to check on Peter, leaving them alone to play. They raced wildly about the plateau, tossing Curly's hat from Twin to Twin. Nibs was jumping with Tootles, trying to catch the pieces of stars falling from the sky. Alison smiled as she watched them as Ava said, "Something tells me they are all handfuls."

"Yeah," Alison said, "Something like that."

"I'm surprised I'm still here," Ava said, looking up at the stars, "I came here to save you and I did."

Alison couldn't help but grin at that as she said, "I suppose I should thank you for that."

"Yeah, you really should," Ava said, looking at her with the same grin, "Otherwise you'd still be locked with the bickering Lost Boys in that cell."

"Oi!"

Slightly appeared next to them, giving them an offended look as he said, "This lost boy's got a name. We all do."

"Yeah, yeah," Ava said, scooping down to pick up her clam shell, "Now if you will excuse me, we've got a piece of a fallen star to get."

Ava raced off, joining Nibs and Tootles in their attempts to catch a star. Slightly and Alison stood watching them silently a moment. Slightly shifted next to her as Alison asked quietly, "Is Peter okay?"

"Yeah, he's fine," Slightly said, "He's always fine. Jane and Baelfire will be back shortly."

Alison nodded slowly as she said, "Good… I suppose we should-!"

"I grew up with him."

Slightly's voice was odd, as if he was trying not to cry. Alison looked at him confused, crossing her arms as she said, "Grew up with who?"

"Peter," Slightly said, "And Rumpelstiltskin."

Alison breathed in deep, turning to face him completely. Slightly didn't even look at her as he continued with his story, "We grew up in the same village, racing through the streets and playin' in the fields. We were inseparable and Peter was always in charge. So when he told me we were running away to Neverland, we did. We had all sorts of adventures here. We were happy for what felt like a long time."

"So what happened if you were so happy," Alison said, "Why did Peter make Rumpelstiltskin leave?"

Slightly made a face as he said, "Rumpel was always afraid of things. He didn't have a Dad that liked to be around all the time and he didn't have anyone else to protect him. Peter always did, but Peter also got tired of Rumpel clinging and missing a dad that didn't deserve to be missed. He tried to make him stronger, make him less afraid. Rumpel couldn't fly like we could and Peter thought if he could just do it on his own, he would get better. He took him up to Dead Man's Peak and pushed him off."

Alison looked mortified as Slightly looked guilty. He looked at Alison finally and said, "I caught him of course. I wasn't gonna let him get hurt. But Rumpel and Peter got angry at each other. Really angry. They each said things that they couldn't take back. Before I could do anything, Peter threw him through a rabbit hole, telling him to go back to his father and never come back."

Alison inhaled sharply but didn't interrupt. Slightly stared at the other lost boys, almost angrily as he said, "He was always making dumb choices like that, without care of anyone else. He always regretted it too. He woke me up in the dead of night, telling me we were going back to get him. That the Ogre Wars had begun again and we had to save him. So we went back and found him…"

Slightly swallowed. "But he had already grown up. He was older, a Father too. That's the thing about Neverland. Time moves differently. Sometimes not at all. What we thought was just a night was over 10 years for him. We were too late and any family we had were gone. So we left."

Slightly looked at Alison sincerely as he asked, "Is he happy?"

"He is," Alison said, "He married someone whom he loves very much."

"He has you," Slightly added.

Alison shifted as she said, "I'm not so sure I make his life 'happy'."

"I would be." Slightly grinned as he backed away. Alison gave him a sly smirk as she said, "I thought flirting was a grown up thing."

"Who said I was flirting?!" Slightly took off to the sky, flying away until he was out of sight. Alison rolled her eyes as she walked towards the group of lost boys. They were trying their hardest now to catch the pieces of falling stars. Ava had climbed up onto a tree, leaning out on a branch. She waited patiently, watching the sky calculative. Alison smiled, watching her friend as the lost boys jumped around her. The light of the stars made Ava's curls shine like the moon. Her bright eyes glittered from staring up at the stars with patience. One of the pieces flew down, heading right towards him. The branch dipped down as Ava reached out timely. A piece of the star fell into the clam…

Just as the branch broke.

"Ava!" Alison shouted as Ava fell. The branch came down, crashing against the stone. But Ava had disappeared. She was gone as was the star. All that left was a sparkling green leaf that disintegrated into nothing. Alison blinked as Nibs said, "She did it. She completed her task."

"But I thought it was the Wendy Birds task," Curly said, confused. Alison breathed in deep, a look of annoyance crossed her face.

"A dreamer's reason for being here isn't always clear."

They all turned to see Jane land. She smiled at Alison warmly as she said, "I can think of one reason though for her to be here."

Alison smiled, walking past the lost boys. Jane outstretched her hand, a true smile on her face. Nibs stepped forward however, saying in a funny voice, "Wait!"

Alison turned around, looking at Nibs surprised. Nibs pulled out an arrowhead, holding it gingerly in his hand as he said, "Your from that world aren't you? The one Emma's in."

"Emma?" Alison looked surprised, "Yes, I am."

"Could you give this to her?" Nibs asked, holding out the arrowhead, "I made it for her. So she will never forget me."

Alison looked at him, a little puzzled as she asked, "Why don't you go give it to her yourself?"

"Because," Nibs said, simply, "Neverland is my home. And when it's your home, you don't leave."

Alison smiled weakly as she nodded. There was another flash of green glowing light and another leaf was gone. Nibs looked relieved before going back into the group of boys, where the Twins gave him a proud thump on the back. She tucked the arrowhead away into her shirt, before turning toward Jane. She took Jane's hand as she asked, "Where are we going?"

Jane smiled brightly as she said, "My place."

Gold sparkles fell from the sky: fall on her hair, her clothes, her skin. A warmth spread throughout her as she heard tiny laughter from above. Alison looked up to see pixie's flying over her. Jane squeezed her hand and said, "Think happy thoughts and fly away with me."

Alison closed her eyes, thinking of the family and friends who were waiting back at home. The ground fell away from her feet and the warm ocean wind blew against her face. Alison kept holding onto Jane's hand, but looked at the scene below her.

Neverland was beautiful, the falling stars adding a beautiful glow. The mountains sloped up and down, the trees swaying and singing a beautiful song. The waterfalls and lagoons shined brightly, glistening like the purest of gems. Alison watched in wonder as a swarm of pixies flew from the trees, soaring into the sky. Jane led her towards the top of a mountain, where the observatory like home of the Neverland mages stood proudly. They slowed in their flight, slowly sinking closer to the ground.

As they landed on the ground, Alison looked up to see her father standing, watching them from against one of the pillars. Her heart leapt into her throat and she took off running up the stairs. Baelfire scooped her up into his arms the moment he could, hugging her so tight that she almost couldn't breath. She didn't care, not one little bit. She hugged him back just as tightly.

"Hi Dad," Alison said softly.

"Hey, Lisie-girl," Baelfire murmured, relieved, "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry."

"There is nothing to be sorry about," Alison said, "Hook is locked up and everyone is okay. Minus an obnoxious arrogant boy."

Baelfire snorted, turning around and carrying her into the room. Alison looked around, taking in the pavilion. There were tables filled with papers, maps, pens, and other tools. There was various seating in the room but something shimmering in the center of the room caught her attention. It was a crystal blue pool, with lily pads floating in the middle. Baelfire finally set her down, pushing back her hair before letting her wander about. Alison walked over to it, skimming her hand over the surface.

Jane walked over to a table, picking up an ornate box. Baelfire stood by her, only to give her a kiss on the cheek. He looked down at her adoringly and she returned his look. Alison, who had glanced over her shoulder, rolled her eyes but smiled peacefully. She looked back at the pool as Jane turned around, walking over to her. Jane sat down by her as Alison said, "They are pretty."

"You always did like plants," Jane said knowingly.

"Some of them," Alison huffed, "Flowers have a tendency to be petty."

Jane couldn't help but laugh as Baelfire snorted. He sat down on the other side of Alison, ruffling Alison's hair. Jane smiled at the flowers as she said softly, "Margaret loved these flowers. They were her favorite."

Alison looked at her mother, curious. Baelfire smiled, knowing that look well. He was not at all surprised when she asked, "What was she like?"

"Margaret?" Jane looked at Alison a moment before she looked down, opening a box. She pulled out a picture of a young girl, posing in front of a house. She had wavy dark hair and dark eyes that looked kind and gentle. Her dress was a basic floral dress and she was holding onto a teddy bear. Jane watched Alison take in the picture as she said, "She was a sweet little thing. She loved painting and dancing, especially with her father. You two would have been the perfect compliment to each other."

Alison looked over towards the box, seeing more pictures. She looked at Jane hopefully as she asked, "Can I?"

Jane smiled, touched and warmed by her daughter's curiosity. "Of course."

It felt like hours. Wonderful, spectacular hours where they forgot magic, villains, or that their time to be a normal family was to be short lived. Alison laughed as Jane said, "It's true! You're father and Uncle August looked like wet rats coming out of that lake."

"Well maybe if you hadn't let those water pixies toss us in, we won't have looked like that," Baelfire scowled.

"I was busy trying to get the amulet that you dropped, Mr. Butter Fingers!" Jane retorted. Alison was laughing hard, wiping the tears away from her eyes. Baelfire rolled his eyes, watching the two of the lean against each other. His amusement disappeared however as he said, "Jane."

"Hmm?" Jane looked at him, hugging Alison to her. Baelfire pointed to Alison's arm saying, "We are running out of time."

Jane's smile died away as she looked down. Alison did too to see that the mark was glowing ever so slightly. Sadness entered her features, causing her to sit up and saying, "Oh…"

"We need to talk to you," Baelfire started, hesitantly, "About something."

"What?" Alison asked, confused. Jane bit her lip, looking at her partner nervously. Baelfire sighed as he said, "Have you ever heard of the name Red Death?"

Alison's heart stopped, her eyes widening. Jane and Baelfire watched her, concern looks coming onto their faces. Jane swallowed as she said, "I'm taking it you have."

"Of course I have!" Alison looked at them both stricken. "The question is why do you know that name?"

"We've had some run-ins with others who have run into him," Jane said quickly, "He gave me a vision of you to show your father long ago. A vision that had to do with you."

"Of course he did!" Alison said, almost angrily.

"What does he want with you, Alison?" asked Baelfire. Alison sighed, getting up from them. Baelfire reached to grab her only to be stopped by Jane. She shook her head slightly before looking back at Alison. Running her hand through her hair, Alison said, "Red Death isn't a person. He is one of the Fates. He is the Fate of Death."

"The Fate of Death?" Jane said, confused.

"The Fates are Entities," Alison said, "They are something that we couldn't even begin to understand. In most worlds, they are just concepts like destiny. But in places of great magic, they take more physical roles and have more of a physical role. Like Wonderland or the Land of Shadows."

"If that's true, why would the Fate of Death want anything to do with you," Baelfire asked, "Why is he known to be so malicious?"

"Death is never revered kindly anywhere," Alison said, turning to face him, "Besides, you know how the Fates work. They are just the facilitators of Balance. They do things and find people that help maintain balance. That is why they created the Author's role. That's why he was looking so hard to find me."

"Because you brought balance to Wonderland?" Baelfire asked, pointedly.

Alison took a deep breath in as she said, "Yes, it is. Wonderland has had nothing but peace for the past many annuals."

Baelfire and Jane still look doubtful which made Alison nervous. She went over to them and sat down saying, "Look. I love you both. And I know you are my parents and it's your job to worry about me."

"I feel a 'but' coming on," Baelfire said, narrowing his eyes.

"But what your sticking your nose in has nothing to do with that," Alison said, "It's my business as a Mage and I am telling you to trust me when I say he doesn't want me. He wants something that only I can give him."

"And what is that?"

Alison swallowed as she said, "I can't tell you. For the sake of everyone in Wonderland, I can't say. Trust me. Please."

Baelfire breathed in, looking at Jane with a grave expression. Jane exchanged looks before looking at Alison. Alison looked at her pleading, begging her wordlessly. Jane let out a sigh as she said, "Okay. But you have to promise me that you will get help if something is wrong."

"I promise," Alison said quietly. The glow on her arm brightened a bit, causing all three of them to become upset. Alison sniffed as she said, "I think my time is almost up."

"That sounds like a cue to go down to bed," Baelfire said, getting up and scooping his daughter effortlessly. "After all, I'm not going to get cuddles from you for a long time. Which is unacceptable so I'm getting them now."

Alison didn't not protest, wrapping her arms and legs around him. Jane followed them down the stairs into a hallway that led to various different rooms. Baelfire brought her into their bedroom, playfully dropping her on the bed. Alison couldn't help but giggle as she bounced. Bealfire rolled his eyes taking off the outer leather jacket. Jane came around to where Alison was sitting. She was staring at her arm again, the glowing becoming a little stronger. Jane swallowed as Alison looked at them sadly.

"Don't be sad, little one," Jane said pushing her hair back, "Scoot in. It's time to sleep."

Alison did so, her parents getting into bed on either side of her. Jane kissed her forehead as Baelfire wrapped his arm around their little one. Alison looked between them before saying, "I wish this could be every day."

"I wish," Jane said, "But it can't I'm afraid. But you will have your grandfather. And Belle."

"Whenever Gold and Belle aren't being lovey dovey newly weds," Alison said rolling her eyes.

"You're still calling them by their names," Baelfire said, pulling her so she was looking up at him.

"Yeah," Alison said, "Well, I call Gold old coot too so I don't just call him that."

"Alison," Baelfire scolded.

"Oh come on! You know he is!" Alison grumbled.

"That's not the point we're getting at," Jane said, playing with Alison's hair, "They adopted you. You love them and they love you. Why not call them something more personal?"

"I can't call them mom and dad," Alison said, her blue eyes showing how vulnerable she felt. "That's you two…"

"We know and that's never going to change," Jane said smiling warmly, "But there are other things you can call them."

"You used to call him Papa," Baelfire said, "What's wrong with that?"

"Because then they are gonna get mushy about it," Alison said, flushing up embarrassed, "I don't like people making a big fuss."

"That's because it's a big deal," Baelfire said, gently, "It shows that you love them and want to be a part of their family. Promise me that you'll at least think about it."

"I've been doing nothing but think about it," Alison sighed.

"Then just pick something," Jane kissed her head gently. "And run with it. Trust me, they are looking for your lead on this. They aren't going to force you."

"Okay, I promise," Alison said, nuzzling into him. Jane snuggled up too, kissing her head again. Baelfire stroked her cheek, watching her eyes slowly close. Jane closed too, not wanted to watch as the glow brightened.

"Good," Baelfire said, softly, "And don't forget. We love you. We love you so much."

Alison breathed in deep, feeling an odd sleepy sensation coming over her. It was pulling her down into a sleep that she knew would be the end of this peaceful moment, "I love you too."

---

"I was hoping I would find you here."

Belle froze as she was putting books on the book cart. She looked over at the door to see Regina was standing there with a box. She was looking at Belle almost nervously but she didn't care. She couldn't help but stop feeling the hatred bubbling inside of her. Belle put the book down as she said cooly, "We are closed."

"I-I know," Regina said, "I didn't come to check out books. I came to give you some things."

"I don't want anything from you," Belle said coldly.

"They're Alison's things," Regina said quietly, "She's been staying with me for a while. I just wanted to return them."

"She stayed with you?" Belle's voice was almost hostile. "Why was she staying with you?"

"Because the phantom was coming after her repeatedly," Regina defended as gently as she could, "She had lost Granny and Kathryn and she didn't want anyone else to get hurt. And we didn't want her to get hurt either."

Belle breathed in deep as she forced a calm voice saying, "Well, I thank you for that. Truly. But make no mistake, I don't want you near my family. Leave it on the desk and get out."

Regina breathed in, fighting her pride as she said, "Okay."

Regina put it on her desk, holding the top of the box. She didn't let it go right away as she said, "For what it's worth, I am sorry. For every horrible thing I put you through. I know you may not believe me, but I'm trying very hard to be better, to be a mother my son deserves."

Belle didn't answer but her eyes turned glassy as Regina let go of the box, turning to her. A vulnerable look was on her face as Regina said, "I am truly sorry. I hope you and the old imp are happy together and that you will be the family that Alison wants you to be."

Regina turned on her heels and walked towards the door. Belle watched her, uncertainty enter her features. In that moment, Rumpelstiltskin came in, almost running into her. He looked harassed as he said, "What are you doing here, your Majesty?"

"Relax, I just came to drop off Alison's things," Regina said, her brisk nature back in full force, "I will leave you both be."

Regina pushed past him, leaving the two alone. Rumpelstiltskin looked over at Belle worried as he asked, "Are you okay? Did she do anything-?"

"No, Rumpelstiltskin!" Belle admonished, "I'm fine. Where is Alison?"

"Still at the Hatter's sleeping," Rumpelstiltksin said bothered.

"What! It's almost evening! She would never sleep that long!" Belle said, incredulously, "How do you know she's not off getting herself into trouble?"

"Because I saw her sleeping in the bed, Belle! I'm not an idiot!" he retaliated, before saying evasively, "She and her friend are sleeping off a common female problem."

"A common female…" Belle started before crossing her arms, "You mean her-?"

"Yes! Yes!" Gold said, waving his hand, "That one! I told Grace to let her know to come home when she awoke."

Belle sighed, almost irritated as she huffed, "You are such a man."

She went over to her desk. He turned on his heel watching her. She picked up her keys and purse before heading towards the door, Gold followed her as he said, "Where are you going?!"

"To go wake Alison and bring her home!" Belle said, turning around to look fiercely at him. She tossed him keys as she said, "Lock up the library and pick up dinner since you are getting so squeamish around feminine issues."

Belle disappeared in a cloud of glittery blue smoke. She appeared in Jefferson's kitchen where he was cooking dinner. He looked up, his Mad Hatter glint back in his eyes as he said, "What is it with you and your husband breaking into my house?"

"Good evening Jefferson," Belle said pleasantly, "Dinner smells delicious."

"Alison is asleep," Jefferson said, throwing some spices into the pot, "I believe I told your husband as much."

"You did," Belle said, shifting her purse strap from her elbow to her shoulder, "Where are you also the one who told my husband that wives tale about one of the girls getting her monthly curse?"

"What?!" Jefferson exclaimed in disbelief, "No-!"

Belle looked over at Jefferson expectantly, almost amused. He sighed, stirring the pot around as he said, "Not that the girls getting that would be a surprise at this point. When those girls hit full on puberty, we are all in major trouble."

"True," Belle said, crossing her arms, "But I think that is not what happened that's caused her to be in bed all day."

"In all honesty?" Jefferson said, not taking his eyes off his food he was preparing, "She hasn't been sleeping well. She has been taking poppy powder to cope. When getting her water, Henry mistakened a stronger sleeping powder for the poppy powder."

"Oh no," Belle said, her face falling.

"She is fine, just in a very deep sleep. I just didn't want Henry to face your husband's wrath," Jefferson said, turning away to check the food in the oven, "The effect should be wearing off if you want to go take her off my hands."

"I will," Belle said, "Thank you for the honesty. I hope you enjoy your dinner."

Belle went up the stairs, following Alison's magic down the hallway towards the bedroom. Ava walked out of a room as she looked over lazily to see Belle.

"Hello Gretel," Belle said cheerfully, "How are you doing?"

"Tired, but fine," she said, stretching her arms out. "Alison's just waking up."

"Mhm," Belle said, "So tell me, I'm curious. Which one of you came up with that story to tell my husband?"

"Hmm?" Ava looked at her thoughtfully, "Oh yeah, that. I did. I guess you know what happened for real?"

"More or less," Belle said, "But I will let it go. It was an accident."

"Oh good," Ava said, stretching before adding cheekily, "I figured Gold's the type of guy to get squirmy about those times of things. Was I right?"

Belle laughed softly before reaching out to pat Ava's cheek again saying, "Yes. Yes you were."

Ava let her pass, walking down the hallway as she punched the air in victory. Belle shook her head before opening the door and walking in. Alison was laying in bed, her hair spread out across the pillows and she was stirring in bed. Belle went over and sat on the bed. Alison turned, opening her eyes to see Belle sitting there."

"Hello, sleepy head," Belle said, smiling brightly. Alison smiled back as she said, "Hey. What time is it?"

"Almost six," Belle said, "I've heard you slept the whole day away."

"I guess so," Alison said, stretching before sitting up in bed. "And I'm still tired."

Belle couldn't help but laugh at that. She ran her fingers through her hair, fixing it lovingly. Alison smiled, enjoying the gentle feeling of her hands. "I missed you."

"We missed you," Belle whispered, pulling her hands away from her hair to give Alison a big hug, "We're so sorry. Believe me when I say if we had gotten any of those messages-!"

"It's fine," Alison breathed in deep, "You're back now and…"

Alison made a face, sitting up very straight all of a sudden. She looked from Belle's belly to her face before stooping down to press her ear against her stomach. Belle couldn't help but giggle as she said, "Alison, what in the world are you doing?!"

"Oh my god," Alison said, sitting up again. "You're pregnant!"

Belle looked surprised and exasperated all at once. Alison got a cheeky grin as Belle said, "Alison Marie Kinsleigh, we wanted to surprise you. How could you possibly know that!"

"Because it's me and I always know and you're pregnant!" Alison grinned, pouncing on her in the most gentlest way possible. Belle couldn't help but smile, embracing her back.

"Yes, yes I am," Belle said, happily.

"You're going to have a baby," Alison said, excitedly, "You're going to have a baby and he's going to have a baby and I'm going to have a little sister to teach all of my tricks to torment him with!"

Belle's body froze a moment before saying, hopefully, "Sister?"

Alison froze as well, realizing everything she just said. Biting her lip a moment, Alison hugged her tight as she reaffirmed, "Sister."

Belle hugged her tight, her smile almost going from ear to ear. Alison let it go on for another few moments as Belle asked, "Shall we go home?"

"Yes," Alison said, "But wait a minute! I have to go tell Henry something first."

"Alright," Belle said, "Don't take too long."

"I won't!"

Alison hurried down the hallway towards the library. Sure enough, there was Henry sulking in the library chair. She looked at him with a soft smile as she said, "Henry Mills."

Henry nearly jumped out of his chair, knocking over the small table by him. He looked wildly towards the library door. Alison walked in saying, "Stop sulking would you? Your face is gonna get stuck like that."

"Alison!" Henry said relieved, "You're awake."

"Yes, I am and so is Ava," Alison said, "Everything is fine! We even got a piece of a fallen star out of it."

"A piece of a fallen star?" Henry asked, baffled, "How?"

"Neverland," Alison said, staring off like she was falling into a daydream, "That's the place I fell into."

"Did you see-," Alison shushed him, mouthing Belle's name as she jerked her thumb towards a wall. He lowered his voice as he asked, "Did you see your mom and dad?"

"Yes," Alison said, "They captured Hook for us too."

"Hook? How did-?"

"Henry I don't have a lot of time," Alison said, "I promise to fill you in later but right now I need you to do three things for me."

Alison glanced, hearing movement down the hallway. She looked at Henry whispering, "Ava has the piece of falling star. I need you to get Emma and Regina to have them add it to the potion."

"And the second thing?" Henry asked as Alison reached into her shirt to pull out the arrowhead. She handed it to Henry saying, "Give this to Emma. It's from one of the lost boys named Nibs. He said he made it for her so she would never forget him."

Henry looked at it curiously but didn't comment on it. Instead, he looked at his friend and said, "And the third thing."

Alison hugged him tight, catching him off guard. She looked up at him sincerely as she said, "Never forget you are my very best friend in the whole wide world and I will always be grateful for it."

Henry sighed, hugging her back as he said, "You are a lot of work, Alison Kinsleigh."

"And you are just as much work, Henry Mills," Alison grinned, "Which is why Grace loves us both."

"Alison?"

The two pulled away to see Belle standing in the doorway. Her usual smile was back on her face as she waited patiently.

"Are you ready to go?" Belle asked.

"Yeah," Alison said, grinning, "See you at school, Henry."

"See you, Alison," Henry said with a smile. Alison walked over to Belle, taking her hand. Belle transported them away, landing them outside the house on the porch. Alison looked at the house a moment, a small sense of anxiety creeping back. She hadn't been back since Granny's death. But that anxiety was put out of her mind with a sound.

A sound of a car door shutting.

Alison turned to see Gold getting out of the car with a bag of takeout in his hand. Gold looked up to see Alison, whose heart leaped upon seeing him. Her cheeky smile came back as Gold impishly smirked back. He put the take out down as Alison dashed off the porch. The two almost collided with one another, Alison jumping into his arms. He hugged her tight, spinning her in his arms several times. He kissed her hair repeatedly squeezing her so tight that she was sure they would never come apart.

"I missed you," Alison whispered, a few tears falling down her cheeks.

"I missed you too, my little autumn leaf," Gold said, his accent thicker than normal. He finally set her down on her feet, but didn't let her go. She looked up at him, her nose a few inches away from his own.

"You are unbelievably late," Alison huffed, her eyes full of her usual play.

"And you're never getting left alone again," Gold growled, his own amusement shining through. Alison kept her arms around his neck as she teased, "I know. I'm going to have a little sister that is going to help me torture you for the rest of your life."

"Little- Did you tell her already?!" Gold turned his annoyance to his wife.

"I didn't, she could tell before I even said anything!" Belle said, unlocking the door with her magic and walking into the house, "She is just as bad as you!"

Gold turned his attention to him as she looked at him mischievously.

"You're so done for when that baby gets here," Alison said, giggling madly.

"Oh I'm aware," Gold said impishly, "All the more reason to lock you up dearie!"

Alison shrieked as Gold threw her up onto her shoulder. He grabbed the takeout bag and went towards the house with her screeching and laughing. The door closed behind them, shutting out the world outside. Someone came out from behind a bush, smiling at the door bitterly.

"Be happy, Rumpelstiltskin," Slightly said, before flying away in a golden glimmer, "Have a good life."

---

"Leave it to the little runt to leave us with the grunt work."

Emma rolled her eyes. Henry, Regina and her were down in the vault. Henry was sitting on a bench with cushions on it. Emma stood by him, waving the air to help get rid of the smoke. Regina was by the potion, waving away the smoke. With her other hand, she stirred the potion carefully. Her nose was wrinkled and Emma said smiling humorously as she said, "I think she has other things that need attending to, Regina."

"Well she could have warned us that it was going to smell," Regina said, darkly. Emma and Henry exchanged smiles as Regina finally cleared up the smoke. She made the stir stick disappear as she made her way around the cauldron saying, "I'm going to freshen up. I swear if my clothes permanently smell like this, I'm going to go turn her into one of the rabbits she likes so much."

"It will come out," Emma reassured as Regina walked away. Emma looked at Henry as she sat down by him asking, "So, now that she's gone, how did you guys get the star?"

"Would you believe me if I told you if we found it in Jefferson's house?" Henry asked feebly.

"No," Emma said knowingly, "I definitely would not."

"Alison had an impromptu adventure to Neverland," Henry said, sheepishly, "Kind of my fault. I put the Sandman dust in her water instead of the poppy powder."

"Aww," Emma said, ruffling his hair, "It happens, especially when it's you two. Did she get to see her Dad?"

"Yeah, and her Mom," Henry said, reaching into the pocket, "In fact, she ran into someone else too."

"Oh?" Emma said as Henry pulled out the arrowhead. He gave it to Emma, who examined it carefully. Henry smiled at her as he said, "She said someone named Nibs gave this to her to give to you."

Emma breathed in deep, her eyes filled with surprise. Henry said, "He said he made it so you would never forget him."

Emma closed her eyes, holding it tight. Henry watched his mom as he scooted closer to her. He looked at it curiously as he asked, "Nibs, that's one of Peter's lost boys right? Did you meet him when you were over in Neverland?"

"Yes," Emma said, opening her eyes and looking at Henry with a smile, "I did."

"You never really told me about what happened over there," Henry asked, purposefully.

"I know," Emma said, smiling at him lovingly, "We will definitely have to change that."

"Hey!" Piper's voice called down, "Are you two ready for dinner?"

"Yeah!" Emma called up. She looked over at Henry as she said, "Head on up with your Dad, I'll be there in a minute."

"Kay." Henry got up and raced up the steps. Emma listened as she heard his footsteps die away. Emma looked at the arrowhead, her eyes glistening. She smiled at it, breathing in deep and she pressed the arrowhead to her lips.

"I could never forget you."

---

The night air was cold. Everyone was asleep, the streets of Storybrooke riddled with fog. The street lights flickered, making everything seem that more spooky. Except to one man that was walking along the empty park by himself. He ran his hand along a tree, feeling the bark as he said, "This town isn't going to last much longer."

"Agreed."

The man turned to see Cora standing behind him. She stood there with her arms folded gracefully as she said, "But that is of little concern to you, isn't it Lord Casablancas?"

"It is a concern to me," Avenant said shortly, "After all, I don't feel like dying here."

"You say that," Cora said coldly, "But I can't help but feel that you have a deathwish."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Avenant asked sharply.

"You think I don't know that you've turned your back on me?" Cora said, stepping towards him. "A very dangerous thing to do."

"You outed yourself," Avenant said shortly, "because of a mistake you made. I don't tolerate mistakes."

"Neither do I," Cora said, "It was not my mistake but that of the pirates. A mistake that Hook and his crew were punished for."

"Regardless," Avenant said, staring at her with a chilling look. "You have a Fate out to get you, Cora. A fate I don't want wrecking my plans. So let's agree to stay out of each other's way. You do what you came to do and I will do what I need to."

"Fine," Cora said haughtily, "If that is what you want then that is what we will do."

Cora got a foot away from him as she said coldly, "But if I find out that your plan involves hurting Regina or Alice, I will make you rue the day you were born."

Cora disappeared, leaving Avenant alone. He smiled maliciously as he whispered, "I would love to see you try."

---

"Nibs! Are you coming to the bonfire?"

Nibs, who was splashing his face with water in the hideout, looking up to see Slightly staring down at him. Nibs shook his head saying, "Nah, mate! I'm gonna go to bed. I'm beat."

"Suit yourself!" Slightly disappeared, leaving him alone in the hideout. Nibs sighed, turning around to walk over to his bed. Something shiny caught his attention, hanging from a root poking out of the dirt wall. He reached out to grab it, pulling it down. It was a necklace with a silver pendant. On the pendant was a swan. Nibs turned it around and read the words etched on the back.

Never forget me either. Emma.

Nib grinned, staring at it with pride as he said, "Never."